Facial serums are a product that is selected not according to the type, but according to the condition of the skin and serves as a complement to the basic care: day and night cream. The formula with a high concentration of active ingredients acts with precision and is capable of solving specific imperfections: lightens pigmentation, softens skin relief, improves complexion, hydrates or nourishes the dermis. We tell you how to use the facial serum.
What is a facial serum for?
Serum for facial skin is a highly concentrated cosmetic product for home care with an intensive and specific action: the serum's formula consists of various active ingredients (up to 70% of the composition), which meet the different needs of each skin type (oily, problematic, dry, age-related).
Types of skin serums
Depending on the composition, the serums perform various functions or solve a whole complex of tasks aimed at increasing the tone and improving the quality of the skin.
The main functions of facial serum:
- Moisturizing, protecting the skin from dehydration and restoring the water-lipid balance;
- Nutrition, skin softener;
- Cell regeneration;
- Increasing the density of the epidermis;
- Stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin to maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin;
- Pigmentation lightening;
- Smooth wrinkles;
- Antioxidant protection of the skin against the negative effects of free radicals;
- Skin rejuvenation and lifting.
Classification of facial serums by skin type, presence of existing problems and age:
- Moisturizing serum for dry and dehydrated skinmost of the time it contains ceramides, hydro-fixing agents and intensive emollient and moisturizing components, for example, hyaluronic acid in high concentration, which prevent the transepidermal loss of moisture by the epidermal cells.
- Serum for the greasy problem typeIt contains soothing, sebum-regulating, mattifying ingredients and salicylic acid for a gentle exfoliation of the skin, reduces the production of sebum and prevents the reappearance of acne. The combination skin serum strengthens and protects the epidermis, prevents clogging of pores and inflammation.
- Anti-aging serum for mature skinIt often contains antioxidants and anti-aging active components (vitamins E, C, retinol, AHA acids, peptides), which have a rejuvenating compensatory effect, which help to equalize the tone and relief of the epidermis, slow down the aging process of the cells. , protect them from oxidative stress, improve microcirculation and normalize skin oxygenation.
Facial serums can be used at both a young and mature age, depending on existing skin blemishes.
How to use the facial serum?
The facial serum is an additional care product: the product is not used instead of, but before applying corrective cosmetics: a base cream day or night, enhancing its effect. The bioavailability (perceived by the body) of serums is several times greater than that of creams.
The formula of the serum works in a specific way, that is to say, its objective is to solve a specific task (or a set of tasks) based on the type and needs of the skin. The light liquid texture of the product absorbs quickly, penetrates the deep layers of the skin and begins to act instantly.
Let's take a look at how to properly use a nourishing serum and answer common questions about using it at home.
How to apply the serum on the skin?
- The composition is applied to the previously cleansed face, neck and décolleté, once or twice a day: in the morning and / or at night. It is enough 4-5 drops of the product.
- Before applying the serum, you can use a toner; This will enhance the action of the serum and accelerate the penetration of the active ingredients into the dermis for a more complex and long-term effect.
- Distribute the product along the massage lines, hammering lightly with the fingertips, do not stretch the skin and avoid the area under the eyes and around the lips (unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise).
- Once the product has been fully absorbed, after 20-30 minutes, apply a skin-like cream that "locks in" the beneficial substances on the skin, thus increasing its effectiveness.
Do I need to rinse off the serum?
The product requires rinsing only in case of an allergic reaction to the active ingredients in its formula. For example, sensitive skin can react with redness, irritation and itching to antioxidant serum, such as a high content of vitamin C.
In other cases, the product does not require rinsing with water, it acts as an intermediate stage of the beauty routine after cleansing and toning and before applying the corrective cream.
How often can a facial serum be used?
To obtain a visible stable result, a highly concentrated serum is used daily, in courses of 2 weeks to 2 months. The courses are repeated 2 to 4 times a year, depending on the condition of the skin. It is not recommended to use a cosmetic product continuously, as it is possible to overload the skin with active ingredients, which will do more harm than good.
How to choose a facial serum?
Most of the time, serums come in the following formats:
- A bottle with a dispenser (pump);
- A bottle with a pipette;
- Ampoules for professional use.
When choosing the right serum, consider the current condition and needs of your skin type. We will tell you how to choose the right serum for skin care.
Skin problems
Increased dryness or oily skin, acne, loss of firmness are only a small part of the problems of the epidermis that are solved with the help of a serum. The product has a moisturizing effect, prevents the loss of moisture by skin cells, helps to resist the damaging effects of free radicals, strengthens the protective functions of the skin and effectively fights the first and obvious signs of aging.
Structure
- Formulas with vitamin E (to protect skin cells), glycolic (to gently exfoliate dead skin cells), or hyaluronic acid (to maintain skin's hydration balance) are suitable for dry skin types.
- Choose a composition based on retinol (an antioxidant that evens out age wrinkles), vitamin C (for intensive cell regeneration), zinc (for an anti-inflammatory effect) and salicylic acid (to clean pores) to care for oily skin and with problems.
- Use formulas with active anti-aging ingredients: resveratrol, vitamin B3, collagen, peptides and plant extracts to maintain the youth, firmness and elasticity of mature skin.
Serum action
Some serums can be used as SOS products to instantly transform skin - the serum will quickly restore softness, smoothness and natural radiance. Other remedies have a long-term cumulative effect, which is noticeable after 1-2 weeks of regular use of the course.
Serum texture and base
The serums are water- or helium-based (suitable for normal and oily skin) and oil-based (suitable for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin). Lipid-based emulsions can be used as a stand-alone treatment for aging and dehydrated skin.
Review of the best serums for facial skin.
Here are the TOP 5 serums based on consumer reviews.
1. Concentrated anti-wrinkle facial serum for sensitive skin
The concentrated product with the texture of a soft gel absorbs quickly, does not leave a greasy and sticky feeling, immediately leaves the skin soft and radiant. Increases the firmness and elasticity of the skin, improves the complexion, fights wrinkles, gives luminosity, smoothness, fullness. The formula is based on two types of hyaluronic acid, panthenol and madecassoside, which has the ability to stimulate collagen synthesis, effectively smooths wrinkles and folds from dehydration, preventing dry skin.
The serum is a boon for those who do not want to apply facial injections, but want to fully hydrate, nourish the skin, make it firmer and firmer, smooth fine wrinkles and reduce deeper wrinkles. Thank you for giving you the opportunity to improve your skin without injections!
2. Intensive anti-redness serum
The serum formula contains ambophenol, a substance that suppresses the production of inflammatory mediators and strengthens blood vessels. Thanks to ambphenol and the neurosensin peptide complex, which act on inflammatory mediators and reduce their activity, redness is reduced. Strengthens blood vessels and calms reactive skin.
I have frequent redness of the face. I bought this cream on the advice of my beautician, it suited me. I am already buying the 4th time. Calms and hydrates the skin. The foundation fits well after applying.
I am absolutely delighted with this serum. Wrinkles are smoothed, the skin is hydrated. It does not fall off and the skin after application is not sticky. I use it in the morning and at night.
3. Antioxidant facial serum
The serum evens the surface and tone of the skin, visually reduces superficial and deep wrinkles, gives radiance, instantly hydrates and softens the epidermis. Formula with pure vitamin C at a concentration of 10%. Suitable for sensitive skin.
Excellent serum, fast absorbing, delicate texture, inexpensive to use, no sticky feeling after application. Moisturizes, smoothes, smooths wrinkles and evens out the tone to perfection. As a result, the skin appears healthy, radiant and hydrated.
I have been using it for a week and the improvements are already visible. The skin feels immediately comfortable, breathes better and is hydrated. The redness has softened slightly, but I will wait several weeks for the result, as written in the instructions. Easily absorbed, did not notice an oily shine. It means light in texture and you need it a little, that is, economical consumption. Highly recommended!
4. Soothing serum
This intense serum is specially formulated for sensitive skin. Helps to strengthen the skin's defenses to reduce its reactivity, soothes, reduces signs of discomfort, hydrates the skin. Osmolyte + glycerin in the base of the formula helps maintain the skin's moisture balance and strengthens the natural protective barrier. Neurosensin soothes the skin on purpose, reducing its reactivity.
I really liked this serum, it really prevents the appearance of irritations. For a person suffering from atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions, this is a great find.
I have been using this serum for 10 days and the age spots have become almost invisible! This is a great result!
5. A set of serum care cosmetics.
The set contains 3 best-selling products, Micellar water, anti-wrinkle serum, 30 ml + eye contour care, 15 ml. The result of using the cosmetic set: the skin instantly becomes firmer, more elastic and smoother, acquires a healthy and fresh appearance, wrinkles are less pronounced.