Serums are of those beauty products that people tend to venture out and try much later in life. Day creams and sunscreens are way more popular, and one of the reason is the price tag. Serums don’t need to have the creamy consistency or the smooth finish of a good day cream, but that “space” in the formula is filled with concentrated anti-aging elements which makes serums usually more expensive. Another reason is that a moisturizer seems good enough. Is it, though? Let’s find out.
What are serums?
Facial serums could be classified as somewhat of a lightweight moisturizer that has the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin allowing the active ingredients to help your skin absorb and utilize the nutrients better.
Compared to a moisturizing cream, serums contain much less of the heavier ingredients and -in proportion- a much higher concentration of active ingredients. The right serum for your skin type, can boost the results you’re looking for tremendously. Depending on the ingredients, it can give your skin a firmer, smoother texture, make pores appear smaller and increase moisture levels, even add some natural UV protection.This makes serum a very helpful step in an anti aging beauty routine.
What are some of the ingredients to look for?
- Antioxidants like vitamin C, carrots seed oil, pure argan oil or fruit extracts to help protect against possible sun damage and fight the damaging free radicals responsible for much of what we perceive as skin aging, including fine lines.
- Anti-inflammatories, including zinc, arnica, aloe vera, tea tree oil, argan oil and goldenseal, neutralize redness and prevent inflammatory cell damage.
- Hydrating Agents such as ceramides, amino acids, and essential fatty acids to help build a strong cell barrier to protect the skin and prevent loss of moisture and lipids. This protects against dryness and prevents fine lines.
When to use them and when to avoid them?
A serum should come right after your toner and before your day/night cream. If you have very oily skin and you’re using one of the most popular brands of commercial serums, using it one time per day in the mornings should be plenty.
Because of the ingredients to aid in forming the gel-like consistency, skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema, may be exacerbated by the use of serums. Consult with a dermatologist before using them or just avoid them all together.
If you have very sensitive skin, you can try making your own, we know which ingredients we need in a good serum already, so just put the right ones together for a chemical free serum that works like a charm. There are many different recipes, here’s one that I am trying:
California Sun Serum
2 droppers full Argan Oil (antioxidants and anti-inflammatory)
5 drops Tea tree oil (disinfectant)
5 drops Geranium Oil (reduces the appearance of pores)
5 drops Carrot Seed Oil (full of antioxidants)
Mix all the ingredients in an amber bottle and use a few drops in the morning before your day cream. Warm it in your palms before applying it to make sure it penetrates well. If you don’t have an amber bottle, make sure you store it away from direct sunlight, since it may decrease the potency of the amazing argan oil in it.
Shelf life- 6 months
I have very dry and -I guess I have to admit- aging skin (pushing 40 over here, ugh!) Using the Serum above twice a day before my day and night creams has helped my skin retain moisture without making it feel oily. I'm loving it!
Give it a try and let us know how it goes!
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