Serum is a product of high concentration of nutrients. Unlike extracts and extracts, there may be several of them in different proportions. That is, the serum is often a nourishing, rejuvenating or healing cocktail.
It is also different from creams, which are emulsions - the suspension of fat particles in water or, conversely, microdroplets in fat.
The serum is usually of a uniform consistency. Although its base can also be watery or greasy, depending on which environment is optimal for its active ingredients.
Action on the skin
Due to its light and nourishing composition, the serum has a very intense effect on the skin and can:
- Quickly improve its appearance;
- Slowing down age-related destructive processes;
- Neutralizes the early signs of aging;
- Eliminate age spots;
- Facial rejuvenation and renewal;
- Restores skin firmness and elasticity;
- Act against rosacea;
- Deeply moisturizes the epidermis;
- Remove acne scars and spots.
There are also special therapeutic serums for problem skin with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and sebostatic effects. It is better not to use them without a doctor's prescription, because if used incorrectly you can only aggravate the problem.
Application rules
To get the most out of this literally and figuratively valuable cosmetic product, you need to know how to use facial serum properly:
- Apply only on dry and clean skin, after washing well and cleansing with tonic (without alcohol! ).
- It is advisable to use a moisturizing serum in the morning, and then it provides joy throughout the day. But in bad weather and frost conditions, you can go out with him no earlier than half an hour later.
- Problematic skin products are best used at night. Then they will work successfully for a few hours and give you maximum results.
- Narrowly targeted serums are used only zonally: anti-inflammatory - for acne; From wrinkles - on skin wrinkles; Bleaching - in areas of pronounced pigmentation.
- Anti-aging and lifting serums are also best used on the neck and décolleté. And stretching the oval of the face - on the neck and under the lower jaw.
- Due to its light consistency, the serum is absorbed quickly and can penetrate quite deeply. Therefore, you do not need facial massage and wearing fingers.
- It is important not to overdo it. Usually bottles have a dispenser. And 2-3 drops of the product are enough to process the whole face.
- Once the product is completely absorbed, you can apply the cream on it. However, it should be noted that foundation often does not fit well on lifting and anti-aging serums. In this case you will need to limit it with mineral powder.
In most cases, it is not necessary to rinse the serum unless it requires an instruction that you should always read before purchasing the product.
Secrets of Choice
At first glance it seems that choosing a serum for the face is easy. In fact, there are many important factors to consider:
- Age. Concentrated drugs up to 25 years are generally better to use only for medicinal purposes. It is recommended to use anti-aging serums after 35 years. And with the effect of superlifting and even later - at 45+. The fact is that our skin stops producing them when it receives enough nutrients. Do not allow him to rest soon.
- Skin type. This is very important because the serum acts on it intensively. Consequently, using an unsuitable product, for example on dry skin, can cause severe irritation, exfoliation and even the rapid appearance of wrinkles.
- Problems. Some serums are not suitable for problem skin. But there are products specially created for this. Also, many medications have a narrow focus on solving certain problems. This is usually indicated on the packaging.
- Active components. Since they are there in large quantities, people prone to allergic reactions should carefully study the composition of each new product and be sure to do a test before using it.
- Storage Terms and Conditions. Some professional drugs are sold in single bottles, which quickly lose their useful properties after opening. Yes, and home-made serums have a very short shelf life - from a few hours to a few days.
If we compare independently purchased or prepared products at home, then in terms of impact strength, the latter loses significantly. Therefore, those who want to get fast and important results should not save.
The best serums
The best serums are the ones that are ideal for you. As a specialist, of course, I prefer professional training. They use all the advances of modern chemistry and cosmetology and can prolong youth, especially if they are used for injections or mesothelioma. But products from the mass market and home-made also work well.
Professional
The main advantage of professional serums is the strictly balanced composition and the presence of patented formulas and nanoparticles in the products. Some of them can repair damaged membranes and regulate intracellular processes.
In addition, the cosmetologist has tools that allow the beneficial substances to penetrate even deeper. And with the help of injections, mesotherapy or apparatus procedures the serum is delivered directly to the areas where the skin needs it most. Not surprisingly, the results are impressive.
Mass market
The abundance of serums on the shelves of mass markets is increasing daily. On the one hand, it is nice. On the other hand, it allows you to doubt the quality of the product. Especially at a low price. High quality biologically active concentrate can not be cheap, even if only because of the high cost of its production.
It is better to use fillers, not serums, to correct mimic wrinkles. These are even more concentrated preparations designed to replenish the lost volume of soft tissues.
Made in-house
If desired, you can prepare homemade anti-aging facial serums. Their effect will be weaker than in the store. But on the other hand, in the complete absence of chemistry, the skin will be able to be nourished with beneficial substances.
Fatty
Dry and sensitive, as well as mature and covered with many fine wrinkles, an oil-containing serum is ideal. Any natural oil is suitable for him.
The thinner the skin, the lighter they should be.
Argan oil is best. It is universal, leaves no greasy traces and has an excellent anti-aging effect, but it is expensive.
Also good are olives, peaches, apricots or grapes, wheat germ, jojoba, etc. Sh.
Here are some cooking recipes:
- For dry. Mix one tablespoon of avocado and entotera oil, add essential oil: 6 drops of geranium, 3 - chamomile and 2 - lavender. The composition has a calming, anti-inflammatory and emollient effect.
- For ripening and wilting. Base: two tablespoons of apricot or grape seed oil, one - rose hips. Add two teaspoons of carrots or 5 capsules of AEVit vitamin, 5-6 drops of geranium oil, 3 - rosemary, 2-3 - nerol. The tool perfectly tones the skin, softens wrinkles, improves complexion, increases skin turgor.
- For normal. Tablespoon jojoba or coconut oil, three teaspoons of tocopherol oil solution, one tablespoon of sea pepper oil. Now add the necessary: 5 drops of cinnamon, 2-3 - ylang-ylang, 3 - sweet orange. The serum slightly brightens the skin, increases its protective properties, helps against rosacea, slows down the aging process.
Such serums do not lie under makeup, so it is best to use on weekends or at night. Store in a dark place at room temperature in a tightly closed glass container.
Kefir
Kefir facial serum from home is the most popular. This is not surprising - it is the easiest to take and has many useful properties due to its high content of potassium, calcium, choline and other vital substances:
- Tightens facial oval;
- Improves skin color;
- Whitens surface pigmentation;
- Promotes the removal of toxins;
- Avoids greasy shine;
- Relieves inflammation and swelling;
- Reduces bags under the eyes;
- Removes blackheads and blackheads;
- Restores hydrolipid balance.
But it is important to remember that when heated above 50 ° C, the beneficial properties of kefir serum are quickly lost.
Easy to prepare. And it is better to make it from whole homemade milk. It should stay at room temperature until it is completely thawed. A piece of rye bread put in a jar will help speed up the process. When the milk separates, squeeze the whey and squeeze a few layers of marl. Some people boil it like low heat, but it is very easy to wrong and overheat.
You can use this serum after washing or in the evening, before applying night cream.
If you make ice from it and clean it on the face daily, the skin will become clean and pink, and the oval of the face will be brighter. Also, the serum allows you to get rid of acne and small rashes because it contains lactic acid.
Cream or serum
I am often asked which is better: cream or serum. To me it's like choosing between a cookie and a jam. Naturally, a cookie with jam is much tastier and more nutritious than these products alone.
The serum has an intense directed effect on the skin. The rest of the cream does:
- Prolongs the effect;
- Normalizes hydrolipid balance;
- Contains solar filters;
- Helps retain moisture in the skin;
- Helps cleanse wrinkles.
In fact, it is a cream that provides comprehensive, balanced daily skin care. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend using them together.
Moreover, the finished products must be from at least the same manufacturer and preferably from the same series in order to complement and reinforce each other and not contradict each other.
Summary
Cosmetic serum for the skin around the face and eyes is a really necessary and useful product. It can only be damaged in one case - if it is selected incorrectly. And a positive result can be seen after a few days of regular use.
When buying finished products you should focus not on the rating but on the composition and focus. The question of which works best - serum or face cream - is pointless. They should be used together as they have different effects on the skin.
High quality serum not only visually improves the condition of the epidermis, but also promotes the production of collagen and elastin, rejuvenates the tissues from the inside.