Serums are a most potent and concentrated formulation of ingredients that address a specific skin care needs.
The principal ingredients found in serums are antioxidants, peptides, vitamins and minerals. and at a much higher concentration than you will find in other products. Cleansers and moisturisers tend to contain around 5% and 10% of active ingredients, but when we look at serums, these can contain up to 70% of active ingredients
Serums tend to be gel-like in texture as opposed to moisturiser formulations, which can range from lotion to cream in their style. Moisturisers also give a noticeable feel to the skin. For example: dewy, matte, silk or even cotton like. The formula and texture of serums are designed to penetrate to the deeper layers of your skin.
Apply serum with your fingertips, patting it on and then smoothing it out. Try not to massage (as one would, with a mosisturiser) so as to let the formula absorb on its own. Serums should always be the first item of your routine, which go onto your skin after cleansing and exfoliating. Do not apply them after your moisturiser as the thicker creams and oils create a protective layer over your skin, preventing proper absorption. There are different serums for different things, depending on what issue you want to address.
A few examples are:
Acne-prone: Vitamin C (increases collagen production), Retinol (also an antioxidant which helps reduce inflammation), Zinc (soothes irritation and helps regulate oil production), and Salicylic Acid (which works to clear pores).
Dry: Vitamin E (an antioxidant which aims to protect cells from oxidative damage), Niacinamide (improves skin elasticity and increases the Ceramide levels in skin), Glycolic Acid (this gently exfoliates and lightens discoloration but check the concentration), and Hyaluronic Acid (this is important in helping to retain moisture).
Tired: Antioxidants like green tea extract, Resveratrol (red grape derivative), Ferulic Acid (helps combat free radicals, increase effectiveness of sunscreen by day and works at cellular repair and healing by night).
Serums are available from us in various price brackets though good serums do cost more - you get what you pay for. It is important to check the ingredients to make sure that the serum you buy, targets the issues you wish to correct (Not to mention, the ingredeints tree which indicates how much of the good stuff any given serum contains.) We do suggest that, given the price of most serums, a visit is best arranged to your skincare professional, first.