Serums are often concentrated with active ingredients that penetrate into the top layers of skin to renew lipids – the layers in and around skin cells which form a barrier to keep moisture locked in. Serums can maximize the skin's natural renewal cycle overtime, so that soft, hydrated skin isn't just temporary.
They are highly concentrated and provide both moisture and nutrients to the skin. A serum is not meant to replace your daily moisturizer. It is an optional product that can help address skin concerns and is applied after cleansing but before moisturizing. There are a variety of serums available today.
"Serums are able to deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients than body lotions, creams and ointments due to the way they have been formulated and packed, meaning the active ingredients remain effective by the time they reach our skin," says Dr Ophelia Veraitch, consultant dermatologist at London's Cranley ...
The biggest difference between a serum and a cream or lotion is what the formulation doesn't include. Serums leave out occlusive, or airtight, moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil that keep water from evaporating. They also contain fewer lubricating and thickening agents, like nut or seed oils.
According to the experts, the answer is yes. Body serums boast the same skin health benefits as their facial counterparts: multi-tasking formulas and the ability to target specific skin concerns.
Well, the quick answer is yes, you can mix serums with moisturisers. For this, you should follow the same guidelines as when you mix two serums together. Mix a couple of drops of serum in the palm of your hand with the moisturiser of your choice. Then just apply it to your face.
Ultimately, face serum and moisturizer are both necessary for a holistic skin care routine and to ensure that your skin doesn't dry out during the day. Face serum can't replace moisturizer, and moisturizer doesn't give your skin the extra vitamins and nutrients it needs to succeed and look great for years to come.
1. When should I use a face serum? Most face serums are safe to be applied twice daily – once in the morning on a cleansed face, before the rest of your makeup, and once at night before bed.
Nutritious. “Face serums are hell nutritious”. Face serums are enriched with so many nutrients that is a lot beneficial for having a healthy skin. Whereas the creams only moisturize and hydrates the skin and has no nutritional advantage.
If all your products (serum, moisturiser, sunscreen etc) already have their fair share of antioxidants, you don't need an extra toner too. Dry skin: If your skin feels tight and dry during the day, you skin needs more moisture. You can either opt for a hydrating toner or a richer moisturiser. It's up to you.
More serum does not equal more benefit. Your skin can only absorb a certain amount, and when a serum is packed with great actives, you don't need large amounts. Using a serum often is better than simply applying more. Using moisturizer over your serum will help lock in the serum anti-ageing actives and nutrients.
"Serums are typically lightweight formulations that deliver actives," explains Hartman. "They are usually thin and absorbent, leaving little, if anything, remaining on the surface of the skin." And because they don't have a strict definition, a serum may technically be a lotion, gel, or oil.
“For dry skin types, especially during winter months, a serum that contains ingredients that can bind water to the skin or create a protective layer that holds water in the skin can be a noticeably helpful addition to your skin care routine,” adds board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD.
FACE SERUM
Remember to apply your facial serum before your face oil and/or moisturizer .
Serum includes all proteins not used in blood clotting; all electrolytes, antibodies, antigens, hormones; and any exogenous substances (e.g., drugs or microorganisms). Serum does not contain white blood cells (leukocytes), red blood cells (erythrocytes), platelets, or clotting factors.
To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.
It is not necessary to have a serum in your skincare regimen. "Serums are simply an added step for those that have the right skin type and are looking to go the extra mile in their daily routines," explains Dr.
You can use face serum twice a day—before your moisturizer—but reserve products with retinol for nighttime. “Generally, most people should be using a treatment serum twice day,” says Hirsch.
Though you can skip it on your laziest days, using a serum in the morning gives your skin extra protection for the day to come. Reminder: If and when you do use a serum, it should come after cleansing and before moisturizing.
What is a serum? Serums pack a serious punch. These highly concentrated formulations are designed to deliver a potent mix of active ingredients to your skin. Serums often address specific skincare concerns, such as aging, redness, dullness or blemishes.
Parts of the body, such as your elbows, hands, knees and neck, are prone to dryness more than others and may demand extra attention. To help soothe and soften very dry areas, you might like to apply body lotion to those areas throughout the day as well as after your bath or shower.
“The goal with brightening serums isn't to lighten the overall skin tone, but rather, create an even skin tone by reducing overactive areas,” says Dan Belkin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.
If you are applying a Vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid separately, it's suggested that you apply the Vitamin C first, and then add the hyaluronic acid afterward in order to help fortify the skin barrier and lock in the moisture.
"Hydrating serums are useful because they bring hydration into the skin," stresses New York City dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group.