What is serum? All the information you need to decide whether or not to use face serum. Skincare experts and stylists offer their opinions on the top serums for various skin conditions, including oily, red, and dry skin.
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Understanding the effects of various skincare products can sometimes be confusing. For instance, what sets serums apart from moisturizers and why should you consider adding them to your skincare routine?
It turns out that serums can assist with a variety of skincare issues. Are you wondering why there is so much hype? We asked dermatologists and aestheticians, the experts on serums, for their opinions on whether this should be included or not.
What is serum?
When it comes to your nightly skincare routine, you can compare serum to the main course of a three-course meal. You start with an appetizer, which is cleansing your face, and work your way up to dessert. Which is a nourishing moisturizer, by making sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need (aka serum).
Similar to a main course, serums can provide your skin with a variety of beneficial nutrients.
“Serums are skin care products intended to provide the skin with high concentrations of particular active ingredients. There are numerous types of serums available on the market that serve a variety of purposes, from skin brightening to hydration,” explained Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research.
Serums are typically clear, liquid, gel-based, and have a thinner consistency than moisturizers. To help seal in moisture, people typically apply them before moisturizers.
More often than not, a serum can hydrate skin better than even the thickest creams. While the heavier creams sit on the outer layers of the skin. The molecules are able to truly penetrate the skin and hydrate on the deepest level. According to celebrity esthetician Karee Hays, hydrating serums can enhance the hydrating properties of your moisturizer without necessarily replacing it.
Serum Advantages
Serums typically include topical antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E. They also include skin-tone-evening ingredients and topical retinol. Serums work as targeted treatments for wrinkles, pigmentation, and redness when layered underneath moisturizers, according to Dr. Angela J. Lamb, an associate professor in the dermatology department at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and board-certified dermatologist.
But specifically, what kind of serums should you search for?
Look for serums with lots of botanicals, antioxidants, and hydration. They deliver concentrated nutrients and penetrate deeply when applied to clean skin.”
Before experimenting with a new product, take into account any potential skin sensitivity as serum ingredients can be fairly potent.
Dr. Fran Cook-Bolden, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in New York City. Advised layering a more potent moisturizer over a serum if your skin is sensitive or dry. “The active ingredient(s) in serums tend to be more concentrated and can occasionally cause irritation and dryness in those who have sensitive skin,” Cook-Bolden said.
Applying Serum
Though every person’s skin type is unique, you should generally wait seven weeks to see how a new serum routine affects your skin. You may even see some initial results, such as slightly more hydrated skin, in just a few days, Kraffert said, depending on the serum and your skin type.
To get the most value for your money, Lamb recommends using a serum all over your face and neck twice a day. Also once in the morning and once in the evening, before applying your moisturizer.
Which serum ought I to apply?
It can be difficult to make an informed decision because there are many of them available. In order to direct your continued search for products that are genuinely effective. It is best to evaluate the advantages of your present serum, according to Kraffert.
Among the most widely used serums on the market are these strong remedies:
Age-reversing serums
- The goal of a serum: “Anti-aging serums help turn back the hands of time and slow down the aging process by delivering essential anti-aging ingredients to combat fine lines and wrinkles,” stated
New York City dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman is the author of “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist.” She is board-certified. - Skin types who should use it: You can begin using anti-aging serums as early as your 20s. And also they are helpful for all skin types, not just mature skin.
- Look for the following ingredients: hyaluronic acid (often referred to as sodium hyaluronate), proteoglycans, green tea, retinol, and caffeine.
- Keep in mind: “If you have dry skin and are going to use a retinoid in a serum, I would recommend starting with a low dose, .25% or so. To make sure your skin can tolerate it before moving up to a stronger dose,” Hays advised.
Vitamin E serums
- The purpose of a serum: “Antioxidant serums help protect your skin from the free radicals you’re exposed to on a daily basis. They also aid in the prevention of fine lines and other visible signs of aging, and can heal and repair skin,” Jaliman explained. Unstable molecules called free radicals can harm your cells and hasten the aging process.
- Skin types who should use it: Antioxidant serums work well for all skin types because we are constantly exposed to free radicals. Just be sure to check the ingredients list to make sure a serum doesn’t contain any ingredients that could irritate your skin type. Sulfates, fragrances, colors, and occasionally citrus or mint can irritate certain people.
- Look for the following ingredients: L-ascorbic acid, melatonin, niacinamide, resveratrol, and vitamins A, C, and E.
- Keep in mind: “I typically recommend my patients apply vitamin C serums in the morning underneath their sunscreen for added protection against UV light,” Zeichner stated.
Hydrating serums
- The purpose of a serum: the purpose of a serum is to add extra moisture to your skin, much like the name suggests. Use it in addition to your nightly moisturizer.
- Skin types who should use it: Dry skin types are the best candidates for hydrating serums. But strangely, oily skin types—including skin that breaks out easily—can also profit from focused hydration. A hydrating serum is recommended for skin types that are extremely oily. Kraffert stated, “These products are made to hydrate with the least amount of emollient residue possible. A hydrating serum is beneficial for skin that is both young and mature.
- Look for the following ingredients: luminesce, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
- Keep in mind: “Any age is appropriate for the more hydration-focused serum.” According to Hays, hyaluronic peptide serums are safe for young people with acne-prone skin and can be an excellent oil-free solution for dry skin that breaks out easily.
Corrective color serums
- The purpose of a serum: “These serums perform an array of functions and can target skin issues like hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores and fine lines,” Jaliman stated.
- Skin types who should use it: Color-correcting serums are great for those who want to lighten dark spots or balance out their skin tone. On the other hand, skin resurfacing and exfoliating serums are effective for people who want to minimize pores and smooth out their skin.
- Look for the following ingredients: Phytic acid, vitamin C, arbutin, kojic acid, azelaic acid, L-ascorbic acid, and glycolic acid are the ingredients to look for 카지노사이트.
- Keep in mind: “Antioxidant serums will naturally brighten your skin. But you can also find these serums with added arbutin or kojic acid. Which will aid in pigment suppression and skin brightening,” Hays stated.