Cosmetic serum is a product for intensive facial care. It is considered the elixir of youth, but to obtain an effective result you must know how to choose and use it correctly. Each product is developed to address a specific problem.
- There are serums for problem skin that help get rid of acne and red spots.
- To combat the first signs of aging, aimed at eliminating facial wrinkles.
- For aged skin, with a composition that improves the complexion and removes pigment.
What's in the serum?
The serum contains: high concentrations of vitamins E, A, C, B, fruit acids, minerals. Enhancers (conductors) help nutrients penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Thanks to them, the components of the serum are quickly absorbed into the dermis and quickly begin to act. Vitamins A, E and C are considered the most important in the composition of the product due to their ability to neutralize free radicals. These aggressive compounds are formed by the harmful effects of the environment, ultraviolet radiation, stress and damage healthy cells in the body.
- Vitamin A: participates in skin regeneration, increases tone, heals various microcracks.
- Vitamin E - affects the capillaries that supply blood to the skin and is involved in the energy exchange of cells.
- Vitamin C is responsible for tissue elasticity, participates in the formation of collagen and retinol and prevents vascular ruptures.
- Vitamin B - is involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism, in the synthesis of proteins and amino acids.
Metabolic processes in the dermis slow down with age, and the skin must be nourished artificially, which is why vitamins are present in concentrated doses in facial serums.
"Elixirs of youth" contain ceramides. There are enough of them in young skin, but over the years there is a shortage. The main effect of ceramides is to maintain skin hydration and protect elastin (protein responsible for elasticity) and collagen fibers from various destructive enzymes.
The fruit acids present in the serum remove a layer of dead cells from the surface of the face and the active ingredients quickly penetrate the skin. Exfoliation helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Proteins and enzymes participate in the restoration of the "structure" of the facial skin, protect against harmful environmental influences and activate metabolic processes.
Firming wrinkle serums with retinol quickly deliver vitamin A to the problem areas of the face and show maximum results in a short time. Facial serum stimulates the skin, activates self-healing, restores health and beauty.
How to choose the elixir of youth
The product is designed to address a specific problem, so when choosing they focus not on the type of skin, but on the needs. For example, serums for aging skin improve and even out the complexion; they quickly contain a special complex of phytoestrogens and antioxidants, reduce pigment spots on the skin and smooth wrinkles.
The serum to combat the first signs of aging is designed to accelerate the skin renewal process by quickly exfoliating dead cells. After four months of using the product, the number of wrinkles is significantly reduced, the skin is smoothed by up to 60%.
Some rules
- All serums contain a limited amount of active ingredients and are the same. The uniqueness of the product does not lie in its composition, but in the combination and quantitative ratio of the ingredients. To create a successful combination, the manufacturer spends a lot of time on research, up to ten years or more. When choosing a serum, pay attention to brand recognition and how long the company has been working in the niche of producing medicinal cosmetics. It is not difficult to calculate that if the search takes a long time, the manufacturer's history should last at least 10-15 years.
- Among all the variety of cosmetic brands, preference is given to manufacturers who specialize in their main business in medicinal cosmetics. Many luxury cosmetics companies also produce medicinal cosmetics, but only for the sake of prestige, so the products of these companies are not very effective.
- When choosing a serum it is useful to know that this substance is available in two forms: active concentrates or creams based on them. Manufacturers produce a whole range of medicinal cosmetics, which contain serums and creams. When choosing a specific brand, it is better to purchase the entire line, then the effect of the serum will be supported by the cream. In case of slight age-related changes it is advisable to use only the cream. Age after 40 requires the use of the cream in combination with the serum.
- The serum is always applied under the night, evening or day cream. Consider whether the treatment line will be compatible with your daily cosmetics; it is better to consult a specialist to avoid side effects.
- Before purchasing medicinal cosmetics, it is advisable to first decide whether they make sense. These products are designed to help the skin cope with old age, to prevent this process from developing rapidly and ruining its beauty. But if the skin is already in bad condition, no serum will restore its youth. Other methods, such as plastic surgery, will work more effectively. Otherwise there is a high probability of throwing money away, since good medicinal cosmetics are not cheap.
How to use
Serums for general skin health are applied all over the face and, to eliminate some imperfections, on problem areas. At night, the skin's regenerative processes are especially activated, so the best results are achieved by using the product before bed.
Before using the serum, the skin is prepared. They cleanse the face of dust and dirt accumulated during the day, treat it with a tonic, let it absorb moisture and apply serum. When the skin dries, use a nourishing cream, it will protect it from harmful atmospheric conditions (ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes).
The serum is used in cycles from two weeks to 3-4 months. Take a break for several months and repeat the procedure. With regular use of the composition, you can protect your face from age-related changes for a long time.
How to use
Daily care of aging skin is carried out in 3 stages:
- Cleansing and toning.
- Application of serum for intensive recovery.
- Nutrition or hydration.
Apply the serum to the face strictly along the massage lines. Perform a light massage along the lymphatic flow, with light pressure, without stretching the skin. Using four fingers, massaging lightly, without removing your hands from the skin:
- carried out from the center of the forehead to the temples;
- from them along the ears;
- from the ears to the wings of the nose and up to the corners of the eyes;
- around the eyes, through the lower eyelid to the outer edge of the eye;
- along the upper eyelid to the corner of the eyes;
- go down to the wings of the nose;
- carried out along the circumlabial folds;
- along the upper jaw line to the ears.
The massage is performed with both hands, on the right and left sides of the face at the same time, all movements are symmetrical.
The intensive facial care serum is used at least twice a year. For most effective results, use during periods of changing weather conditions: spring and autumn.