Cosmetic serum is an intensive facial care product. It is considered the elixir of youth, but to obtain an effective result you need to know how to choose it and use it correctly. Each product is developed to solve a specific problem.
- There are serums for problem skin that help eliminate acne and red spots.
- To combat the first signs of aging, aiming to eliminate facial wrinkles.
- For aging skin, with a composition that improves complexion and removes pigmentation.
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 layers of the skin. Thanks to them, the serum components are quickly absorbed into the dermis and begin to act quickly. Vitamins A, E and C are considered the most important in the product's composition due to their ability to neutralize free radicals. These aggressive compounds are formed from the harmful effects of the environment, ultraviolet radiation, stress and damage the body's healthy cells.
- 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, the synthesis of proteins and amino acids.
The metabolic processes in the dermis slow down with age and the skin needs to be artificially nourished, which is why vitamins are present in concentrated doses in facial serums.
"Elixirs of youth" contain ceramides. They are sufficient on young skin, but over the years there is a deficiency. 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 substances 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.
Anti-wrinkle firming serums with retinol quickly deliver vitamin A to 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 was developed 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, contain a special complex of phytoestrogens and antioxidants in a short time, reduce pigmentation spots on the skin and smooth out wrinkles.
The serum to combat the first signs of aging was developed to accelerate the skin renewal process by quickly exfoliating dead skin 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 substances and are the same. The uniqueness of the product is not in its composition, but in the combination and quantitative proportion 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 operating in the medicinal cosmetics production niche. It is not difficult to calculate that if the research takes a long time, the manufacturer's history should be at least 10-15 years.
- Among all the variety of cosmetic brands, preference is given to manufacturers who specialize in their main activity in medicinal cosmetics. Many luxury cosmetics companies also produce medicinal cosmetics, but only for the sake of prestige, so products from 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 series of medicinal cosmetics, which contain serums and creams. When choosing a specific brand, it is better to buy the entire line, as the effect of the serum will be enhanced by the cream. In cases of subtle age-related changes, it makes sense to use cream alone. Age after 40 requires the use of cream in combination with serum.
- The serum is always applied under night, night or day cream. Consider whether the treatment line will be compatible with your daily cosmetics, it is best to consult a specialist to avoid side effects.
- Before purchasing medicinal cosmetics, it is advisable to first decide whether they make sense. These products were designed to help the skin face old age, preventing this process from developing quickly and ruining its beauty. But if the skin is already in poor condition, no serum will restore its youth. Other methods, such as plastic surgery, will work more effectively. Otherwise, there is a high probability of wasting money, since good medicinal cosmetics are not cheap.
How to use
Serums for general skin health are applied to the entire face and, to eliminate certain imperfections, to problem areas. At night, the skin's regenerative processes are especially activated, which is why the best results are obtained by using the product before bed.
Before using the serum, the skin is prepared. They clean the face from dust and dirt accumulated during the day, treat it with a toner, allow it to absorb moisture and apply serum. When the skin dries, use a nourishing cream, which will protect against adverse weather conditions (ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes).
The serum is used in courses from two weeks to 3-4 months. Take a break for several months and repeat the procedure. With regular use of the composition, it is possible to protect your face from age-related changes for a long time.
How to use
Daily care for aging skin is carried out in 3 stages:
- Cleansing and toning.
- Application of serum for intensive recovery.
- Nutrition or hydration.
Apply the serum to your face strictly along the massage lines. Massage gently along the lymphatic flow, using light pressure, without stretching the skin. With four fingers, massaging lightly, without taking your hands off the skin:
- carried out from the center of the forehead to the temples;
- of them along the ears;
- from the ears to the wings of the nose and even the corners of the eyes;
- around the eyes, passing 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 done with both hands, on the right and left sides of the face at the same time, all movements are symmetrical.
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.