Cosmetic serum is an intensive face care product. It is considered the elixir of youth, but to get an effective result, you need to know how to choose and use it correctly. Each product is designed to solve a specific problem.
- There are serums for problem skin that help get rid of acne and red spots.
- Combating the first signs of aging aimed at eliminating facial wrinkles.
- For aging skin, it has ingredients that improve complexion and remove pigmentation.
What is 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, 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 composition of the product 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 healthy cells of the body.
- Vitamin A - participates in the regeneration of the skin, increases its tone, heals various microcracks.
- Vitamin E affects the capillaries that supply blood to the skin and participates in the energy exchange of cells.
- Vitamin C is responsible for tissue elasticity, participates in the formation of collagen and retinol, prevents blood vessels from breaking.
- Vitamin B - participates in the regulation of cell metabolism, the synthesis of proteins and amino acids.
Metabolic processes in the dermis slow down with age and the skin needs to be artificially nourished, so vitamins are present in concentrated doses in facial serums.
"Youth elixirs" contain ceramides. In young skin, these are sufficient, but with the passing of years there is a shortage. The main effect of ceramides is to maintain skin hydration and protect elastin (the protein responsible for elasticity) and collagen fibers from various destructive enzymes.
The fruit acids present in the serum remove the dead cell layer from the surface of the face and the active ingredients quickly penetrate the skin. Exfoliation helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Proteins and enzymes are involved in restoring the "framework" of the facial skin, protecting it from the harmful effects of the environment and activating metabolic processes.
Firming anti-wrinkle serums with retinol quickly deliver vitamin A to problem areas on 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 target a specific problem, so when choosing, they focus on needs, not skin type. For example, serums for aging skin improve and even out the skin, they contain a special complex of phytoestrogens and antioxidants in a short time, reduce pigment spots on the skin and smooth wrinkles.
Fighting the first signs of aging, the serum is designed to speed up the skin's renewal process by rapidly exfoliating dead skin cells. After four months of using the product, the number of wrinkles is noticeably reduced, the skin is smoothed up to 60%.
A few rules
- All serums contain a limited amount of active ingredients and they are the same. The uniqueness of the product is not in its composition, but in the combination of components and their quantitative ratio. To create a successful combination, the manufacturer spends a lot of time on research, ten years or more. When choosing a serum, pay attention to brand recognition and how long the company has been working in the production of medicinal cosmetics. It is not difficult to calculate that if the research takes a long time, the history of the manufacturer should be at least 10-15 years.
- Among all the varieties of cosmetic brands, preference is given to manufacturers specializing in medicinal cosmetics. Many luxury cosmetics companies also produce therapeutic 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 comes in two forms: active concentrates or creams based on them. Manufacturers produce a range of medicated cosmetics, including serums and creams. When choosing a certain brand, it is better to buy the whole line, then the effect of the serum will be supported by the cream. In cases of subtle age-related changes, it makes sense to use only the cream. After the age of 40, age requires the use of cream together with 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 buying medicated cosmetics, it is advisable to decide whether they make sense. These products are designed to help the skin cope with aging, preventing this process from accelerating and spoiling its beauty. But if the skin is already in bad shape, no serum will restore its youth. Other methods, for example, plastic surgery, will give a more effective result. Otherwise, there is a high probability that money will be thrown away, given that good therapeutic cosmetics are not cheap.
How to use it
Serums are applied to the entire face for general skin health, and to problem areas to correct certain imperfections. Regenerative processes in the skin are especially activated at night, so the best results are achieved by using the product before going to 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 tonic, create conditions for moisture absorption, and apply serum. When the skin is dry, use a nourishing cream, it will protect it from harmful weather conditions (ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes).
The serum is used in courses from two weeks to 3-4 months. Take a break for a few 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 it
Daily care of aging skin is carried out in 3 stages:
- Cleaning and toning.
- Application of serum for intensive recovery.
- Nutrition or hydration.
Apply the serum strictly along the massage lines. Without stretching the skin, lightly massage along the lymph flow with light pressure. Using four fingers, perform light massage movements without removing your hands from the skin:
- it is carried from the center of the forehead to the temples;
- from them along the ears;
- from the ears to the wings of the nose and the corners of the eyes;
- around the eye, from the lower eyelid to the outer edge of the eye;
- along the upper eyelid to the corner of the eyes;
- landing on the wings of the nose;
- carried out along circular folds;
- along the line of the upper jaw to the ears.
Massage is performed with two hands, on the right and left sides of the face simultaneously, all movements are symmetrical.
For intensive facial care, the serum is used at least twice a year. For more effective results, use during periods of changing weather conditions - spring and autumn.