Cosmetic serum is an intensive facial 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 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 aging skin, with a composition that improves 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 layers of the skin. Thanks to them, the serum components 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 from the harmful effects of the environment, ultraviolet radiation, stress and damage healthy cells of the body.
- Vitamin A - participates in skin regeneration, increases tone, heals various microcracks.
- Vitamin E - affects the capillaries that supply the skin with blood 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.
Metabolic processes in the dermis slow down with age, and the skin has to 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 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.
Fruit acids present in the serum remove a layer of dead cells from the surface of the face and the active substances quickly penetrate into the skin. Exfoliation helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
Proteins and enzymes participate in the restoration of the "framework" of facial skin, protect against harmful environmental influences and activate 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 not on skin type, but on needs. For example, serums for aging skin improve and even out complexion; they contain a special complex of phytoestrogens and antioxidants in a short time, reduces pigment spots on the skin and smoothes out wrinkles.
Serum to combat the first signs of aging is designed to accelerate the process of skin renewal by quickly 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 substances and they are the same. The uniqueness of the product is not 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 research takes a long time, then 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 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 series of medicinal cosmetics, which contain serums and creams. When choosing a specific brand, it is better to buy the entire 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 cream. Age after 40 years requires the use of cream in combination with serum.
- The serum is always applied under 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 poor condition, then 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, given that 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, regenerative processes in the skin are especially activated, so the best results are obtained 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, allow the moisture to be absorbed, and apply serum. When the skin dries, use a nourishing cream, it will protect against harmful 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 the face strictly along the massage lines. Give a light massage along the lymph flow, with light pressure, without stretching the skin. Using four fingers, lightly massaging movements, without taking your hands off 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;
- descend to the wings of the nose;
- carried out along the circumlabial folds;
- along the line of the upper jaw 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.
Serum for intensive facial care is used at least twice a year. For more effective results, use during periods of changing weather conditions - spring and autumn.