Serums for the face today are very popular in the beauty industry. A wide range of products, which are called serum in a professional environment, allows you to choose a product from the mass market to luxury brands, and in accordance with the scope. By what parameters you should make a choice, we learn from this article.
What it is?
Face serum, which is also called an elixir or activator, has a light texture due to the absence of oily components. Due to this feature, the elixir is quickly able to absorb into the skin and penetrates into its deep layers in order to effectively solve the task.
Unlike other facial care products, serum is a concentrate of components depending on the application. In one product, they are usually about 5-7. Manufacturers can remove active components of serum up to 70% of the total volume of the bottle, while in creams these components occupy 5-10%.
Therefore, creams are used as the main means, and elixirs are suitable for eliminating a specific problem - correcting skin tone, improving the protective functions of the epidermis, relieving inflammation, smoothing wrinkles and eliminating age spots. The concentrated product is designed to nourish the skin with its active ingredients, which allows to increase the effectiveness of the creams used after the procedure.
Young girls who have not yet had serious problems do not need to use concentrates.It is better to start using serums when pigmentation, dryness, wrinkles or uneven complexion appear that cannot be corrected with conventional cosmetic preparations.
Using an activator requires a course approach. The period of use is from two weeks to one and a half months. Exceeding the duration of the course of the same remedy is fraught with a supersaturation of the skin with components and the manifestation of an allergic reaction in the form of redness and rashes. If you want the regular use of such a product, you should alternate the products, taking the course of each of the selected functionality copies.
Cosmetic elixirs are characterized by the following features:
- in a short period of time they help to improve the general condition and appearance of the skin of the face;
- due to the ability to penetrate deep into the skin layers, improves the blood circulation process and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
- funds rejuvenate and whiten the skin, relieve inflammation;
- help increase skin elasticity, make it smooth and eliminate minor wrinkles;
- restore the water balance of the epidermis, eliminate dryness or peeling of the skin;
- protect the epidermis from the negative effects of the environment.
Of the negative aspects of the concentrates, the following can be noted:
- due to the fact that the product includes components of high concentration, the price of serum is quite high;
- passing the course using an elixir gives an undoubted result, but it is temporary;
- the product can cause various allergic reactions, so you need to conduct a preliminary skin test and carefully read the composition of the serum;
- not suitable for swarthy girls, since all cosmetic serums have a whitening effect;
- if the girl has vascular asterisks and papillomas on her face, it is strictly forbidden to use serums, the fact is that concentrates are able to provoke an increase in their number.
Varieties
Today, the market for facial cosmetics is represented by a wide range of elixirs with a specific or complex effect. The range of problems to be solved depends on the components in the composition. Having familiarized with the properties of this or that component, you can easily choose the right serum for any skin.
Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular ingredients. This substance refers to polymer molecules that are produced by a woman’s body before a certain period. Therefore, over time, it becomes necessary for the skin to receive hyaluronic acid from the outside in order to maintain elasticity and water balance.
Vitamin C useful not only for the human body, but also for the skin in particular. Under its influence, collagen is produced - a fibrillar protein, which is the basis of connective tissue in the body. Collagen reduces wrinkles, improves skin elasticity and evens out its color.
Ceramide also a substance that is not alien to the human body. Natural lipids, together with fatty acids and cholesterol, form a protective layer of the skin from toxins, allergens and the harmful effects of the environment.
The placenta is a unique organ, which exists only during the period of gestation and is the link between the child and the mother. While for some the use of this component is out of the ordinary, for others it is a real panacea in the fight against age. Placental cosmetics is a fast-acting and effective tool to combat wrinkles and sagging skin.
Resveratrol called the constituent component of wine from the polyphenol family. The substance is a powerful antioxidant, protects the skin from early aging, acts both externally - tightens and smoothes the epidermis, and at the DNA level.
Presence in the composition elixir of peptides Helps prevent acne by blocking the sebaceous glands. Serum peptides fight age-related changes, nourish the skin. The peptide provokes the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid by the body.
Garnet is a valuable source of numerous minerals. This component contains enough anthocyanins, which makes pomegranate extract products a good antioxidant. The ingredient contains vitamins C and group B, organic amino acids, some of which have no analogues. Smoothing face tone, improving the blood microcirculation process, softening and moisturizing the skin, soothing and whitening serum with pomegranate juice is suitable for flaccid and tired face skin.
Sea buckthorn oil It is a source of vitamin A. This component makes the serum refreshing, restores skin to a well-groomed appearance. Sea buckthorn oil is a nourishing and moisturizing agent for the skin of the face, it can also be used in problem areas.
Serious antioxidants include vitamin e. The component strengthens the walls of blood vessels, also has a regenerative effect on the connective tissue of the skin.
Argan oil is quite rare, therefore, its cost is high. Argan oil is rich in anti-aging vitamin E, and it also has a lot of squalene, which is a strong antioxidant of natural origin.
The choice of a particular serum depends on the aesthetic problem that needs to be solved.
Moisturizing serums are able to conduct and retain moisture in the deeper layers of the epidermis. Typically, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid is present in such formulations. In addition, skin-refreshing products may contain oils and plant extracts. Glycerin and amino acids, lactic acid, and also a complex of molecules in the epidermis matrix called NMF (natural moisturizing factor) possess moisturizing properties.
Vitamin serums have antioxidant, anticuperose, anti-acne properties, and are also suitable for combating age-related changes.
Seboregulatory and matting serums are able to regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands and ducts, have an anti-inflammatory effect and are suitable for problematic and sensitive skin. The composition of such funds usually includes natural plant extracts and azelaic acid, which suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria, as well as extracts of aloe, chamomile, ginseng, hawthorn and propolis, zinc and magnesium, which can relieve inflammation and rashes.
Serums with a revitalizing effect help to make the skin firmer and more elastic, give the face a radiance, help skin cells recover faster and increase the protective properties of the epidermis.
To combat pigmentation or uneven tone of the face, clarifying elixirs are used. Their use allows you to remove age spots from the face, even out tone, get rid of traces of acne due to the presence of fruit acids in the composition. In order to avoid uneven lightening of the skin, such serums are not suitable for use by swarthy and tanned girls.
Anti-aging serums are tonic for aging facial skin, help to combat facial wrinkles, due to a positive effect on stem cell growth, they provide high-quality skin lifting. Elixirs of this group are recommended for women after 30-35 years, when age-related changes become more noticeable.
Anticuperose serum is aimed at combating skin disease rosacea. It manifests itself in the form of pinpoint redness and spider veins, capillary nets. Therefore, the action of the concentrate is aimed at strengthening and increasing the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, nutrition, hydration and the creation of a reliable protective layer of the epidermis. Plant-based extracts, vitamins and natural oils, as well as blood-improving troxerutin, rutoside and hespeidin are found in anticuperose serum.Collagen and glycerin, hyaluron and lipids, elastin can be added to moisturize and restore.
In addition, there is a division of concentrates for the face into day and night funds. Daily serums have a lighter structure, so you can use them for makeup. Serums help smooth and tone the skin, prepare it for applying decorative products. Night concentrates have a more powerful effect, have a restorative and nourishing effect, help solve skin problems during rest.
Recommendations for use
Serums for face care are concentrated products, therefore, the rules for the use of these drugs should be observed. This will help to achieve good results in a short period of time and without harm to the skin.
If the skin is problematic and has age spots, you should consult a specialist before buying whey. Some types of hyperpigmentation may indicate the presence of serious diseases that require complex therapy.
Before applying the elixir, a skin cleansing procedure should be carried out, removing makeup, dirt and greasy. To do this, you can use cleansing foam and milk, as well as tonic without the addition of an alcohol component.
To improve the final result, peeling should be done using soft scrubs. This will help nutrients and vitamins absorb better into the epidermis.
So that the means for lifting and evening the tone of the face worked at full power, you should start applying serum to a slightly damp face.
Usually, bottles with an elixir are equipped with a special pipette-dispenser, which helps to spend the product economically and in the required amount. Usually for one procedure, one or two clicks are enough.
You need to apply the serum with the fingertips along the lines of the face - from the frontal part along the cheeks to the chin or décolleté. The movements should be soft, with pats; for some products a light massage is recommended. This allows you to improve blood flow, which is especially true for rosacea. Too hard movements can lead to excessive stretching of the skin, which contradicts the effect of lifting expected from the product.
Some varieties of elixirs require spot application to the skin, as indicated on the package. Following the recommendations will save a precious remedy.
After applying the serum, you must wait until it is completely absorbed. It should be borne in mind that oily nutritious serums usually absorb longer than light daytime products for radiant skin.
The next step is to apply the cream. It is recommended to choose the serum and the cream applied after it from the same series to avoid unforeseen chemical reactions from mixing components of different agents. Some types of serums, such as elixirs with collagen, can be added directly to the main face cream.
The recommended period for carrying out procedures with the drug is one and a half months. At this time, apply serum twice a day to clean skin. At the end of the course, experts offer to arrange skin rest from 2 to 4 months. If the recommendations are not followed, a supersaturation of the epidermis with one or another component is possible, peeling, irritation, the skin can become dry. In the case of aging skin, courses can be carried out for up to six months, but during this period funds should be changed to avoid addiction.
For the warm season, it is recommended to choose serums with the moisturizing effect, and the autumn-winter period is ideal for anti-aging and smoothing products, as well as serums against pigmentation.
Facial care products should be purchased in specialized stores, pharmacies or beauty salons. The best serums below will help you choose the best ones.
Rating
In a wide variety of brands and rulers, it is difficult to make the right choice.Price is not always an indicator of quality, and a well-known brand represents the best serum. Below is a list of the best and most effective elixirs of both Russian and foreign production.
Among moisturizing serums, one of the favorites is a British-made product. Almea H. A. Serum due to the presence of a large amount of hyaluronic acid in it. The plus is that the elixir can be used already from a young age, however, on aging skin the result will be more visible. The concentrate is quickly absorbed, hypoallergenic and has no specific smell. The economical consumption and volume of the bottle allows 2 courses of therapy.
Among the budget products of domestic production, it is worth noting the aqua gel "24 hours" from the company Novosvit. According to the manufacturer, the product allows you to keep moisture in the cells throughout the day, which helps to gradually give the skin smoothness and eliminate minor wrinkles. Due to the liquid structure, the agent is able to be instantly absorbed, allowing to reduce the time for the procedure. Low price and visible result make this serum worthy of a place in the TOP.
Another great moisturizer is Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule from a Korean cosmetics company Eunyul. Fast absorption and instant effect make this ampoule serum a favorite of many girls in the summer months. The rich composition, in which patented components are present, allows you to maintain the skin's water balance, restore and soothe it. Ideal as a remedy for girls from 25 years old to combat the first signs of aging. Recently, Korean-made products have been very popular because they allow you to get a quality and working product for a fairly low price.
As a substitute for anti-aging products during the long course for aging skin, you can use Ramosu 28 Days Magic Clear Ampoule. The product is rich in vitamin C, which allows you to get rid of dull complexion, manifestations of acne and pigmentation. It is instantly absorbed and evens out the color.
One of the best-selling products of a well-known network company. Avon is anti-aging serum Anew “Maximum Youth". Although the manufacturer strongly recommends using it in conjunction with cream of the same series, many ladies use the elixir as an independent tool. Serum works by and large due to the presence of glycerin, which when applied to wet skin reliably locks water from the inside. For a simple composition, the price is clearly overpriced.
Serum with 100% Hyaluronic Acid from a Japanese company Japonica is an excellent remedy for women’s age skin over 60. The product is absorbed in seconds, smoothes the skin, making wrinkles less noticeable, moisturizes.
The same manufacturer has a product with natural ceramides, which will become an ambulance for the skin after sunbathing. Also reduces the susceptibility of the skin to the external environment, removes dryness and peeling.
Among matting serums, it should be noted Face Serum Magistral Sebatics from a professional cosmetics company Ella bache. The product is not only able to rid oily, combination and problematic skin from greasy shine, but also prevents the inflammatory process on the skin. Due to its light texture, it is suitable for use in the daytime, the main thing is not to overdo it when applied, otherwise the elixir will roll. For those who want to get acquainted with the new product, the manufacturer has provided 3 ml probes.
For those who want to receive comprehensive care, the product of a Ukrainian company is suitable Vigor entitled "Pink Grapefruit". The product combines two effects: mattifies and moisturizes the skin. In addition, the serum is able to cope with age spots during pregnancy. A large bottle for a small amount is equipped with a not very convenient dispenser, which gives out large portions of the product. Some note an unpleasant smell of serum.
Among anticorrosive agents note Medik8 Glow Oil - An oil-based whey that smells like citrus. It perfectly restores skin overdried in the sun, and also fights the manifestation of rosacea on the face by strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
As a night care, a great option would be Sebium serum night french brand Bioderma. Due to the content of ANA acids, it is excellent for oily and problematic skin. It can be used only in inflamed areas or in a complex. It perfectly mattes the skin of the face and regulates the sebaceous glands, has a cumulative effect. The volume of the tube is considerable, but not everyone can afford the price of the product.
To give the skin a healthy appearance, one of the best remedies is medicinal serum Natuvalia Glowing Ampoules. The main component of the product is vitamin C. Effective procedures will be 1-2 times a week.
A network company tool has a similar effect. Faberlic Air Stream Oxygen Shine Highlighting. This highlighter is good as a base for makeup, the effect of radiance is given by small reflective particles. The small volume and fast consumption pushed some girls to mix highlighter with makeup base for long-term use.
Reviews
Above, we considered the best facial skin care products that got into the rating precisely due to good customer reviews. However, it is worth mentioning and not entirely successful means, which, according to the girls who tested them on themselves, did not give the desired result.
One of these products turned out to be a pore-tightening face serum from Organic Shop. Despite a solid bottle, a convenient dispenser and the absence of an unpleasant odor, the product turned out to be very sticky in structure and literally clogging pores. The product is not absorbed, does not relieve inflammation, does not give an effect.
Serum Sebo Control from All Inclusive, according to the manufacturer, is designed to precisely fight inflammation due to its rich composition. In fact, the inflammatory process does not eliminate, creates a sticky film at the site of application. Turned out to be a worthless purchase.
Biotherm Introduces Skin Ergetic, an Anti-Fatigue Product. Of the positive aspects, users note a pleasant texture after application, which allows you to easily apply makeup on top. The disadvantage is that the volume of the bottle is quite large, and the shelf life of the opened packaging is only 3 months. Also, the product gives a strong shine to the face, clogs the pores and does not give the desired effect.
It should be borne in mind that all reviews are subjective in nature and, possibly, the authors of negative comments incorrectly selected a skin care product. Therefore, the best option would be to consult a cosmetologist about the choice of funds or the use of trial copies.
About what face serums are and why they are needed, see the next video.