First What Even Is A Serum???
A serum is a super-concentrated, lightweight liquid that blasts your skin with active ingredients. They have a gel-like consistency that allows them to be absorbed by the skin super deep down. There are many different types of serums that can benefit the skin in a variety of ways; they can hydrate (hyaluronic acid), brighten and/or reduce hyperpigmentation (vitamin c, niacinamide, acids), smooth (hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, peptides), protect (antioxidants), exfoliate (acids), plump (hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, retinol), be acne fighters and/or reduce clogged pores (salicylic acid), or treat fine lines and wrinkles (retinol). And there are even more! Almost all skin can benefit from a serum; so do some research on your specific skin needs to determine which one would be a must add to the routine!
Here are some tips for use of a serum:
1. Apply directly after cleanser (and toner unless it’s an exfoliater) and cleanse well!
Active ingredients will stick to dirt and dead skin so it’s important that all of that is off your face so the serum can really do its work.
2. Use slightly warm or room temperature water
Hot water can make the skin perspire which prevents absorption. Cold water on the other hand can close pores and can also block absorption.
3. Apply to damp skin
Damp skin (compared to dry) is much more receptive to skincare ingredients; said to be 10 times more permeable!! (permeable meaning allowing liquids to pass through – don’t worry had to look up the meaning myself). So moral of the story is make sure you apply serum to damp skin after cleansing or mist skin with an soothing, alcohol-free toner for better and quicker absorption.
4. Wait at least 1-2 minutes between serum applications
You want to let your serums fully absorb and dry. This does also vary depending on skin type and serum, but from my research seems skin experts have said about a minute should suffice.
5. Apply to entirety of face AND to neck
We can’t stop that skincare at the jawline! No one wants to look a different age on their neck so show this area some love too and be sure to apply your serums here as well.
5. Never touch the vial of your serums or treatments ❌
You can apply your serum to your face directly or first on your hands and then your face but whichever way you do it be sure to not touch that dropper directly to your body. You gonna get all that bacteria in the serum and messssss it all up hunny!
6. When trying a new serum, give it at least 7 weeks to see its effects on your skin
Gotta give it some time to work it’s magic!
Hope this helps you on your skin journey ✨
Here’s to clearer, brighter, healthier, more vivacious skin! For da whole team!