What are Serums / Skin Benefits of Serums
- taralee
- Feb 23, 2022
- 3 min read
Today I want to discuss what a serum is, how to use one, and how it benefits our skin. As you all know I have started a series called "formulating cosmetics for beginners". We have already discussed; equipment, sanitation, preservatives, emulsifiers, emollients/humectants/occlusives, surfactants, how to formulate a recipe, face washes, toners, & now I believe it is time for SERUMS. Oh how I love Serums!!! Serums are definitely my favorite part of my skincare routine.
- What exactly is a Serum? A serum is skincare product with a gel or light weight lotion like texture to it. Serums are a water based product and since serums are water based, they have smaller molecules that can better penetrate the skin to deliver powerful high concentrations of active ingredients into the skin. Serums are formulated to target a specific skin problem or skin type. Serums can help clear blemishes, fade dark spots, firm the skin, reduce fine lines, exfoliate, hydrate, soothe, & much more! It all just depends on what ingredients you choose to use in your serum. - Difference between a Serum & a Facial Oil Facial Oils are often referred to as "serums", but technically speaking they are "facial oils" not "serums". Traditionally serumsw are water based because water has a smaller molecular size which makes it easier to penetrate the skin with active ingredients. Oils have bigger molecules so it makes it harder to penetrate the skin. So if you plan on using high quality active ingredients it is best to use in a Serum rather than a facial oil. We don't want to waste those expensive ingredients, right? - Common active ingredients in Serums There are many ingredients found in serums, but the ingredients that make them special and sets them apart from one another are their active ingredients. Ingredients like Vitamin C, Retinol, Antioxidants, Panthenol, Allantoin, AHA, BHA, etc. are often found in serums. So depending on your skins target issue or skin type will help you determine what ingredients are best to have in your serum. Remember serums are using active ingredients that can be very potent and if you use to many active ingredients or to much of an active ingredient you can cause irritation. So less is sometimes more when it comes to serums :) - How to use a Serum Most serums are recommended to be used daily and are also recommended to be used after cleansing & toning the skin, but before moisturizing. It is always best to apply a serum onto damp skin because the moisture helps the serum penetrate better into the skin. As another tip I read that applying a serum cold can help push blood away from the skin and by doing this it creates a vacuum effect to pull the potent serum ingredients deeper into the skin. I don't really know how true this is, but honestly applying a cold serum always feels amazing, so give it a try! You only need about 2 - 3 drops of a serum. This is more than enough to cover your whole face & neck. - Can I use a serum as a moisturizer Ehhh, I wouldn't recommend it. Most serums do have amazing moisturizing properties, but applying a moisturizer on top of a serum helps create a protective barrier on top of the skin to help keep all the good stuff in. When you're applying your moisturizer, it is also a good time to give yourself a little face massage. Take time to pamper yourself daily :) We all deserve it! So I do believe these are the main things you need to know about serums. As I mentioned, I am obsessed with serums. I look forward to applying them everyday. I am obsessed with their texture, how easily they glide onto my skin, and the effects they have on my skin! As I always mention, I have really dry skin, so it's nice to have an extra moisture boost before moisturizing my skin. It's funny, cause I just started incorporating serums into my skincare routine about 2 years ago, idk what I did before them. I'm just happy I use them now! So let me know, do you use a serum & what do you think of serums?
In my next post I will be explaining how to create a gel base for your homemade serum.
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