The 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 developed to solve 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, to eliminate mimic wrinkles.
- For aging skin, with a complexion-improving and pigment-removing composition.
What's in the serum?
The content of the serum: high concentration of vitamins E, A, C, B, fruit acids, minerals. Enhancers (conductors) help nutrients to penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Thanks to them, the components of the serum are quickly absorbed into the dermis and start working quickly. Vitamins A, E and C are considered the most important in the composition of the product, as they are able to neutralize free radicals. These aggressive compounds come from the harmful effects of the environment, ultraviolet radiation, stress and damage the body's healthy cells.
- Vitamin A - participates in skin regeneration, increases 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, and prevents the formation of vascular cracks.
- Vitamin B - participates in the regulation of cell metabolism, the synthesis of proteins and amino acids.
The metabolic processes of the skin slow down with age, the skin must be nourished artificially, which is why the vitamins are concentrated in facial serums.
"Elixirs of youth" contain ceramides. Young skin has enough of them, but as the years go by, a deficiency appears. The main effect of ceramides is to keep the skin hydrated and to protect elastin (the protein responsible for elasticity) and collagen fibers from various destructive enzymes.
The fruit acids 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 out fine lines and wrinkles.
Proteins and enzymes participate in restoring the "frame" of the facial skin, protect against harmful environmental effects, and activate metabolic processes.
Firming anti-wrinkle serums made with retinol quickly deliver vitamin A to problem areas of the face and show maximum results in a short time. The face 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 the choice is not based on the skin type, but on the needs. Serums for aging skin, for example, improve and even out the complexion, contain special phytoestrogens and an antioxidant complex within a short period of time, reduce skin pigment spots, and smooth out wrinkles.
The purpose of the serum, which fights against the first signs of aging, is to speed up the skin 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 by up to 60%.
Some rules
- All serums contain a limited amount of active ingredients and they are the same. The uniqueness of the product lies 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 the reputation of the brand and how long the company has been working in the production of medical cosmetics. It is not difficult to calculate that if the research takes a long time, then the history of the manufacturer is at least 10-15 years.
- Among the various cosmetic brands, preference is given to those manufacturers who specialize in medical cosmetics as their main activity. Many luxury cosmetics companies also produce medical 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 line of medicated cosmetics, which include serums and creams. When choosing a specific brand, it is better to buy the entire line, then the effect of the serum is also supported by the cream. In the case of subtle age-related changes, it is worth using only cream. After 40 years, it is necessary to use the cream in combination with a serum.
- The serum should always be applied under a night, evening or day cream. Consider whether the treatment line will be compatible with daily cosmetics; in order to avoid side effects, it is worth consulting a specialist.
- Before buying medicated cosmetics, it is advisable to first decide whether it makes sense. These products are designed to help the skin cope with aging, prevent this process from developing rapidly and ruining its beauty. But if the skin is already in bad shape, no serum will restore its youth. Other methods, such as plastic surgery, work more effectively. Otherwise, there is a high probability of wasting money, given that good medicinal cosmetics are not cheap.
How to use
Serums for the general health of the skin are applied to the entire face, and to eliminate certain imperfections, they are applied to problem areas. The regeneration processes of the skin are particularly activated at night, so the best results can be achieved by using the product before going to bed.
Before using the serum, the skin is prepared. They clean the face of dust and dirt accumulated during the day, treat it with tonics, absorb moisture, and apply serum. When the skin is dry, use a nourishing cream, this will protect it from harmful weather conditions (ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes).
The serum is used in courses ranging from two weeks to 3-4 months. Take a break for a few months and repeat the procedure. With regular use of the composition, you can protect your face from age-related changes for a long time.
How to use
Daily care of aging skin takes place in 3 stages:
- Cleansing and toning.
- Application of serum for intensive regeneration.
- Nutrition or hydration.
Apply the serum to the face strictly along the massage lines. Perform a light massage along the lymphatic flow, with light pressure, without stretching the skin. With four fingers, lightly massaging movements without taking your hands off the skin:
- it is done from the middle of the forehead to the temple;
- from them along the ears;
- from the ear to the wing of the nose and the corner of the eye;
- around the eye, through the lower eyelid to the outer edge of the eye;
- along the upper eyelid to the corner of the eye;
- descend on the wings of the nose;
- it is carried out along the circular folds;
- along the line of the upper jaw to the ears.
The massage is done with both hands, on the right and left side of the face at the same time, all movements are symmetrical.
The intensive facial care serum is used at least twice a year. For more effective results, use it in changing weather conditions - spring and autumn.