What the heck is a Skin Serum?
Okay, I get it. There’s a million and one products on the shelf for your skin. Face wash, scrubs, moisturizers, and things you may have never heard of. If you don't buy anything else you should invest in a good skin serum. You may ask yourself why do I need an extra step to my routine? Well this is a game changer to your everyday skincare routine and will give you even better results.
Serums can resolve many of your skin problems alone. Don't believe me? Keep reading...
What is serum?
Imagine eating a three course meal at your favorite restaurant, the catch is, you don't get your entree. Serum is the entree to your skin care routine. After washing your face (the appetizer) and before moisturizing (the dessert) you need to replenish your skin with nutrients for healthy, hydrated, and smooth skin (the entree).
Much like the entree to your meal, Serums contain a variety of nutrients for your skin. Did we mention they penetrate to the third layer of your skin?
The consistency of serum is mostly clear and either gel based or liquid form but definitely less thick than your moisturizer. Don't be fooled, this texture packs a power of punch. They are typically applied before the moisturizer to help target the beyond the first layer. Often, a serum will hydrate your skin on the deepest level more effectively than the heaviest creams that sit on the top layer of your face.
How to use a serum.
We know your skin is completely different from Janes or Jeffs but on average it will take about seven weeks to see how your skin responds to a new serum so give it time. It also depends on the serum and the state of your skin, you may see results soon - like slightly more hydrated skin.
Let's get to it. You should use a serum all over your face (and don't forget your neck, we like to think of this as a part of your face). Apply twice daily, once in the morning and then again on the way to bed BEFORE applying your moisturizer.
What serum is best for me?
While there are many out there, choosing the best one for your skin is best for what you need right now. For example; Anti-aging, Antioxidant, Hydrating, or Color Correcting. These potent solutions are some of the most common serums available. Read below to see what each does.
Anti-aging: The purpose of this serum is to help turn back the hands of time and slow down aging by delivering essential nutrients to combat fine lines and wrinkles. You will stay looking like the hunk or beauty from highschool, trust me :) They are beneficial for all skin types and can start using them as early as your 20s. I recommend if you have dry skin try starting with a low does (.25%) to make sure your skin can tolerate it before moving up the dosage.
Antioxidant 1: The purpose of this serum is to protect your skin from everyday life basically. Like the anti-aging serum it helps aid in the prevention of fine lines and other signs of aging while repairing the skin from everyday damage, like exposure to the sun. Since we are exposed to the sun and other mediums everyday, this serum is good for all skin types. I recommend applying this serum in the morning underneath your sunscreen for added protection against UV light.
Antioxidant 2: The purpose of this serum is pretty simple. To hydrate. Want healthier, smooth skin? This helps induce the skin with extra moisture to supplement your nightly moisturizer. I recommend those with dry skin to go for this one. Even those of us with oily skin and acne-prone skin, like me, can also benefit from some targeted hydration. Good for both mature and young skin, this serum is designed to hydrate with minimal emollient residue.
Color Correcting: The purpose of this serum can target skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and fine lines. I recommend those who are looking to even your skin tone or fade those stubborn dark spots to try this serum. Skin resurfacing and exfoliating serums on the other hand, work well for those looking to smooth out your skin and minimize pores. Side note, antioxidant serums will naturally brighten your skin but you can find these serums with added arbutin or kojic acid which will help get rid of those dark spots and even your skin.
I hope this was helpful, Now I am on the way to purchase my favorite serum (The CC Serum) from Urbane Mens Skincare. This is my personal favorite and recommend you try it. Toodles!
