We Tell You Everything About the Serum

by Maria / On 22 March, 2024 / In Beauty

Do you know what a facial serum is and what it’s used for? Nowadays, there is a wide variety of cosmetics that we can incorporate into our daily care routine. Therefore, it’s normal to feel lost when choosing the most appropriate ones.

The basics that should never be missing are: cleanser and makeup remover, sunscreen, and moisturizer. However, there are also other products whose use is very important.

Within this last group, we find facial serums. Thanks to their daily application we will be able to solve certain issues that normal moisturizers are not able to address.

Next, we will tell you all the secrets of this cosmetic so that you can incorporate it into your routine effectively.

What is a serum

First of all, do you know what a serum is? There are facial and hair versions. In this case, we will focus on the former.

Its term comes from the English serum, but due to the success it has had, we have adapted this word to our language.

It consists of a very fluid lotion that, in general, is absorbed quickly. We can find a wide variety of versions made from very different ingredients.

Each one is intended for a specific skin type, for example, there are versions for combination, oily, dry, sensitive, mature, etc.

This cosmetic is mainly characterized by its high concentration of active ingredients. In addition, they have a non-greasy finish that allows the subsequent application of moisturizer to be more pleasant.

The main characteristics we highlight from this cosmetic are:

Light formula and rapid absorption.
Does not add grease or a heavy feeling.
Provides an intensive action in a short time.
They have a specific purpose adapted to different problems.

What are its benefits

The benefits it provides are the following:

Prepares the face to receive subsequent treatments.
Enhances the effects of moisturizer and other cosmetics.
Solves acne problems.
Leaves the complexion with a uniform appearance.
Reduces the visibility of wrinkles and expression lines.
Manages to eliminate or attenuate some pigmented spots.
Prevents excess sebum and the appearance of annoying shine.
Adds brightness.

After reading all the advantages this product provides, you’ve surely considered incorporating it into your cosmetics, right?

Types of serum that exist

As we have mentioned before, there are many types of facial serums made from different ingredients.

Each one of them is aimed at a specific action. The most common are the following:

To slow down signs of aging

From the age of 30 our body stops producing the same levels of collagen. This protein is responsible, among other functions, for providing elasticity to the skin. Therefore, at this time, the first wrinkles and expression lines tend to appear.

These lotions usually provide an extra nourishment and are made from ingredients such as vitamin C and retinol.

For mature skin

From the age of 50, the main problem is to reduce the visibility of wrinkles that have already appeared, so these lotions are usually made with hyaluronic acid, which prolongs moisturizing effects and retains moisture.

They also contain collagen, vitamin C, vitamin E, and some nutritious natural oils.

For combination or oily faces

Caring for a combination face is a very complex task since in some areas we suffer from an excess of sebum and appearance of shine, while others, on the other hand, tend to dry out easily.

The most accurate choice is to use a non-comedogenic serum with purifying and exfoliating action.

Most add to their formula ingredients like aloe vera gel, which has an astringent power, or salicylic acid, which reduces the size of the pore and prevents the appearance of acne.

For sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, the first thing you should do is take a look at the product labeling.

Avoid artificial fragrances, silicones, as well as other harmful and detrimental substances. In addition, it is also recommended that it be low in preservatives, as the combination with other cosmetics can have serious consequences.

In this case, they usually include soothing ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, rose water, grape water, or calendula.

For dry and dehydrated faces

Dry and dehydrated skin is a long-term problem, as there will be a higher number of wrinkles and expression signs. Not to mention the flaking that often occurs.

The ideal is to choose very nutritious formulas that manage to retain the moisture of the dermis and that provide great hydration.

Normally, they contain natural oils like jojoba or argan, vitamin C, cobiolift, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5. Another very effective ingredient for this situation is avocado.

To attenuate pigmented spots

It is very important that you use every day, both in winter and summer, a sunscreen with SPF 30 as a minimum.

When spots appear, they are very difficult to remove. However, some serums manage to significantly diminish their visibility.

These cosmetics are formulated with depigmenting active principles such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, vitamin B3, or plant extracts like bearberry, red cranberry, and green tea.

At what age to start using it?

Until recently, there was a tendency to think that the use of this cosmetic was destined exclusively for more mature people.

This idea is completely false, since, as you have seen, there are serums that adapt to very diverse skins.

At each stage or age, one type or another of them is more required:

Between 20 and 30 years old, those for normal skin are usually used, or those that reduce acne, pimples, and tighten pores. Normally, they have purifying and astringent effects.
Between 30 and 45 years old we start to worry about the appearance of signs of aging, so we incorporate more nutritious lotions.
From 45 years old we tend to choose those that fill in wrinkles and reduce pigmented spots. Keep in mind that the skin has memory, so due to the sun exposures you made when you were younger, at this time a greater number of spots appear.

How to apply it

Its method of use is very simple. Just follow these steps:

Clean and remove makeup from the face. It is vital to have the skin completely clean before proceeding to apply any treatment. For this, you can use micellar water, as they are more respectful and natural products.
Apply a facial toner to refresh and soothe the dermis. Pour a little liquid onto a cotton pad and pass it over the face, neck, and décolletage with gentle, light taps.
Once the toner has dried, it is time to apply our serum. Put a little lotion on the tips of your fingers and spread the product over the face, neck, and décolletage. Just a few simple drops will suffice.
Perform a circular massage to promote circulation.
Wait for it to dry before proceeding with the application of your moisturizer and other beauty products.
We advise you to avoid its use in the eye contour area, as this part is extremely sensitive and could be altered.

Don’t miss: The differences between serum and cream

How to choose the right one

Still don’t know how to choose the right version? Follow our recommendations.

Firstly, analyze your skin type. Don’t even think about using an anti-wrinkle if you are under 30 years old. Many women think that this way they will prevent the signs of age from occurring, but the truth is that using cosmetics not suitable for your age causes more harm than benefits.
Once you have detected the main problems that you want to solve, choose a specific serum for it.
The fewer ingredients it contains, the better. Keep in mind that if its list of components is very long, the proportion of each substance will be minimal.
Avoid chemical cosmetics and those that add artificial perfume and are high in preservatives.
Before purchasing a product, you can read some reviews from other users on the internet to get an idea of its effects.
You can also make your own homemade version.

Is it true that they work?

Facial serums provide great results. However, not all are as good as they seem. It is very important that you know how to choose the ideal product.

Some options that we have tried are:

In addition, another fundamental key is patience. Although this cosmetic can provide some immediate results, we must be patient and consistent to notice great changes. Apply it every day in the morning and at night.

Conclusion

Now that you know what a serum is and what it’s used for, I hope you have decided to incorporate it among your basic beauty products.

Being a lotion with such a fluid texture and easy absorption, it makes its application very pleasant.

Regardless of your age or your skin type, this cosmetic provides great benefits.

The main thing is to choose the most suitable version for the problems we want to alleviate and, of course, it is essential to be very patient and consistent with its application.

Surely after some time, you will notice your skin looking healthier, more even, and without imperfections. Are you encouraged to give it a try?