Hey, my beauties.

I hope you guys have been enjoying this series as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. I love taking care of my skin and figured I’d share what I’ve learnt and I hope that this will help you make better choices when it comes to deciding on skincare products for your skin type and concerns. Besides, who doesn’t want clear, smooth and radiant skin all year round?

Today we’re talking about serums, a step in my skincare routine that I just love because I know my skin is receiving a real good dose of Nutrient dense goodness.

So what are serums?

Serums are a concentration of an active ingredient that can penetrate deeper into the skin to help with specific skincare concerns. Serums are composed of smaller molecules which allows them to get absorbed faster and work deeper in the skin.

Products that have a concentration of active ingredients can come in different forms such as

• Serums
• Essence – water based, more lightweight and less concentrated than serums
• Emulsion
• Elixir – oil based
• Ampoules – oil based

When to apply serums? 

Serums are usually applied after applying your toner before you go in with your moisturiser. Remember that you need to applying your skin products from the more fluid-like texture to the thickest.

 

How do we choose a serum for our skin?

The most common serums on the market target ageing, hydration, brightness and acne skin concerns. When you choose one make sure you read the ingredients. The main ingredient mentioned is usually the highest concentration in the serum.

Those with acne-prone skin should look for Ingredients such as Vitamin C, Retinol as these increase the collagen production and Salicylic acid which will unclog the pores to prevent breakouts.

Those with dull skin need to look out for ingredients such as Vitamin C, Glycolic acid, antioxidants and ferulic acid.

For Dry / Dehydrated and ageing skin opt for ingredients such as Vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

Uneven skin texture can be treated with an exfoliating serum as these are designed to remove dead skin cells that can contribute to dullness, uneven skin tone, or blemishes.

 

Serums I’ve enjoyed

• The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 2% – Developed to help clear congested complexions and minimise the appearance and severity of blemishes. Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is a must-have for oily and acne-prone skin. Purify dull and congested skin with the Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% High Strength Vitamin and Mineral Blemish Formula from The Ordinary. Harnessing the powers of advanced science and high concentrations of vitamins and minerals, the lightweight serum infuses skin with an intense dose of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which has been proven to minimise the look of blemishes and discolouration.

 

• The Ordinary” hyaluronic acid 2% + B5  – delivers lasting hydration and offers visible plumping and moisture retention so that skin looks smoother, softer and healthier. Hydration support with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) can attract up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular-weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration in a water-based formula. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration.

 

• The Ordinary Buffet serum – Target visible signs of ageing with the “Buffet” Multi-Technology Peptide Serum from The Ordinary. Combining an array of effective technologies, the “Buffet” serum is able to target multiple signs of ageing in one versatile formula. The concentrated serum boasts multiple Peptide complexes, including Matrixyl 3000, Syn-Ake and Relistase, which work in synergy with 11 skin-friendly Amino Acids.

 

• Pixi Glow Tonic serum – a lightweight serum that gently exfoliates, hydrates and nourishes the skin. 

• Farmacy Honeymoon Glow – A 3-in-1 night serum that resurfaces, hydrates and clarifies dull skin for a healthy natural glow—no wedding required! Formulated with a 14% AHA/BHA/gentle flower acids blend to reveal a more youthful-looking complexion.

 

Final Thoughts 

So is this step an essential step in your skincare routine? ABSOLUTELY YES! It delivers active ingredients to the dermis layer of your skin, so real deep into the skin.

Also, guys, serums are pretty pricey so try and use your fingertips when applying the product. A lot of the products gets soaked up into the palm of your hands if you’re spreading the product in your palms first and then applying to your face. It’s wasteful 😣😣😣

Lastly, read the instructions. Some serums can be used in the AM and PM but others are designed to only be used at night. So be careful.

Stay tuned for next weeks post where we’ll be discussing moisturisers.

 

Ps, Click below to read up on the posts I’ve publishes thus far

1. Cleaners and Makeup Removers
2. Exfoliators
3. Toners

XoXo

Yolanda