How Do Serums Work?

Regardless of your age, you should be using a serum. Younger skin benefits from their ...

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Regardless of your age, you should be using a serum.
Younger skin benefits from their protective properties, while aging skin benefits from antioxidants, peptides, vitamins, and other anti-aging ingredients.

Serums are less dense than creams or ointments, which allows them to absorb more quickly, efficiently and deeper into the skin. Therefore, it is important to apply your serum before your day or night cream.

Here are some ingredients to look out for when buying serums:

Vitamins: Vitamins C and E are present in many serums, mainly to targeting aging and for their protective and antioxidant properties. Pro-Derm Serum-C contains 10% vitamin C with Vitamin b5 and Vitamin E. The high concentration of non neutralized L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C, antioxidant) found in Serum-C helps reduce the damaging effects of environmental free radicals. Applying Serum-C
before using a sunscreen increases the skin’s resistance to
pollutants and ultra-violet rays.

Antioxidants: Because of their efficient delivery system, serums can infuse the skin with antioxidants. Vitamin C and E  are two common  ingredients found in serums that work very well, for example, SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic is a combination antioxidant serum containing 15% L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) , 1% Alpha Tocopherol and 0.5% Ferulic Acid. This serum neutrilizes free radicals, provides photo protection and stiumulates collegan synthesis.

Skin Brighteners: You can expect to find natural skin brighteners like willow bark and date palm extracts in serums that address dull-looking skin. Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum is a natural approach to an anti-aging collagen treatment. It contains 29 active ingredients that promotes healthy collogen production.  iSClinical Super Serum Advance+ is a anti-aging , super antioxidant and brightening serum that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, provides UV photo protection and safely lightens the skin and effectively treats hyperpigmentation.

Hyuralonic Acid: In addition to hydrating, hyaluronic acid allows serums to penetrate deeper and stimulate new cell growth. SkinCeuticals Retexturizing Activator is a bi-functional resurfacing and replenishing serum that helps to retain water within the skin and provides immediate smoothness to rough skin.

Peptides: As we age, collagen is lost and this gives way to aged, wrinkled looking skin.  When the long strands of amino acids in collagen are broken down they create small chains commonly referred to as peptides.  The presence of these peptides signal to the skin that it has lost collagen and the production of more is necessary. Osmotics Renovage Cellular Longevity Serum contains a patented Tripeptide/Protein combination to promote collagen production, and natural extracts to support the extra cellular matrix for smoother, tighter, more toned contours .

Exfoliants: AHA, like lactic and glycolic acid, removes dead skin. iS Clinical Active Serum contains 8% Sugar Cane extract – Source of glycolic acid, 2% Lactic Acid. This fast acting, long-term, results oriented formula decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture and radiance by exfoliating the surface of the skin. Also effective on acneic skin because it contains 2% salycilic acid which helps decongest pores.

Do you have a favourite serum? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Paule Roussin
Etiket Head Esthetician

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