As the beauty world has evolved, so have the options for skin care products. One of the most effective yet elusive items on the market is face serums. No longer relegated to just anti-ageing formulas, serums are now popularly used to target several skin concerns and help you achieve glowing, healthy, and supple skin.
When it comes to face serums, it's important to understand what they are and how they work to make an informed decision about which one works best for your unique needs. So, let's take a closer look at this skin-care powerhouse.
What exactly is a face serum, and what does it do?
A face serum is a lightweight liquid that contains powerful concentrations of active ingredients, including vitamins, antioxidants, natural extracts, and other hydrating ingredients. The texture of a face serum is much thinner than that of a moisturiser, making it easy to apply and quickly get absorbed into the skin without leaving any oily residue.
One of the primary benefits of using a face serum is that it helps increase cell turnover, allowing your body to naturally replace dead cells with healthier ones more quickly. This can help reduce pigmentation, acne, wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of skin damage while also improving skin tone and texture.
Additionally, serums often contain active ingredients such as Vitamin C, which can provide antioxidant protection from environmental damage. They may also contain peptides or plant-based oils to nourish and hydrate the skin for improved elasticity and softness.
When choosing a face serum for your individual needs, consider your current skin type and concerns
Oily skin types will benefit from a light hydrating formula with minimal oil content, while those with dry skin may need more intense hydration from ingredients like ceramides or glycerin. If your primary concern is hydration, then opt for formulas that contain hyaluronic acid or plant-based oils. Similarly, if you are looking for a serum to help with anti-ageing issues such as wrinkles or age spots, look for one that contains retinoids or peptides. Additionally, those looking to reduce hyperpigmentation or fine lines should look for potent ingredients like Vitamin C, retinol or peptides.
Prepping your skin before applying any face serum is key to ensure the product penetrates deeper and you get the most out of its benefits.
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle formula that doesn’t disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance. Then, use a toner to help restore hydration and close up pores. Follow with a thin layer of moisturiserbefore applying your face serum. When used correctly, these advanced face serum formulas can penetrate deep into the dermis layer of the skin and deliver potent benefits.
But how do you use them? How much should be applied? How do you ensure it absorbs quickly and effectively?
1. When using a face serum, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way: Generally speaking, a pea-sized amount or 3-4 drops are enough to cover your entire face. Applying more serum will not give better results and may instead leave your face feeling greasy or weighed down.
2. Take this small amount and spread it between your fingertips or palms before dabbing it onto your skin: Gently dab it on your face and neck with your fingertips or your palms in small tapping motions. Make sure to start from the center of the face outward: Start near the nose and spread across cheeks, chin, forehead, and around eyes or other targeted areas.
3. Avoid rubbing it into the skin excessively: Do not rub it excessively, as this can push the product deeper into the pores, and this can cause irritation and redness. Instead, let it work itself naturally into the skin so it absorbs quickly and effectively. This gentle method also helps preserve any active ingredients like vitamin C that are designed to stimulate collagen production and advanced skin repair.
How to apply face serum depending on its type
1. Antioxidant Serums: Antioxidants like Vitamin C work wonders when it comes to tackling signs of premature ageing and protecting the skin from environmental pollutants. Since antioxidants are best absorbed when applied directly onto clean, damp skin, use your antioxidant serum immediately after cleansing and toning. After applying a few drops onto the areas of concern (wrinkles, dark spots etc.), gently massage it into your skin using upward strokes until it fully absorbs into the skin.
2. Hydrating Serums: Hydrating serums are great for dry, dehydrated skin as they help replenish its moisture levels. These serums can be applied both in the morning and at night. Start by splashing some cool water onto your face to give it a more hydrated base for the serum to work on. Pat your face dry with a clean towel before applying the hydrating serum.
3. Repairing Serums: Repairing serums containing active ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid can do wonders when it comes to addressing various skin concerns such as acne, wrinkles, dark spots etc. Since these ingredients can be strong on the skin, it is best to start with a lower concentration and slowly work your way up as per your skin’s tolerance. Apply the serum every alternate night after cleansing and toning.
Applying face serum may seem like a complex process, but once you understand what type of serum best suits your needs and how to apply it effectively, you will be able to reap its many benefits in no time. To make application easier and reduce wastage, opt for serums that come with droppers or pumps like the Pond's Niacinamide Spot-less Glow Serum. This allows us to control the amount of product we are using without having to guess how much is enough.
Most importantly, remember to be patient and consistent with your skincare routine for maximum results. In conclusion, using a face serum is a great way to enhance your skincare routine and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. With the right technique, it can help reduce signs of ageing as well as protect against environmental pollutants while repairing the damage done over time. Be patient and give the serum some time to work its magic!
