Written by Kirsty Chenery @mineralearthhb
How do they work? Do I really need to use one? What benefit do I get from using a serum? When do I use it? Can I use it instead of a moisturiser? Well, I am here to answer all of your serum questions!
Firstly, yes! Serums have a myriad of benefits for the skin, more than anything else you probably have sitting in the back of your bathroom cabinet (because you don’t know what to do with it) or use in your daily skin care routine.
The exciting factor about serums is how they penetrate the skin. Serums have a lower molecular weight, which means they can penetrate the skin easily and work on a deeper cellular level.
They can deliver a powerful and high concentration of active ingredients directly into the skin. This also means they work harder and have the ability to make very noticeable differences on skin conditions you are wanting to treat.
A serum is applied to your skin after cleansing but before moisturising. I often do get asked if a serum can be used instead of a moisturiser. Yes and no. Serums can be full of moisturising ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamins, ceramides) to help skin retain moisture. But that doesn’t make them moisturisers in the traditional sense. Moisturisers are much richer and create a barrier on top of the skin to keep all of those active ingredients locked in.
Serums can tend to be on the more expensive side of the skincare spectrum. For good reason though! You really are getting what you pay for here as they are concentrated and very potent. Which brings me to another point. Less is more with serums. Because of their potent and powerful ingredients, they can irritate the skin if not used correctly.
Speak to your trusted therapist first and find out which serum is best for your skin. And always patch test first.
My top serum picks are:
Vitamin C: One of the most popular Serums and for good reason. It really works! Acne scars, dullness, uneven skin tone is just a few of the complexion concerns that this little bomb in a bottle will help with. Plus, it’s a fantastic antioxidant that literally neutralizes free radicals.
Retinol: Not much that this derivative of Vitamin A doesn’t do! It works by accelerating cellular turnover and triggering collagen production and who doesn’t want younger looking skin right? Retinol can strengthen your skin, assist with breakouts, address fine lines, and lighten pigmentation.
Hyaluronic acid: This is one of the most powerful hydrating ingredients! Keeps skin moist and dewy and by increasing water content in the skin can help plump the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Visit us in the spa and have a chat about which serum will work best for you. We love helping you
achieve your best skin!