Start Winterizing Your Skin Now
Whether you have chronically dry skin, or just want to prepare for the upcoming cold season, you may be surprised at how effective a hydrating serum can be. Add a pump or two post-cleansing, before your lotion or cream, for an immediate moisture boost. And even oily, acne-prone skin will benefit from them.
Serums are a top pick of many skin care pros. The beauty of a serum is that most of the fluid is eliminated, so what you’re left with is a high concentration of active ingredients. Serums contain the most potent dose of anti-aging ingredients –antioxidants, peptides, and skin brighteners such as kojic acid — you can find in nonprescription products. They’re the true workhorses of any product line.
Costs and Benefits
Because active ingredients are more expensive than thickeners, serums are also the costliest product in many skin care lines. But when applied properly, a 1-ounce container of serum can last months. Many brands come in pump bottles or have medicine-dropper applicators to dispense just the tiny amount you need.
Those few concentrated drops are super-efficient. Serums are made of very small molecules, so the skin absorbs them quickly and deeply. The thicker, heavier ingredients in creams form a barrier on your skin. That’s great for locking moisture in. But it can also lock active ingredients out. Without these hindrances, the active ingredients in a serum penetrate your skin faster and more effectively.
They’re great for people with oily skin or those who prefer a weightless feel to their skin care products. Serums have a non-greasy finish and they don’t leave behind a sticky residue. Still, serums aren’t for everyone. The liquid or gel-like texture of a serum can be a poor match for people with chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, which weaken the skin barrier. For these people, serums may penetrate too quickly, causing irritation.
Others need the hydration that a rich day or night cream provides. If you have mature or dry skin, you can’t get away with using only a serum. Instead, use a serum as an add-on to your skin care regimen, layered under your moisturizer. There’s a lot of benefit to serums, from smoothing fine lines to reducing age spots, that you can’t reproduce in any other formulation.
How to Apply Serums
Adding a serum to your daily beauty routine? Here’s how to apply these lightweight elixirs for maximum effect.
1. After cleansing your face, apply a pea-sized amount of serum, patting it evenly over skin with your finger.
2. If you have sensitive skin, wait 10 to 15 minutes after washing your face before using serum. When your skin is damp, applying a water-based product is more likely to lead to irritation. Allowing your skin to dry completely slows down penetration.
3. You don’t need to skip the moisturizer you love. Just pat on your serum first, so it isn’t blocked from penetrating your skin.
4. Is your serum too pricey for twice-a-day use? Borrow this trick: Use the serum as a booster either a.m. or p.m., adding a couple of drops to your moisturizer.
And remember, no matter what skin care products you use, one of the single best things you can do for your complexion is to get regular facials. We make that easy and affordable, with our low cost services. And through October 31, 2014, with a full priced Spa Facial, you’ll also get a FREE facial wax. Call today to schedule, 336.885.3452, and check out our salon & spa menu for all the affordable services we offer!
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