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What are face serums

A simple guide to understanding Face serums and how to use them.

In today’s fast paced world, faster and lighter are the qualities many of us look for in a car, a laptop, food and service. They're also the prized attributes of skin care products -- light, fast-absorbing and more effective than the alternatives or in addition to creams or lotions.

The difference between serums, creams and lotions is what is the concentration of the active ingredients. In a serum, moisturizing agents, thickeners and petrolatum are avoided or minimized.

The beauty of a serum is that most of the fluid is eliminated, so what we are left with is a high concentration of active ingredients.

Serums contain the most potent dose of anti-aging ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, and skin brighteners such as kojic acid, that can be included in a non prescriptive skin care product.

Pros and cons of Serums:

The active ingredients that we use are more expensive than thickeners, serums are also the costliest product in many skin care lines. But a few drops of the serum are sufficient to see results and therefore last for months. Most brands use 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. With no thickeners and cream bases, hindrances to penetration are minimized and the active ingredients in a serum penetrate our skin faster and more effectively.

Because of its potency and lack of moisturization effect, serums are not advisable for all. Patients suffering from eczema, psoriasis, rosacea have an impaired skin barrier function. Serums may penetrate deeper and cause irritation.

According to my experience with the serums especially for anti-aging, I think it is one of the best mode of delivery for the active ingredients like Vit C, retinol, bakuchiol, niacinamide and similar actives.

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 few drops (about 3/4) of serum, patting it evenly over skin with your fingers.
2. If you have sensitive skin, wait 10 to 15 minutes after washing your face before using serum. I recommend using aloe vera gel or hyaluronic acid on your damp skin and then using the potent serum. This allows your skin to dry completely and 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. Do not forget to apply the Sunscreen to top it all!!