Whey is a product with a high concentration of nutrients. Unlike extracts and extracts, there may be several in different proportions. That is, whey is often a nourishing, restorative or healing cocktail.
It also differs from creams, which are an emulsion - a suspension of fat particles in water or, conversely, micro-droplets in fat.
The serum is generally of a uniform consistency. Although its base can also be aqueous or oily, depending on which environment is optimal for the active ingredients it contains.
Action on the skin
Thanks to its light and nourishing composition, the serum has a very intense effect on the skin and is able to:
- quickly improves its appearance;
- slow down the destructive processes related to age;
- neutralize the first signs of aging;
- eliminate age spots;
- rejuvenate and refresh the face;
- restore firmness and elasticity of the skin;
- act against rosacea;
- deeply moisturize the epidermis;
- remove acne marks and blemishes.
There are also special therapeutic serums for problematic skin with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and sebostatic effects. It is better not to use them without a prescription, as if used incorrectly, you can only aggravate the problem.
Application rules
To get the maximum effect from this literal and figurative cosmetic product, you need to know how to use the face serum correctly:
- Apply only to dry and clean skin, after having thoroughly washed and cleaned it with a toner (without alcohol! ).
- It is recommended to use a moisturizing serum in the morning, so it will provide freshness for the whole day. But in bad weather and frost, you can go out with it no earlier than half an hour later.
- Problem skin products are best used at night. Then they will successfully work for several hours and give maximum results.
- Serums with targeted action are used only zonally: anti-inflammatory - for acne; from wrinkles - on the skin folds; whitening - in places with pronounced pigmentation.
- The anti-aging and lifting serums are also best applied to the neck and décolleté. And squeezing the oval of the face - on the neck and under the lower jaw.
- Thanks to the light consistency, the serum is absorbed quickly and is able to penetrate quite deeply. Therefore, it is not necessary to massage the face and guide it with your fingers.
- It is important not to overdo it. Usually the bottles have a dispenser. And 2-3 drops of the product are enough to treat the entire face.
- After the product is completely absorbed, you can apply a cream on it. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that foundation often does not fit well with lifting and anti-aging serums. In this case, you will have to limit yourself to mineral powder.
In most cases it is not necessary to rinse the serum, unless the instructions require it, which must always be read before purchasing the product.
Secrets of choice
Only at first glance it seems that choosing a face serum is easy. In fact, there are many important factors to consider:
- Age. Up to the age of 25, concentrated preparations are generally better to use solely for medicinal purposes. It is recommended to use anti-aging serums after the age of 35. And with the effect of superlifting, and even after - at 45+. The fact is, when we get enough nutrients, our skin stops producing them. Don't let her relax too soon.
- Skin type. This is very important, as the serum has an intense effect on it. Consequently, when an unsuitable product is applied, for example to dry skin, it can be provoked by severe irritation, peeling and even rapid wrinkling.
- Problems. For problem skin, some serums are not suitable. But there are products specially designed for this. In addition, many medications have a narrow focus on solving certain problems. This is usually indicated on the packaging.
- active components. Since they are present in large quantities, people with a tendency to allergic reactions should carefully study the composition of each new product and be sure to take a test before using it.
- Terms and conditions of conservation. Some professional preparations are sold in disposable bottles, which after opening quickly lose their useful properties. Yes, and homemade serums have a very short shelf life, from several hours to several days.
If we compare the products purchased or prepared on their own at home, in terms of the strength of the impact, the latter lose significantly. Therefore, those who want to achieve a quick and meaningful result should not save.
The best serums
The best serums are the perfect ones for you. As a specialist, of course, I prefer professional preparations. They use all the achievements of modern chemistry and cosmetology and are able to really prolong youth, especially if they are used for injections or a mesoscooter. But mass-market products and home-made products also work well.
Professional
The highlight of professional serums is in a strictly balanced composition and in the presence of patented formulas and nanoparticles in the products. Some of them are able to repair damaged membranes and regulate intracellular processes.
In addition, the beautician has tools that allow the beneficial substances to penetrate even deeper. And with the help of injections, mesotherapy or hardware procedures, the serum is delivered directly to the places where the skin needs it most. No wonder the results are impressive.
Mass market
On the shelves of mass markets, the abundance of serums grows every day. On the one hand, it's nice. On the other hand, it allows you to doubt the quality of the product. Especially with a low price. A high quality biologically active concentrate cannot be cheap, if only for the high cost of its production.
To smooth mimic wrinkles, it is better not to use serums, but fillers. These are even more concentrated preparations designed to replenish the lost volume of soft tissues.
Homemade
If you wish, you can make homemade anti-aging face serums. The effect of them will be weaker than in the store. But on the other hand, in the complete absence of chemistry, the skin can be nourished with useful substances.
oily
For dry and sensitive, but also mature and covered with multiple fine lines, an oil-based serum is ideal. Any natural oil is suitable for this.
The thinner the skin, the lighter they should be.
The best is argan oil. It is universal, leaves no greasy marks and has a wonderful anti-aging effect, but it is expensive.
Olive, peach, apricot or grape seeds, wheat germ, jojoba, etc. are also good.
Here are some cooking recipes:
- For dry. Mix a tablespoon of avocado oil and entotera, add the essentials: 6 drops of geranium, 3 - chamomile and 2 - lavender. The composition has a calming, anti-inflammatory and softening effect.
- For mature and faded. Base: two tablespoons of apricot or grape seed oil, one of rosehip. We add two teaspoons of carrot or 5 capsules of vitamin AEVit, 5-6 drops of geranium oil, 3 - rosemary, 2-3 - neroli. The tool perfectly tones the skin, smoothes wrinkles, improves complexion, increases skin turgor.
- For normal. One tablespoon of jojoba or coconut oil, three teaspoons of an oily tocopherol solution, one tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Now add the essential: 5 drops of cinnamon, 2-3 - ylang-ylang, 3 - sweet orange. The serum slightly brightens the skin, increases its protective properties, helps against rosacea, slows down the aging process.
Such serums are not found under makeup, so it is better to use them on weekends or at night. Store in a dark place in a tightly capped glass container at room temperature.
Kefir
From home, kefir face serum is the most popular. This is not surprising: it is the easiest to obtain and has many beneficial properties due to its high content of potassium, calcium, choline and other vital substances:
- tightens the oval of the face;
- improves skin color;
- whitens surface pigmentation;
- helps remove toxins;
- eliminates oily sheen;
- relieves inflammation and swelling;
- reduces bags under the eyes;
- removes blackheads and blackheads;
- restores the hydrolipidic balance.
But it is important to remember that when heated above 50 ° C, the beneficial properties of kefir whey are quickly lost.
It is easy to prepare. And it's best done with homemade whole milk. It must be left at room temperature until completely soured. A piece of rye bread thrown into a jar will help speed up the process. When the milk has separated, drain the whey and filter it through several layers of gauze. Some people heat sour milk over low heat, but it's so easy to go wrong and overheat.
You can use this serum after washing or in the evening before applying the night cream.
If you make ice with it and wipe your face with it every day, the skin will become fresh and pink and the oval of the face will be clearer. In addition, the serum allows you to remove acne and small rashes, as it contains lactic acid.
Cream or serum
I am often asked which is better: cream or serum. For me it's like choosing between a sandwich and a jam. Of course, a sandwich with jam is much tastier and more nutritious than these products alone.
The serum has an intense direct effect on the skin. The cream does the rest:
- prolongs the effect;
- normalizes the hydrolipidic balance;
- contains sunscreens;
- helps retain moisture in the skin;
- helps smooth out wrinkles.
Indeed, it is the cream that provides complete and balanced daily skin care. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend using them together.
In addition, the finished products should be at least from the same manufacturer, and preferably from the same series, so that they complement and reinforce each other and not conflict with each other.
summing up
The cosmetic serum for the face and the skin around the eyes is really a very necessary and useful product. It can cause damage only in one case, if chosen incorrectly. And the positive results can be seen after a few days of regular use.
When buying ready-made products, you should focus not on evaluation, but on composition and focus. The question of which one works best - serum or face cream - makes no sense. They must be used together, as they have different effects on the skin.
High-quality serum not only visually improves the condition of the epidermis, but also promotes the production of collagen and elastin, rejuvenates the tissues from the inside.