Serums
The beauty of a serum is the potency of the product. Serums are more potent than moisturizers and have a greater variety of functions. Serums contain concentrations of antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and micronutrients that nourish the skin on a cellular level for a youthful appearance. Serums contain smaller molecules which enable the serum to penetrate deeper into the skin for optimal absorption of ingredients.
The biggest difference between a serum and a moisturizer is what the serum does NOT include. Serums leave out the occlusive moisturizing ingredients, fillers and thickening agents which dilutes the efficacy of a product.
Serum Costs
Because active ingredients are more expensive than thickeners and fillers, serums are usually the costliest product in many skin care lines.
Serum Benefits
- Absorbs deep into the skin for optimal absorption of actives
- Tightens and smooths skin
- Improves skin’s texture
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
How to Apply Serums:
Adding a serum to your daily beauty routine? Here’s how to apply for maximum effect. After cleansing your face, apply a pea-sized amount of serum, patting it evenly over skin with your fingers until absorbed. Re-apply if needed.
NOTE: Never add a serum over a moisturizer. The thicker, heavier ingredients in creams & lotions are designed to form a barrier on your skin to hold hydration in. But they can also lock active ingredients out. Serums always go on first if layering.
When to Apply Serums
Serums penetrate the skin’s surface a lot better while you’re asleep and your body goes through its circadian rhythm for the nightly process of renewal and rejuvenation as we sleep.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers have a simpler job; they are meant to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss. Some have added anti-aging ingredients, so they can do double duty for your skin, but their main role is to get hydration into the skin and keep it there.
In order to address mature or dry skin, you’ll want to combine your moisturizer with a quality serum for renewal.