I love Moisturizers, There is something soothing about a good Skin Care Regimen. It is the first thing i put on after i wash my face and the last thing i put on before i go to sleep.
It seems every day there is a new product to add to my skincare routine. Sometimes I ask myself, why? After all, skin care can get very costly especially for some of the high-end brands. I love love love Perricone. Something about that Brand makes me very happy (smiling).
I know we all age as we get older but what about Genetics, that has some part to play right? Can we really transform our skin overnight? Are Serums really worth the hype and what are they anyways? Does everyone need them? Should everyone be using them? Are we missing out if we don’t? HELP???
In the last 3 years, Serums have become all the rage. It seems like all of a sudden they just appeared, I feel like all the beauty boxes promote them and every brand has a Serum or an Essence.
Sooo do you need both a serum and a Moisturizer? And what do all those chemical terms mean anyways.
The truth is I really was not sure what the difference was between a Serum and a Moisturizer. Vitamin Serums seem like they would be something healthy? Right? When I think of the word Serum, it just sounds kind of cool. AKA Truth Serum. Sort of like a potion of some sorts.
When I used a Serum, the problem was I was not sure what to expect with the results.
According to a 2018 interview with Dr. Carroll at Compass Dermatology , many of the latest moisturizers include ceramides, which are naturally occurring lipids in our skin. They improve the skin barrier, so they would help with issues of dryness and smoothness, “If you’re using a serum with alpha hydroxy acid or vitamin C, it’s going to take longer to work because they’re active ingredients that will change the structure and function of your skin,”
She goes on to state that results can take at least 4-6 weeks and even up to one year.
Is a serum the same thing as a Moisturizer?
Serums are not Moisturizers. They are a highly concentrated formula providing an intensive dose of ingredients. They leave out petroleum or mineral oil that keep water from evaporating causing more concentration of ingredients than those found in Moisturizers.
Which Serum is right for your skin?
Reverse Age Spots and Damage of Sun – Vitamin C, glycolic acid, niacinamide (vitamin B3), retinol, Vitamin E, kojic acid
Wrinkles – Retinol , Niacinamide (B3), Collagen, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba
Acne – salicylic or glycolic acid, Retinol
Blotchiness and discoloration – Kojic acid and glycolic acid, hydroquinone, arbutin
Dryness – Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, argan oil
How you should apply a Serum
The general rule is to apply serum with your fingertips, patting it and then smoothing it out. You will want to check the instructions from the product manufacturer on your specific serum just to be sure though. You can also add a few drops of your Serum to your favorite Moisturizer and apply that way.
Most companies recommend using a Serum first and then using your moisturizer over the Serum as Moisturizers form a barrier to keep the skin hydrated and lock in moisture.
Risks
Because Serums are highly concentrated, they have the potential to cause burning and irritation to the skin so it is always a good idea to test a small area before using. They can also aggravate certain skin conditions, or interact with Retinol Cream. I learned this the hard way 🙁
According to Wikipedia “Persistent moisturization to the skin from exposure to water may contribute to an allergic reaction or irritant contact dermatitis. Changes in the skin’s normal ecological environment, in or on the skin, can also support the overgrowth of pathological organisms.”.
Moisturizers and Serums are also known to contain some aromas or food additives which may trigger an allergic reaction.
This page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Do your research, find what works for you and talk to your Dermatologist or physician if you have any questions or concerns.
