Understanding how do serums work

Face serums are the latest weapon in the beauty arsenal. Look anywhere and you will find skin care brands promoting their new line of serums. Endorsed as lighter but more effective beauty products, these products are believed to be the most advanced and effective treatment range on the market.

What is serum?

For those who don’t know, serums are light and fast-absorbing liquids used as an alternative or in addition to creams or lotions. The biggest difference between a serum and a cream is that the former has high concentration of active ingredients, which makes it more effective than creams. Serums are free from moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or oil and hence are lighter. The molecules of these skin care products are smaller than those of creams and moisturisers; hence they are quickly absorbed by the skin pores and penetrate deep into the skin layers.

It is obvious that serums are more effective than usual creams when it comes to treatment of a particular skin problem. So, whether it is signs of ageing or acne, you can deal with these problems easily with serums. Adding it in your daily skin care routine is the best way of harnessing the maximum benefit of this product.

How does it work?

Working of serums varies depending upon their main active ingredient. Products containing peptides trick body into making more collagen, thereby increasing suppleness of skin and decreasing wrinkles. Serums with collagen derivatives as active ingredient increase elasticity and strength of skin by supplying the lost collagen. Face serums with antioxidants like Vitamin C protects skin against free radicals and UV rays that cause most skin problems including wrinkles and dark spots. Retinol based products prompt skin cells to die rapidly making way for new skin growth underneath. Clearly, the working changes with ingredients and so does the results.

How to buy the right face serum?

So, if you have decided to buy facial serums, you must know that like other skin care products you must pick these depending upon your skin type. There are numerous products available on the market and not all might have a label saying ‘for dry’ or ‘for oily’ skin. You must be aware of the ingredients that you might have to look out for in these products.

• Dry skin: Those who have dry skin must use serum under their moisturizer to keep skin soft and supple. Products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid will work best for dry skin. You can also pick products that contain oils.
• Oily skin: Serums are a boon for oily skin types as the lighter consistency won't leave out sticky and greasy feeling. These can be used alone and in place of moisturizers for those with oily skin. Products formulated with glycolic acid or retinol will work for oily skin.
• Acne-prone skin: Look for a serum that is specially formulated for acne-prone skin. Products with Vitamin C as the key ingredient will work as they provide antioxidant protection while reducing redness and inflammation.
• Ageing skin: For skin with wrinkles and fine lines, products with AHAs like Murad Age-Diffusing Serum or peptides must be chosen as they helps boost new cell growth and make skin appear rejuvenated and revitalised will work.

You can easily find serums that are specifically formulated to target a particular skin condition. So whether you are looking for skin lightening product or want to tame rosacea, there is a product for you on the market. Just be careful regarding harmful chemicals and irritants that you might be allergic to. When it comes to results, you will usually see improvements within 3 weeks. Skin has a regeneration cycle of 28 days, so no matter what product you use, changes will be visible only after you wait for skin regeneration to complete.