Whey is a product with a high concentration of nutrients. Unlike extracts and extracts, several of these can be present in different proportions. That said, whey is often a nutritious, rejuvenating, or healing cocktail.
It also differs from creams, which are an emulsion - a suspension of fat particles in water, or, conversely, microdroplets in fat.
Serum is usually of a uniform consistency. Its base can also be watery or oily, depending on which environment is optimal for the active ingredients it contains.
effect on the skin
Due to its light and nourishing composition, the serum has a very intensive effect on the skin and can:
- quickly improve its appearance;
- slow down age-related destructive processes;
- neutralize the early signs of aging;
- eliminate age spots;
- rejuvenate and refresh the face;
- restore the firmness and elasticity of the skin;
- act against rosacea;
- deeply moisturize the epidermis;
- Remove acne spots and blemishes.
There are also special therapeutic serums for problem skin with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and sebostatic effects. It is better not to use them without a doctor's prescription, because if used incorrectly, you can only aggravate the problem.
application rules
In order to achieve the maximum effect of this literally and figuratively valuable cosmetic product, you need to know how to use face serum correctly:
- Apply only to dry and clean skin after thoroughly washing and wiping with tonic (without alcohol! ).
- It is advisable to use a moisturizing serum in the morning, then it will provide freshness for the whole day. But in bad weather and frost, you can go outside with it no earlier than half an hour later.
- Products for problem skin are best used at night. Then they will work successfully for several hours and give maximum results.
- Serums with a narrowly targeted effect are used only in zones: anti-inflammatory - for acne; from wrinkles - on the skin folds; bleaching - in places with pronounced pigmentation.
- Anti-aging and lifting serums are also best applied to the neck and décolleté. And tighten the oval of the face - on the neck and under the lower jaw.
- Due to its light consistency, the serum is quickly absorbed and can penetrate very deeply. Therefore, there is no need to massage your face and run your fingers.
- It's 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 top. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the foundation often does not go well with lifting and anti-aging serums. In this case, you will have to limit yourself to mineral powders.
In most cases, rinsing off the serum is not necessary unless required by the instructions for use, which you should always read before purchasing the product.
secrets of choice
Only at first glance, choosing a face serum seems easy. In fact, there are many important factors to consider:
- Age. Up to the age of 25, in general, concentrated preparations are better to be used exclusively for medicinal purposes. It is recommended to use anti-aging serums after 35 years. And with the effect of superlifting, and even later - at 45+. The fact is that when our skin gets enough nutrients, it stops producing them. Don't let her relax too soon.
- skin type. This is very important, since the serum acts on it intensively. Accordingly, when applying an unsuitable product, for example, on dry skin, it can cause severe irritation, peeling and even rapid formation of wrinkles.
- problems. Some serums are not suitable for problem skin. But there are specially developed products for this. Also, many drugs have a narrow focus on solving specific problems. This is usually stated 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 any new product and be sure to conduct a test before use.
- Storage Terms and Conditions. Some professional preparations are sold in disposable bottles, which, once opened, quickly lose their useful properties. Yes, and homemade serums have a very short shelf life - from several hours to several days.
If we compare home-bought or self-prepared products, the latter lose significantly in terms of the strength of the impact. If you want to achieve a quick and meaningful result, you should not save.
Best serums
The best serums are the ones that suit you perfectly. As a specialist, I naturally prefer professional preparations. Utilizing all the achievements of modern chemistry and cosmetology, they can really prolong youth, especially when used for injections or a mesoscooter. But mass-market and home-made products also work well.
professional
The highlight of professional serums lies in a strictly balanced composition and 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 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 is growing every day. On the one hand I like it. 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 because of the high cost of production.
To smooth expression lines, it is best not to use serums, but fillers. These are even more concentrated preparations designed to replenish lost soft tissue volume.
Self-made
Upon request, you can prepare homemade anti-aging facial serums. The effect from them will be weaker than from the store. On the other hand, the skin can be supplied with useful substances without chemicals.
oily
An oil-based serum is ideal for dry, sensitive and mature skin with many fine lines. All natural oils are suitable for this.
The thinner the skin, the lighter they should be.
The best is argan oil. It is universal, does not leave greasy stains 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 recipes:
- For dry. Mix a tablespoon of avocado and entotera oil, add the essentials: 6 drops of geranium, 3 - chamomile and 2 - lavender. The composition has a soothing, anti-inflammatory and softening effect.
- For mature and fade. Base: two tablespoons of apricot or grape seed oil, one - rose hips. 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 and increases skin turgor.
- For normally. A tablespoon of jojoba or coconut oil, three teaspoons of an oil solution of tocopherol, a tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Now add the essentials: 5 drops of cinnamon, 2-3 - ylang-ylang, 3 - sweet orange. Serum slightly lightens the skin, increases its protective properties, helps against rosacea, slows down the aging process.
Such serums do not lie under makeup, so it is better to use them on weekends or at night. Store in a dark place in a tightly closed glass jar at room temperature.
kefir
From home kefir face serum is the most popular. No wonder - 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;
- lightens flat pigmentation;
- helps remove toxins;
- eliminates oily shine;
- relieves inflammation and swelling;
- reduces eye bags;
- removes blackheads and blackheads;
- restores the hydrolipidic balance.
However, it is important to remember that when heated above 50 ° C, the beneficial properties of kefir whey are quickly lost.
It's easy to prepare. And it's better to make it from homemade whole milk. It must be left at room temperature until fully leavened. A piece of rye bread thrown into a glass speeds up the process. When the milk separates, pour off the whey and strain through several layers of cheesecloth. Some people heat sour milk over low heat, but it's so easy to get it wrong and overheat.
You can use this serum after washing or in the evening before applying the night cream.
If you make ice out of it and wipe your face with it every day, the skin will become fresh and pink, and the oval of the face will become clearer. In addition, you can use the serum to remove acne and small rashes because 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 bun and jam. Of course, a bun with jam is much tastier and more nutritious than these products alone.
Serum has an intense targeted effect on the skin. The cream does the rest.
- prolongs the effect;
- normalizes hydrolipid balance;
- contains solar filters;
- helps retain moisture in the skin;
- helps smooth wrinkles.
In fact, it is the cream that provides a comprehensive, balanced daily skin care routine. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend using them together.
In addition, finished products should be at least from the same manufacturer, and preferably from the same series, in order to complement and reinforce each other and not conflict with each other.
Sum up
Cosmetic serum for face and eye area is really a very necessary and useful product. It can do harm in only one case - if it is chosen incorrectly. And positive results can be seen after a few days of regular use.
When buying finished products, you should pay attention not to the rating, but to the composition and focus. The question of what works better - serum or face cream - is superfluous. 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 tissues from the inside.