Whey is a product with a high concentration of nutrients. Unlike extracts and extracts, there can be many of them in different proportions. That is, whey is often a nourishing, refreshing or therapeutic cocktail.
It also differs from creams, which are an emulsion - a suspension of fat particles in water or, conversely, microdroplets in fat.
The serum is usually uniform in consistency. Although its base can also be aqueous or oily, depending on which environment is optimal for the active ingredients contained in it.
Action on the skin
Due to its light and nourishing composition, the serum has a very strong effect on the skin and is able to:
- to quickly improve its appearance.
- slow down age-related destructive processes.
- neutralizes the early signs of aging.
- eliminate age spots;
- rejuvenate and rejuvenate the face.
- restores skin firmness and elasticity.
- acts against rosacea.
- deeply moisturize the skin.
- remove acne scars and spots.
There are also special therapeutic sera for problem skin with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and sebum-like action. It is best not to use them without a prescription, as if used incorrectly, you can only make the problem worse.
Rules of application
To get the most out of this literally and figuratively valuable cosmetic product, you need to know how to use facial serum properly:
- Apply it only on dry and clean skin, after washing well and wiping with tonic (without alcohol! ).
- It is recommended to use a moisturizing serum in the morning, then it will offer freshness for the whole day. But under bad weather and frost, you can go out 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 will give maximum results.
- Narrowly targeted serums are used only in areas: anti-inflammatory - for acne. from wrinkles - to the folds of the skin. bleaching - in areas with intense pigmentation.
- Anti-aging and lifting serums are best applied to the neck and décolleté. And tightening the oval of the face - in the neck and below the lower jaw.
- Due to its light composition, the serum is quickly absorbed and can penetrate quite deeply. Therefore, you do not need to massage your face and guide it with your fingers.
- It is important not to overdo it. Usually bottles have a dispenser. And 2-3 drops of the product are enough for the care of the whole face.
- Once the product is completely absorbed, you can apply a cream on it. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the foundation often does not fit well in lifting and anti-aging serums. In this case, you should limit yourself to mineral dust.
In most cases, it is not necessary to rinse the serum unless required by the instructions, which should always be read before purchasing the product.
Secrets of choice
Only at first glance it seems that choosing a serum for the face is easy. In fact, there are many important factors to consider:
- Age. Up to 25 years, concentrated formulations are generally best used exclusively for medical purposes. It is recommended to use anti-aging serums after 35. And with the result of superlifting, and even later - at 45+. The fact is that by taking in enough nutrients, our skin stops producing them. Do not let it relax too soon.
- Skin type. This is very important, as the serum has a strong effect on it. Consequently, when applying an unsuitable product, for example, on dry skin, it can be caused by severe irritation, peeling and even the rapid formation of wrinkles.
- Problems. For problem skin, some serums are not suitable. But there are specially designed products for this. Also, many drugs have a narrow focus on solving certain problems. This is usually stated on the package.
- active ingredients. Because they are present in large quantities, people prone to allergic reactions should carefully study the composition of each new product and make sure to do a test before using it.
- Storage terms and conditions. Some professional preparations are sold in disposable bottles, after opening which quickly lose their useful properties. Yes, and serums have a very short lifespan - from several hours to several days.
If we compare products that we buy or make ourselves at home, then in terms of impact strength, the latter lose significantly. Therefore, those who want to get a quick and important result should not save.
Best sera
The best serums are the ones that are perfect for you. As an expert, 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 used for injections or scooters. But products from the mass market and home-made also work well.
Professional
The culmination of professional serums is the strictly balanced composition and the presence of patented compositions 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 material procedures, the serum is delivered directly to those places where the skin needs it the most. No wonder the results are impressive.
Mass market
On the shelves of mass markets, the abundance of serums is increasing daily. On the one hand, thank you. On the other hand, it allows you to doubt the quality of the product. Especially at a low price. A high quality biologically active concentrate can not be cheap, if only because of its high production costs.
To smooth out mimic wrinkles, it is best to use fillers instead of serums. These are even more concentrated formulations designed to replenish lost soft tissue volume.
Homemade
If you wish, you can prepare homemade anti-aging face serums. Their effect will be weaker than from the store. But on the other hand, in the absence of chemistry, the skin will be able to be supplied with useful substances.
oily
For dry and sensitive, as well as mature and covered with multiple fine wrinkles, an oil-based serum is ideal. Any natural oils are suitable for this.
The thinner the skin, the lighter it should be.
Argan oil is the best. 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 recipes:
- For dry. Mix a tablespoon of avocado oils and inside, add necessarily: 6 drops of geranium, 3 - chamomile and 2 - lavender. The composition has a calming, anti-inflammatory and emollient effect.
- For mature and fading. Base: two tablespoons of apricot or grape seed oil, one - rose. 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 the skin, increases the firmness of the skin.
- For normal. A tablespoon of jojoba or coconut oil, three teaspoons of a tocopherol solution, a tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Now add the necessary: 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 under makeup, so it is best to use them on weekends or at night. Store in a dark place in a glass container that closes well 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 shallow pigmentation.
- helps remove toxins.
- eliminates greasy shine.
- relieves inflammation and swelling.
- reduces bags under the eyes.
- removes blackheads and blackheads.
- restores hydrolipid 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 is better to make it from whole homemade milk. It should stay at room temperature until completely sour. A piece of rye bread thrown into a jar will help speed up the process. When the milk separates, drain the whey and pass through several layers of gauze. Some people heat sour milk on low heat, but it is so easy to go wrong and overheat.
You can use this serum after washing or the night before applying the night cream.
If you make ice from it and wipe your face with it daily, then the skin will become fresh and pink and the oval of the face will be clearer. The serum also allows you to remove acne and small rashes, as it contains lactic acid.
Cream or serum
I am often asked what is better: cream or serum. For me it is like choosing between bun and jam. Naturally, a jam bun is much tastier and more nutritious than these products alone.
The serum has a strong directed effect on the skin. The cream does the rest:
- prolongs the effect.
- normalizes hydrolipid balance.
- contains sunscreens.
- helps retain moisture in the skin.
- helps smooth wrinkles.
In fact, it is the cream that provides a complete, balanced daily skin care. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend their use together.
In addition, the finished products should be at least from the same manufacturer and preferably from the same order, so that they complement each other and reinforce each other and do not conflict with each other.
Recap
The cosmetic serum for the face and the skin around the eyes is really a very necessary and useful product. It can only cause damage 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 the rating, but on the composition and focus. The question of which works best - serum or face cream - does not make sense. They should be used together, as they have different effects on the skin.
High quality serum not only visually improves the condition of the skin, but also promotes the production of collagen and elastin, rejuvenates the tissues from the inside.