Whey is a product with a high concentration of nutrients. Unlike extracts and extracts, there may be several of them in different proportions. That is, whey is often a nourishing, 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 uniform in consistency. Although its base may also be aqueous or oily, depending on the environment optimal for the active ingredients contained in it.
Effect on the skin
Due to its light and nourishing composition, the serum has a very intense effect on the skin and is able to:
- quickly improve its appearance;
- curb age-related destructive processes;
- neutralize the early signs of aging;
- eliminate age spots;
- rejuvenate and refresh the face;
- restore firmness and elasticity to the skin;
- action against rosacea;
- deeply moisturizes the epidermis;
- remove acne marks 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, as if they are used incorrectly, you can only aggravate the problem.
Application rules
To get the maximum effect from 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 it has been thoroughly washed and wiped with tonic (without alcohol! ).
- It is advisable to use a moisturizing serum in the morning, as it gives freshness throughout the day. But in bad weather and frost, you can go outside with it at the earliest half an hour later.
- Problems for problem skin are best used at night. Then they will work successfully for several hours and give maximum results.
- Serum with narrow targeting effect is used only zonally: anti-inflammatory - for acne; from wrinkles - on the folds of the skin; bleaching - in places with pronounced pigmentation.
- Anti-aging and lifting serum is also best applied to the neck and décolleté. And tightening of the oval of the face - on the neck and under the lower jaw.
- Due to the light consistency, the serum is absorbed quickly and is able to penetrate quite deeply. Therefore, you do not need to massage your face and run it with your fingers.
- It is important not to overdo it. Usually the bottles have a dispenser. And 2-3 drops of the product is enough to treat the whole face.
- After the product is completely absorbed, you can apply a cream on it. At the same time, it must be taken into account that the foundation often does not fit well on lift and anti-aging serum. In this case, you will need to limit yourself to mineral powder.
In most cases, it is not necessary to rinse the serum off unless required by the instructions, which should always be read before purchasing the product.
The secrets of the election
It only seems at first glance that it is easy to choose a serum for the face. In fact, there are many important factors to consider:
- Age. Up to the age of 25, concentrated preparations are generally better to use exclusively for medicinal purposes. It is recommended to use anti-aging serum after 35. And with the effect of superlifting, and even later - at 45+. The fact is that when we get enough nutrients, our skin stops producing them. Do not let her relax too soon.
- Skin type. This is very important as the serum has an intense effect on it. Consequently, when you apply an unsuitable product, for example on dry skin, it can be caused by severe irritation, peeling and even rapid formation of wrinkles.
- Problems. For problem skin, some sera are not suitable. But there are specially designed products for it. Many medicines also have a narrow focus on solving certain problems. This is usually stated on the packaging.
- active components. Since they are there in large quantities, people with a tendency to allergic reactions should carefully study the composition of each new product and make sure to do a test before using it.
- Terms and conditions of storage. Some professional preparations are sold in disposable bottles, after opening, which quickly lose their useful properties. Yes, and homemade serum has a very short shelf life - from several hours to several days.
If we compare products purchased or prepared on their own at home, then the latter loses significantly in terms of the strength of the effect. Therefore, those who want to get a quick and significant result should not save.
Best serum
The best serums are the ones that are perfect for you. As a specialist, of course, I prefer professional preparation. They use all the results of modern chemistry and cosmetology and are able to really prolong youth, especially if used for injections or a mesoscooter. But products from the mass market and prepared at home also work well.
Professional
The highlight of professional serums is 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, 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 serum grows every day. On the one hand, it delights. 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 can not be cheap, just because of the high cost of its production.
To smooth out imitation wrinkles, it is best to use not serum but fillers. These are even more concentrated preparations designed to rebuild the lost volume of soft tissue.
Homemade
If desired, you can prepare homemade anti-aging facial serum. The effect of them will be weaker than from the store. But on the other hand, in the complete absence of chemistry, the skin will be able to be nourished with useful substances.
oily
For dry and sensitive, as well as mature and covered with several fine wrinkles, an oil-based serum is ideal. All natural oils are suitable for it.
The thinner the skin, the lighter they should be.
The best is argan oil. It is universal, does not leave 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 cooking recipes:
- To dry. Mix a tablespoon of avocado and entotera oils, add essentials: 6 drops of geranium, 3 - chamomile and 2 - lavender. The composition has a calming, anti-inflammatory and emollient effect.
- To mature and fading. Base: two tablespoons of apricot or grape seed oil, one - rosehip. 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 tones the skin perfectly, smoothes wrinkles, improves complexion, increases skin turgor.
- To alm. One tablespoon of jojoba or coconut oil, three teaspoons of an oil solution of tocopherol, one tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Now add essentials: 5 drops of cinnamon, 2-3 - ylang-ylang, 3 - sweet orange. Serum easily brightens the skin, increases its protective properties, helps against rosacea, slows down the aging process.
Such serums are not under makeup, so it is better to use them on weekends or at night. Store in the dark in a glass container with a good stopper at room temperature.
Kefir
From home, kefir facial serum is the most popular. This is not surprising - it is the easiest to achieve 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 tone;
- bleaching superficial pigmentation;
- helps remove toxins;
- removes oily 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 sweet homemade milk. It should stand at room temperature until it is completely acidified. A piece of rye bread tossed in a jar will help speed up the process. When the milk separates, the whey is drained and sieved through several layers of gauze. Some people heat sour milk at low heat, but it is so easy to go wrong and overheat.
You can use this serum after washing or in the evening before applying the night cream.
If you make ice from it and wipe your face with it daily, then the skin becomes fresh and pink, and the oval in the face becomes clearer. The serum also allows you to remove acne and small rashes as it contains lactic acid.
Cream or serum
I am often asked which is better: cream or serum. To me, it's like choosing between a bun and jam. Of course, a bun with jam is much more delicious and more nutritious than these products alone.
Serum has an intense directed effect on the skin. The cream does the rest:
- prolongs the effect;
- normalizes the hydrolipid balance;
- contains sunscreens;
- helps retain moisture in the skin;
- helps smooth out wrinkles.
In fact, it is the cream that provides a comprehensive, balanced daily skin care. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend using them together.
Furthermore, finished goods should be at least from the same manufacturer, and preferably from the same series, in order to complement and reinforce each other and not come into conflict with each other.
Summary
Cosmetic serum for the face and skin around the eyes is really a very necessary and useful product. It can only cause damage in one case - if selected incorrectly. And positive results can be seen after a few days of regular use.
When buying finished products, do not focus on the assessment, but on the composition and focus. The question of what works best - serum or face cream - is meaningless. They should 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, rejuvenating tissue from within.