Whey is a product with a high nutrient content. Unlike extracts and extracts, there can be several of these, in different proportions. That is, whey is often a nourishing, rejuvenating or healing cocktail.
It is also different from creams, which are emulsions - a suspension of fat particles in water or, conversely, microdroplets in fat.
The serum is usually uniform. Although the base can be aqueous or oily, depending on which environment is optimal for the active ingredients 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 improves its appearance;
- slows down age-related destructive processes;
- neutralizes the early signs of aging;
- eliminates age spots;
- rejuvenates and refreshes the face;
- restores skin firmness and elasticity;
- acts against rosacea;
- deeply hydrates the epidermis;
- remove traces and spots of acne.
There are also special therapeutic sera for problematic skin that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and sebostatic effects. Without a prescription, it is better not to use them because if used incorrectly, it can only aggravate the problem.
Application rules
To get the most out of this literally and figuratively valuable cosmetic product, you need to know how to use facial serum correctly:
- Apply only on dry and clean skin after washing thoroughly and wiping with tonic (without alcohol! ).
- It is worth using a moisturizing serum in the morning, it will provide freshness all day long. But in case of bad weather and frost, you can go out with it at the earliest half an hour later.
- Products for problem skin are best used at night. They then work successfully for several hours and give maximum results.
- Narrowly targeted sera are used only zonal: for anti-inflammatory - acne; from wrinkles - to the wrinkles of the skin; bleaching - in places with severe pigmentation.
- Anti-aging and lifting serums are also best for the neck and décolleté. And tightening the oval of the face - around the neck and lower jaw.
- Due to its light consistency, the serum is rapidly absorbed and can penetrate quite deeply. That’s why you don’t have to massage your face and drive with your fingers.
- It is important not to overdo it. Bottles usually have a dispenser. And 2-3 drops of the product is enough to treat the whole face.
- Once the product is completely absorbed, a cream can be applied to it. However, it should be noted that the primer is often not well suited for lifting and anti-aging sera. 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 for use, which should always be read before purchasing the product.
The secrets of choice
At first glance, it seems that choosing a facial serum is easy. In fact, a number of important factors need to be considered:
- Disease. Until the age of 25, it is generally better to use concentrated preparations for medical purposes only. The use of anti-aging serums is recommended after 35 years. And superlifting effect, and even later - over 45 years. The situation is that when we get enough nutrients, our skin stops producing them. Don't let it relax too soon.
- Skin type. This is very important as it is intensively affected by the serum. Accordingly, if an unsuitable product is used, for example on dry skin, it can be caused by severe irritation, peeling and even rapid wrinkling.
- Problems. Certain sera are not suitable for problem skin. But there are products specifically designed for this. In addition, many medications have a narrow focus on solving certain problems. This is usually indicated on the packaging.
- active components. Because they are present in large quantities, people prone to allergic reactions should carefully study the composition of each new product and be sure to test before use.
- Storage conditions. Some professional formulations are sold in disposable bottles that quickly lose their useful properties when opened. Yes, and the shelf life of homemade sera is very short - from several hours to several days.
If we compare products bought at home or made by hand, the latter lose significantly in terms of the strength of the effect. Therefore, those who want to achieve fast and significant results should not save.
Best serums
The best serums are the ones that are perfect for you. As a professional, of course, I prefer professional preparations. They use all the advances of modern chemistry and cosmetology and are truly capable of prolonging youth, especially when used for injection or mesoscooter. But products from the mass market and home-made also work well.
Professional
The highlight of professional sera is the 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 the beneficial ingredients to penetrate even deeper. And through injections, mesotherapy, or hardware procedures, the serum is delivered directly to the areas where the skin needs it most. No wonder the results are impressive.
Mass market
The abundance of serums on the shelves of mass markets is increasing day by day. On the one hand, I like it. On the other hand, it allows you to question the quality of the product. Especially at low prices. A good quality biologically active concentrate cannot be cheap, not least because of the high cost of production.
To smooth out mimic wrinkles, it is best to use fillers instead of serums. These are even more concentrated formulations designed to make up for the amount of soft tissue lost.
Homemade
You can make anti-aging facial serums at home if you wish. Their effect will be weaker than the store. But on the other hand, in the complete absence of chemistry, the skin can be nourished with useful substances.
oily
The oil-based serum is ideal for dry and sensitive skin as well as for those with mature and repeatedly fine wrinkled skin. Any natural oil is suitable for it.
The thinner the skin, the lighter it should be.
Argan oil is best. It is universal, leaves no greasy marks and has an amazing anti-aging effect, but is expensive.
Olives, peaches, apricots or grape seeds, wheat germ, jojoba, etc. are good.
Here are some cooking recipes:
- To dry. Mix a tablespoon of avocado and entotera oil, add 6 drops of geranium, 3 drops of chamomile and 2 drops of lavender. The preparation has a calming, anti-inflammatory and emollient effect.
- Mature and faded. Base: two tablespoons of apricot or grape seed oil, one - rosehip. Add two teaspoons of carrots or 5 capsules of AEVit vitamin, 5-6 drops of geranium oil, 3 - rosemary, 2-3 - nerolit. The tool perfectly tones the skin, smoothes wrinkles, improves complexion, increases skin turgor.
- To normal. One tablespoon of jojoba or coconut oil, three teaspoons of tocopherol oily solution, one tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Now add essential: 5 drops of cinnamon, 2-3 - ylang-ylang, 3 - sweet orange. The 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 container at room temperature.
Kefir
From home, kefir face serum is the most popular. This is not surprising - it is the most readily available 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 oily light;
- relieves inflammation and swelling;
- reduces under-eye bags;
- removes blackheads and blackheads;
- restores hydrolipid equilibrium.
However, it is important to note that when heated above 50 ° C, the beneficial properties of kefir whey are quickly lost.
Easy to make. And it’s better to make it from whole homemade milk. Leave at room temperature until completely acidified. A rye bread tossed in a bottle speeds up the process. When the milk separates, drain the whey and filter through several layers of gauze. Some people heat sour milk on a low flame but it is so easy to spoil and overheat.
You can use this serum after washing or in the evening before applying the night cream.
If we make ice out of it and wipe our face with it daily, the skin will be fresh and pink and the oval of the face will be cleaner. In addition, the serum allows the removal of acne and small rashes as 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 a jam. Of course, jam buns are much tastier and more nutritious than these products alone.
The serum has an intense effect on the skin. The rest is handled by the cream:
- prolongs the effect;
- normalizes 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, beauticians recommend using them together.
In addition, the finished products must come from at least the same manufacturer, preferably from the same series, in order to complement and reinforce each other and not conflict with each other.
In summary
Cosmetic serum for the face and skin around the eyes is indeed a very necessary and useful product. It can only cause harm in one case - if chosen incorrectly. And positive results are seen after a few days of regular use.
When buying finished products, you should focus not on evaluation but on composition and focus. The question of which works best - serum or face cream - is meaningless. These should be used together as they have different effects on the skin.
The high-quality serum not only visually improves the condition of the epidermis, but also promotes the production of collagen and elastin, rejuvenating the tissues from the inside.