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 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 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 intense effect on the skin and is able to:
- 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 firmness and elasticity of the skin;
- act against rosacea;
- deeply moisturize 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 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 correctly:
- Apply it only to 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, then it will provide freshness for the whole day. But under bad weather conditions 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 of narrowly targeted action are used only zonally: anti-inflammatory - for acne; from wrinkles - on the creases of the skin; bleaching - in places with pronounced pigmentation.
- Anti-aging and lifting serums are also best applied to the neck and décolleté. And tightening the oval of the face - on the neck and under the lower jaw.
- Due to the light consistency, the serum is quickly absorbed and is able to penetrate quite deeply. Therefore, you do not need to massage your face and drive it with your fingers.
- It's important not to overdo it. Usually the bottles have a dispenser. And 2-3 drops of the product is enough to treat the entire face.
- After the product is completely absorbed, you can apply a cream on it. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the foundation often does not fit well on lifting and anti-aging serums. In this case, you will have to limit yourself to mineral powder.
In most cases, it is not necessary to rinse off the serum, unless it is required by the instructions, which should always be read before buying the product.
Secrets of choice
It only at first glance seems that choosing a face serum is easy. In fact, there are many important factors to consider:
- Age. Up to 25 years, concentrated preparations are generally better to use exclusively for medicinal purposes. It is recommended to use anti-aging serums after 35. And with the effect of superlifting, and even later - at 45+. The fact is that, getting enough nutrients, our skin stops producing them. Don't let her relax too soon.
- Skin type. This is very important, since the serum has an intense effect on it. Accordingly, when applying an unsuitable product, for example, on dry skin, it can be provoked by severe irritation, peeling and even the rapid formation of wrinkles.
- Problems. For problematic skin, some serums are not suitable. But there are specially designed products for it. Also, many drugs have a narrow focus on solving certain problems. This is usually indicated 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 be 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 home-made serums have a very short shelf life - from several hours to several days.
If we compare products purchased or prepared on our own at home, then in terms of the strength of the impact, the latter lose significantly. Therefore, those who want to get a quick and significant result should not save.
Best Serums
The best serums are the ones that are perfect for you. As a specialist, 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 they are 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, the serum is delivered directly to those 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, it pleases. 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 its production.
To smooth mimic wrinkles, it is best to use not serums, but fillers. These are even more concentrated preparations designed to replenish the lost volume of soft tissues.
Homemade
If desired, you can prepare homemade anti-aging face serums. 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 fed 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 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:
- For dry. Mix one tablespoon of avocado and entotera oils, add essential: 6 drops of geranium, 3 - chamomile and 2 - lavender. The composition has a calming, anti-inflammatory and softening effect.
- For mature and fading. 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, increases skin turgor.
- For normal. A tablespoon of jojoba or coconut oil, three teaspoons of an oil solution of tocopherol, one tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Now add essential: 5 drops of cinnamon, 2-3 - ylang-ylang, 3 - sweet orange. Serum slightly brightens 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 well stoppered glass container 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 useful 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 to remove toxins;
- eliminates oily sheen;
- relieves inflammation and swelling;
- reduces bags under the eyes;
- removes blackheads and blackheads;
- restores hydrolipidic balance.
But 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 is better to make it from whole homemade milk. It must be left at room temperature until completely soured. A piece of rye bread thrown into a jar will help speed up the process. When the milk separates, drain the whey and strain through several layers of gauze. Some people heat sour milk over low heat, but it's 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 out of 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. Also, the serum 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. For me, it's like choosing between a bun and jam. Naturally, a bun with jam is much tastier 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 hydrolipidic balance;
- contains sun filters;
- helps retain moisture in the skin;
- helps to smooth out wrinkles.
In fact, it is the cream that provides a comprehensive, balanced daily skin care. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend using them together.
Moreover, finished products must be from at least one manufacturer, and preferably from the same series, in order to complement and reinforce each other, and not conflict with each other.
Summing up
Cosmetic serum for the face and skin around the eyes is really a very necessary and useful product. It can cause harm only in one case - if it is chosen incorrectly. And 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 what works better - serum or face cream - is meaningless. 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.