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.
The serum is usually the same in consistency. Although its base can be water or oil, depending on which environment is 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 improves its appearance;
- slow down age-related destructive processes;
- neutralizes the early signs of aging;
- removal of age spots;
- rejuvenates and refreshes the face;
- restoring the firmness and elasticity of the skin;
- acts against rosacea;
- deeply moisturizes the epidermis;
- remove acne scars and blemishes.
There are also special therapeutic serums for problem skin with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and sebostatic action. It is better not to use them without a prescription, because if used incorrectly, you can only worsen the problem.
Application rules
To get the most out of this literally and figuratively valuable cosmetic product, you need to know how to use the face serum properly:
- Apply only on dry and clean skin, after washing thoroughly and wiping with a tonic (no alcohol! ).
- It is recommended 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 out with it no earlier than half an hour later.
- Problematic skin products are best used at night. Then they will work successfully for several hours and give maximum results.
- Serums with narrow targeted action are used only zonally: anti-inflammatory - for acne; from wrinkles - on the folds of the skin; whitening - 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 - the neck and under the lower jaw.
- Due to its light consistency, the serum is quickly absorbed and is able to penetrate quite deeply. That's why you don't need to massage your face and drive it with your fingers.
- It is important not to overdo it. Bottles usually have a dispenser. And 2-3 drops of the product are enough to treat the whole face.
- Once the product is completely absorbed, you can apply the cream on it. 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 powder.
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
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 preparations are usually better to use exclusively for medical 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 because the serum has an intense effect on it. Accordingly, when applying an unsuitable product, for example on dry skin, this can be provoked by severe irritation, peeling and even the rapid formation of wrinkles.
- Problems. Some serums are not suitable for problem skin. But there are specially designed products for this. Also, many drugs have a narrow focus on solving certain problems. This is usually indicated on the packaging.
- active components. As they are present 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.
- Storage conditions. Some professional detergents 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 a few hours to several days.
If we compare products purchased or prepared at home, then in terms of the strength of the impact of the latter lose significantly. That is why those who want to get a quick and meaningful result should not save.
The best serums
The best serums are the ones that are perfect for you. As a specialist, of course, I prefer professional detergents. They use all the achievements of modern chemistry and cosmetology and are able to really prolong youth, especially if used for injections or a mesoscooter. But mass-market and home-made products also work well.
Professional
The emphasis of professional serums is in 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 nutrients 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 the most. No wonder the results are impressive.
The mass market
The abundance of serums on the shelves of mass markets is growing every day. On the one hand, happy. On the other hand, it allows you to doubt the quality of the product. Especially with a low price. High-quality biologically active concentrate cannot be cheap, even if only because of the high cost of its production.
To smooth out facial wrinkles, it is best to use fillers instead of serums. These are even more concentrated preparations designed to replenish the lost volume of soft tissues.
Homemade
If desired, you can prepare homemade anti-aging serums. The effect of them will be weaker than from the store. But on the other hand, in the complete absence of chemicals, the skin will be able to nourish with nutrients.
greasy
For dry and sensitive, as well as mature and covered with many fine wrinkles, the oil-based serum is ideal. All kinds of natural oils are suitable for it.
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.
Olives, peaches, apricots or grape seeds, wheat germ, jojoba, etc. are also good.
Here are some recipes for cooking:
- For dry. Mix a tablespoon of avocado and entothera oils, add essential: 6 drops of geranium, 3 - chamomile and 2 - lavender. The composition has a calming, anti-inflammatory and emollient effect.
- For aging and fading. Base: two tablespoons of apricot or grape seed oil, one - rose hips. 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. One tablespoon of jojoba oil or coconut oil, three teaspoons of tocopherol oil solution, one tablespoon of sea buckthorn oil. Now add the basics: 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 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-sealed glass container at room temperature.
Kefir
At 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 remove toxins;
- removes 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 from whole milk. It should be left at room temperature until completely acidified. A piece of rye bread thrown into a jar will help speed up the process. When the milk separates, the whey is drained and filtered through several layers of gauze. Some people heat yogurt over low heat, but it's so easy to get confused 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 will become fresh and pink, and the oval of the face will become cleaner. 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 a jam. Naturally, the muffin with jam is much tastier and more nutritious than these products alone.
The 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 to smooth out wrinkles.
In fact, it is the cream that provides complete, balanced daily skin care. That is why cosmetologists recommend using them together.
In addition, the finished products must be at least from the same manufacturer and preferably from the same series, in order to complement and reinforce each other and not to conflict.
Summary
The cosmetic serum for 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 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 better - 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, rejuvenates the tissues inside.