Face serums have come a long way and evolved since the 1900s. In recent years, the need for skincare treatments has grown in popularity. The growth in technology is also a bonus since more research is done and better skincare equipment is being manufactured. More and more people want to properly take care of their skin by healing the common skincare concerns that they might suffer from.
We are now investing in a step by step skincare routine that maintains or skin appearance. A minimal skincare routine consisting of a face cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen has helped a lot of individuals achieve their skin goals.
Brands are in the lab coming up with serums and skincare treatments that will deliver the right ingredients to the skin.
WHAT IS A FACE SERUM?
Serums- A lightweight product with potent active ingredients that penetrate to deeper layers of the skin to target specific skin concerns.
Treatments- These are practices that improve the skin’s appearance and relieve skin conditions.
The first face serum which was first produced commercially in 1930s was used to reduce wrinkles and tighten the face’s appearance. Nowadays, serum helps solve many other skin concerns like dehydration, brightening, improve texture and protecting skin against damage.
A face serum has a low molecule which deliver the ingredients to deeper layers of the skin without clogging pores with any oils or comedogenic fillers. Most serums are water based though there are also; gel serums, oil serums etc
CHOOSING A FACE SERUM
A face serum ingredient list are what set it apart from other skincare products in your routine.
A face serum mostly contains what is really needed to achieve a certain goal. From getting rid of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots to brightening and other issues they solve.
Face serums are not mostly packed with other useless ingredients hence tend to work faster and more effective.
Common Active Ingredients in Serums
- Vitamin C- A water soluble vitamin which helps in production of collagen an anti aging product and helps to repair your complexion.
- Hyaluronic Acid– Used to hydrate the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles by smoothening and plumping the skin
- Antioxidants– They reduce pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and protect the skin from damage from the environment and stress
- Anti-inflammatory- It prevents redness, dryness, breakouts which is beneficial for sensitive skin individuals.
- Retinol- It helps in the production of collagen making the skin be firmer and plumper. It is also used in treating hyperpigmentation.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids- Chemical exfoliators that remove dead skin cells to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. They improve skin texture and redness the appearance of scars.
- Vitamin E- Moisturizes the sin and reverses signs of aging.
- DMAE- It lifts and firms the skin.
- Glycerin- Helps the skin attract and retain moisture hence hydrate skin. It can also help heal wounds and promote the health of damaged skin.
- Green Tea- Contains anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin and soothe inflammation. It can slow down the aging process and protect the skin from UV damage.
- Stem cells- It helps with skin repair and can improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars and hyperpigmentation.
- Growth Factors- They help in the growth of new skin cells and production of collagen and elastin which in turn improves skin’s appearance and texture.
- Resveratrol- An antioxidant that protects the skin from damage from free radicals.
- MSM- A sulfur compound that promote the production of keratin and collagen. It also brightens complexion and treats acne.
- Botanical Extracts and Oils- These contain amino acids, antioxidants, fatty acids, phytonutrients and essential vitamins that help nourish or benefit the skin one way or another. Eg Jojoba oil, Rosehip seed oil, Geranium oil.
Types of Face Serums
Antioxidant Face Serum
These are produced to protect your skin from free radicals which are; UV rays, pollution. These factors accelerate the aging process.
Hydrating Face Serum
Helps the skin with an extra boost of hydration making them ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. These are best used when sealed with a moisturizer to gain the maximum benefits.
Brightening Face Serum
They reduce the appearance of dark spots, patches and uneven skin tone.
If you are looking to treat hyperpigmentation you should look for these types of serums. They include ingredients such as; Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Alpha Hydroxy Acids.
Acne-fighting Face Serum
If you have acne-prone skin you might want to try these types of serums. They are formulated with active ingredients like; Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic Acid. These treat acne and prevent future breakouts.
Exfoliating Face Serum
They remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, this in turn improves skin texture. Ingredients in these serums include; AHAs and BHAs
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A FACE SERUM
Ingredients- Look for a serum with ingredients that tackle your specific concern.
Concentration- It is advisable to start with a serum whose active ingredients have a low concentration then you can upgrade later on when the skin is used to the product. High concentrations can cause irritation, burning and sensitivity so start small.
Skin Type- There are different serums that work best on each skin type.
- Oily skin- choose a lightweight oil free serum. Some oily people also suffer from acne so look for ingredients that will tackle the breakouts and scarring. You can pick a niacinamide serum for oily skin.
- Sensitive skin- Look for gentle ingredients that won’t irritate your skin easily. Serums with vitamin C, peptides and hyaluronic acid are a great choice.
- Dry skin- choose a hydrating and nourishing serum. Ingredients such as; Hyaluronic Acid work best in face serum for dry skin individuals
- Combination skin- serums with vitamin c, peptides will be a great option.
Benefits of using a Face Serum
- Hydrate the skin
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduce hyperpigmentation
- Exfoliate the skin
- Boosts collagen production
- Reduce redness and dryness
- Help in fighting acne/ breakouts
Great Serums To Try;
Truski naturals vitamin c
Loreal revitalift hyaluronic acid serum
Anua niacinamide 10%+ TXA 4%
Skin 1004 Centella
The ordinary niacinamide 10%+zinc 1%
Cerave resurfacing retinol serum
Paula’s choice 2% BHA exfoliant
SKINCARE TREATMENTS
In modern day, there is a variety of skin procedures available to combat various skin concerns. Ie acne, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation
The most popular skin treatments are:
1. Dermabrasion
It involves a dermatologist numbing your skin then use an exfoliating device to remove the outer layer of the skin that are damaged. This allows the skin to create younger newer skin cells.
The benefit of the procedure is to reduce the appearance of deep acne scars, scars from injury or surgery, sunspots, stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Suitable for people with fair skin and resuIts lasts years. A little side effect is the redness and irritation you can get after the procedure but it only lasts a few days
2. Microdermabrasion
The dermatologists rubs fine crystals into the skin using a device.
It treats acne scars, sunpots, stretch marks and improve skin tone
It is a less intense version of dermabrasion, works on all skin tones and results can last up to 30 days and with this you need to go for several treatments to achieve longer lasting results.
3. Chemical peel
A chemical peel is a procedure in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers. The skin that grows back is smoother. You may need to undergo the procedure more than once to get the desired results depending on the depth of the peel.
Chemical peels are used to treat wrinkles, discolored skin and scars — usually on the face. They can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic procedures. And they can be done at different depths, from light to deep. Deeper chemical peels offer more-dramatic results but also take longer to recover from.
The three depths to chemical peels include:
- Light chemical peel- A light chemical peel removes the outer layer of skin that is the epidermis. It’s used to treat fine wrinkles, acne, uneven skin tone and dryness.
- Medium chemical peel- A medium chemical peel removes skin cells from the epidermis and from portions of the upper part of your dermis. It’s used to treat wrinkles, acne scars and uneven skin tone. You might need to repeat the procedure to achieve or maintain the desired result.
- Deep chemical peel- A deep chemical peel removes skin cells even deeper. Your doctor might recommend one for deeper wrinkles, scars or precancerous growths. You won’t need repeat procedures to get the full effect.
4. Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing uses an energy-based device to improve the look and feel of skin. It’s usually used to reduce fine lines, age spots, sun damaged skin, mild and moderate acne scars and uneven skin color in the face. But it can’t fix sagging skin.
- Ablative laser. This method uses a beam of energy to destroy the outer layer of skin and heat the underlying skin. This stimulates the growth of collagen — a protein that improves skin firmness and texture. As the wound heals and skin regrows, the treated area is smoother and tighter. Types of ablative lasers include carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers, erbium lasers and combination systems.
- Nonablative laser or light source. This method also stimulates collagen growth. It’s less aggressive than an ablative laser and results in a shorter recovery time. But the results are subtle. Two types of nonablative therapy are erbium (Er:YAG) and intense pulsed light (IPL).
5. LED Light Therapy
LED light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to address specific skin concerns. It is non-invasive and safe for all skin types.
It uses are;
- Blue Light: Kills acne-causing bacteria.
- Red Light: Stimulates collagen and reduces inflammation.
- Near-Infrared Light: Promotes wound healing and skin rejuvenation.
6. Hydrafacial
Hydrafacial is a multi-step treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin using a specialized device. It’s suitable for nearly all skin types.
It is used to:
- Improving hydration
- Reducing blackheads and whiteheads
- Brightening the complexion
7. Botox
Botox is another procedure where a doctor injects the chemical botulinum into muscles in the face. The most common use for Botox is to improve fine lines and wrinkles in the face. When muscles are injected with Botox, they are temporarily paralyzed and become relaxed. This makes the wrinkles relax and soften, improving their look. Botox is typically injected into frown lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, and in the neck.
8.Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are mostly used to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. As skin ages, it becomes thinner and more susceptible to sagging and wrinkles. Dermal fillers can be injected into the skin to counter volume loss. Licensed professionals can inject fillers with a needle into the lips, cheeks, and around the eyes. Fillers improve the look of aging skin and result in younger and brighter looking skin.
9. Microneedling
Microneedling is a skin resurfacing technology that uses the skin’s natural healing process to reduce skin imperfections, treat sun damage, and restore a smoother, clearer complexion. Instead of removing layers of skin with heat or chemicals, microneedling creates microscopic “injuries” in the skin using an instrument containing dozens of very fine, short needles. The “injuries” are not visible to the naked eye, but they do trigger the natural healing response, prompting your skin to produce new collagen and elastin and regenerate new, healthy skin cells.
It is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, large pore size, stretch marks,
How to Choose the Right Treatment
Selecting the best skin treatment depends on your skin type, concerns, and goals. Here’s how to decide:
- Consider your budget and time
- Your skin type
- Your skin concern
Conclusion
Serums are transformative product in modern skincare, offering targeted solutions for diverse skin concerns. Understanding the science behind these products such as their active ingredients and mechanisms of action enables you to make informed decisions tailored to your skin’s type and needs. By choosing the right products and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, you can unlock the full potential of face serums and achieve a healthier, radiant complexion.
Skin treatments have come a long way, offering solutions for virtually every concern. From chemical peels, dermabrasion to hydra facials each treatment has its strengths and unique benefits. By understanding your skin’s needs and the science behind these treatments, you can make informed choices that help you achieve your skincare goals. It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist if you want to undergo these treatments. Also consider your skin tone, precautions, side effects or risks and after care.
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