“What serum should I be using on my skin.” This is a question I get asked all the time! There are so many different serums on the market, and it can be so confusing choosing the right ones for your skin type or skin condition. There are some key points to consider when choosing a serum. Firstly, let’s talk about serums in general.
What is a serum?
A serum is a product that is designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients into the skin. Serums are generally gel or liquid based. The molecules of a serum are much smaller than that of a moisturiser, meaning they can penetrate more easily and more deeply into the skin.
So, what serum should you be using? As a general rule, what serum you use depends entirely on your skin type and what your concerns are. I like to break it down into the following categories.
?Anti-aging
?Hydration
?Break outs & oil control
?Brightening or colour correcting
?Sensitivity or redness
When and how should you use a serum?
A serum can be used in the morning or at night or both depending on the active ingredients. Serums can be used after cleansing or exfoliating the skin but before your moisturer. If you are layering multiple serums it is recommended that you use the lighter, water-based serums first followed by the heavier oil-based serums. Not all serums can be layered or mixed together so make sure you seek professional advice before you start adding multiple serums to your skin care routine. Once your serum is absorbed you can apply your moisturiser, eye cream, and always finish off with a sunscreen in the morning.
When it comes to serums the list of ingredients is endless. I always recommend as a nonnegotiable for all of my clients (unless they are pregnant or breastfeeding) is Vitamin A (Retinol) which is proven to reverse the signs of ageing, speeding up cell turnover on the surface of the skin for a smoother, more even texture, while also working on the deeper layers to stimulate collagen production and fight wrinkles.. O Cosmedics has 4 products that contain Vitamin A in different doses.
- Pure Age Defiance which contains Retinyl Palmitate which is a gentler form of Vitamin A and is generally well tolerated by most skin types.
- Potent Retinol Serum 0.5% which contains 100% pure bioactive Retinol in micro-encapsulation technology to ensure superior stability and potency. Perfect for clients who are new to the Retinol game.
- Retinol Concentrate 1% which contains a powerful concentration of 100% pure bioactive Retinol with superior stability and potency. Retinol Concentrate uses the highest allowable concentration of Retinol before a prescription. Only suitable for clients who have been using the Potent Retinol Serum and are ready to migrate to a stronger Retinol.
- Retinoic Oil which offers all the benefits of Vitamin A without the irritation sometimes experienced with other forms of Retinol.
I could go into so much more detail about the benefits of Retinol, but I will save that for another blog dedicated to Retinol alone.
Another personal favorite serum of mine, especially in Australia’s harsh climate is a triple weighted Hyaluronic Acid. At Pure Aesthetic we have 2 amazing Hyaluronic Acid products.
O Cosmedics 3D Hyaluronic Acid Serum and DP Dermaceuticals Hyla Active Serum, both serums offer an intensive moisture infusion that delivers the feeling of deep hydration comfort and repair. Hyla Active Serum acts like a second skin providing an anti-inflammatory and anti-redness effect on the skin.
If you have any questions regarding what serums are suitable for your skin type or about specific ingredients, please contact us or book an appointment for a skin consultation.
