Whey is a product with a high concentration of nutrients. Unlike extracts and extracts, there may be several in different proportions. That is, whey is often a nutritious, rejuvenating or healing cocktail.
It also differs from creams that are emulsions - a suspension of fat particles in water or, conversely, microdroplets in fat.
The serum is usually of uniform consistency. Although its base can be watery or oily, depending on which environment is optimal for the active ingredients contained in it.
Effects on the skin
Due to its light and nourishing composition, the serum has a very intense effect on the skin and can:
- quickly improve your appearance;
- slow down the destructive processes associated with aging;
- neutralize the early signs of aging;
- eliminate age spots;
- rejuvenates and refreshes the face;
- restore firmness and elasticity of the skin;
- acts against rosacea;
- deeply moisturizes the epidermis;
- remove traces and blemishes from acne.
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 prescription, because if you use them incorrectly, you can only make the problem worse.
Application rules
To get the most out of this literally and figuratively valuable cosmetic product, you need to know how to use a face serum properly:
- Apply only on dry and clean skin, after washing it well and wiping it with a tonic (no alcohol! ).
- It is recommended to use a moisturizing serum in the morning, which will give you freshness for the whole day. But in bad weather and frost, you can go outside with it no later than half an hour later.
- Remedies for problem skin are best used at night. Then it will work successfully for several hours and give maximum results.
- Narrowly acting serums are used only zonally: anti-inflammatory - for acne; of 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 face - on the neck and under the lower jaw.
- Due to its light consistency, the serum is quickly absorbed and can penetrate quite deeply. So you don’t have to massage your face and drive it with your fingers.
- It is important not to overdo it. Usually bottles have a dispenser. And 2-3 drops of the product are enough to treat the whole face.
- After the product is completely absorbed, you can apply the cream on it. It should be borne in mind that the powder often does not fit well with the serums for lifting and aging. In this case, you will have to limit yourself to mineral powder.
In most cases, it is not necessary to rinse the serum, unless instructed to do so, which should always be read before buying the product.
Secrets of choice
At first glance, choosing a serum for the face seems easy. In fact, there are many important factors to consider:
- AgeUp to the age of 25, it is generally better to use concentrated preparations 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 the skin, getting enough nutrients, 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, it can be caused 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 that. Also, many medications have a narrow focus on solving certain problems. This is usually indicated on the packaging.
- active components. Since they are available in large quantities, people prone to allergic reactions should carefully study the composition of each new product and be sure to do a test before use.
- Storage conditions. Some professional preparations are sold in disposable bottles, which quickly lose their useful properties after opening. Yes, homemade serums also have a very short shelf life - from a few hours to a few days.
If we compare products bought or prepared at home, then in terms of impact strength, the latter lose significantly. Therefore, those who want to achieve a quick and significant result should not skimp.
The 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 their youth, especially if they are used for injections or a mesoscooter. But mass-market and home-made products also work well.
Professionally
The highlight of professional serums 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 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 the 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's nice. On the other hand, it allows you to doubt the quality of the product. Especially at a low price. High-quality biologically active concentrate cannot be cheap, if only because of the high cost of its production.
It is best to use fillers instead of serums to smooth out mimic wrinkles. These are even more concentrated preparations designed to make up for lost soft tissue volume.
Homemade
If you wish, you can prepare homemade anti-aging face serums. Their performance will be weaker than from trade. But on the other hand, in the complete absence of chemistry, the skin will be able to nourish itself with useful substances.
greasy
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 this.
The thinner the skin, the lighter it should be.
Argan oil is best. It is universal, does not leave greasy traces 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 recipes for cooking:
- For dry. Mix one tablespoon of avocado and entothera oil, add essential: 6 drops of geranium, 3 - chamomile and 2 - lavender. The composition has a calming, anti-inflammatory and emollient effect.
- For the mature and the pale. Base: two tablespoons of apricot or grape seed oil, one - pomegranate. 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 tocopherol oil solution, one tablespoon of buckthorn oil. Now add the essentials: 5 drops of cinnamon, 2-3 - ylang-ylang, 3 - sweet oranges. 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 tightly closed 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 the high content of potassium, calcium, choline and other vital substances:
- tightens the oval face;
- improves skin color;
- whitens shallow pigmentation;
- helps remove toxins;
- eliminates 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 it from whole milk. It must be left at room temperature until completely acidified. A piece of rye bread thrown in 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 is so easy to make a mistake and overheat.
You can use this serum after washing or in the evening before applying night cream.
If you make ice from it and wipe your face with it every day, then the skin will become fresh and pink, and the oval of the face will become clearer. Also, the serum enables the removal of acne and small rashes, because it contains lactic acid.
Cream or serum
I am often asked which is better: cream or serum. For me, it's like choosing between bread and jam. Of course, bread with jam is much tastier and more nutritious than these products themselves.
The serum has an intense targeted effect on the skin. The cream does the rest:
- prolongs the effect;
- normalizes hydrolipid balance;
- contains sun filters;
- helps retain moisture in the skin;
- helps smooth wrinkles.
In fact, it is the cream that provides comprehensive, balanced daily skin care. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend using them together.
Moreover, the finished products should 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.
Compression
Cosmetic serum for face and skin around the eyes is really a very necessary and useful product. It can cause damage only in one case - if it is chosen incorrectly. And positive results were seen after a few days of regular use.
When buying finished products, you should focus not on the rating, but on the composition and focus. The question of what works best - serum or face cream - is meaningless. They must be used together, because they have different effects on the skin.
High-quality serum not only visually improves the condition of the epidermis, but also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, rejuvenates the tissues inside.