Cosmetic Serum is a highly concentrated product based on water or oil as any other cream. Serums, or concentrates, contain approximately ten times more of biologically active substances than creams, therefore quicker and more effectively coping with cosmetic problems.
So th Cosmetic Serum is a concentrated product widely used in cosmetology. The term itself came from the professional cosmetology. Though serum was sold already in mid 1990s, not many people can still answer the question - what is it? Nevertheless, serum is recommended to everyone by professional cosmetologists.
When concentrates are used the skin immediately gets the necessary amount of active substances in such form which assimilates easier. The active substances in high concentration act in the same way as creams - they moisturise, rejuvenate, lift up etc. The only difference is that in case concentrates are used correctly the noticeable results will be reached quicker.
According to the effect produced all serums are strictly divided into the following categories:
lifting up • revitalising (rejuvenating and regenerating) • moisturising • nourishing
anti-inflammatory • soothing • anti-stress
Serums can be used to relieve tension, tighten skin up etc. One of the essential features of concentrates is that they cannot be simultaneously used for all skin types and cure "all diseases". Such serums just do not exist. For example, a product that fights skin dryness will only contain moisturising components (plants extracts, hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans). Rejuvenating concentrates may contain collagen, elastin, or placenta cell extracts (placenta cell extracts should not be confused with stem cells). Serums, that release inflammation, contain such components as witch-hazel and panthenol; those meant for blood circulation activation contain horse-chestnut extracts.
Therefore, serums act locally upon different body parts: face, neck, decollate, eyelids. Exceptional care should be taken of the skin around eyes where special preservatives and bases are used, and the dosage of active components is accurately calculated. If the PH level of other serums varies from 5 to 6.5, in eyelids serums it must be neutral - 7 (as PH level of human tears).
Serums can be used irrespective of age. Owing to their effect, serum can be used by a teenager with acne problem; a woman will notice a significant skin improvement and decrease in the number of wrinkles; a man with sensitive skin can quickly get rid of after shave skin inflammation. When using concentrates you can always get not only a quick cosmetic effect, but also psychological satisfaction after the treatment because the result will be seen practically immediately.
After applying serum you should always use associated cream as serum easily penetrates the skin leaving it with the feeling of being unprotected. The cream creates a peculiar protective layer which will safeguard the serum against evaporation and the skin - against discomfort and dryness. Besides, serum and cream simply reinforce each other's action. Because of that, a certain amount of serum can be added to the cream base thus increasing its active components concentration and either giving additional properties to the cream or making an everyday care cream a Cream Mask.
More often, serums are used when quick results are necessary, for example before theatre, date or any other special occasion when you wish to look the best you can. But cosmetologists advise to use cosmetic serums in courses with special equipment or massage. In this case active substances penetrate deeper into the skin, accumulate there and, as a result, stay effective for 2-6 months. It is recommended to have 3-4 courses a year .
In spite of a miraculous action of cosmetic serums, you should not forget that they can not solve all vital skin problems. Each product has its area of action and its tasks. So, lets give all serums due and try not to forget usual creams and masks that take everyday care of our skin, like Dermaflora Hydrolight or Dermaflora D'or.
COSMETIC SERUM APPLYCATION RECOMMENDATIONS
A good skin care program consists of cleansing, exfoliation, toning and moisturizing. The serum and other activ cosmetic product should be applied after you have cleansed and toned the skin. Your complexion will be more receptive to the prescribed product when the face is free of dirt, oil, etc.
After Cleansing select one Exfoliater.
Exfoliate - this is a method to slough off dead skin cells so that the new skin cells show through. Exfoliation can also promote circulation and bring about a natural glow. However, do not overdue your exfoliation treatments. Additionally, cleansing is not required if doing an exfoliation treatment.
Toner - the purpose of toner is to restore pH balance and remove any left over residues from your cleanser or exfoliate. pH is the measurement of acids and alkali in the skin and the amount of acid in the skin determines the skin's resistance to bacteria.
Serums - If using for exampel an antioxidant serum this should be applied next. Antioxidant serums protect the skin from free radicals and the sun.
Eye creams - should be applied prior to moisturizing. Your moisturizer will lock in the active ingredients of your eye cream or serum.
Moisturizer - goes on before the sunscreen. Your moisturizer cream locks in the active ingredients from your eye creams, prescription creams, serums, etc. Moisturizers usually contain more oil than water so if you were to apply your moisturizer first; your lighter products would simply slide off.
Primer - a primer is used to fill in lines, hide pores, or just even out the skin tone. Primers are the last step, in a sense it is like waterproofing your skin.
Remember to take care of your skin and you will enjoy a healthy complexion for a long time.