How serums can improve your skin
Find out what makes serums different from moisturizers, and why you should add them to your routine
By Rhonda Rovan
Light, fluid and fast-absorbing, facial serums are the feel-good stars of skin care—and are especially appealing if your skin has taken a beating over the summer and is in need of a moisture surge. The fact that they have an instant, tangible hydrating impact on the skin makes them somewhat addictive—in our staff test, the containers were pumped and squeezed to the very last drop—and a bit of a curiosity: What’s the difference between a serum and your regular moisturizer, and do you really need one?
According to Faouzi Berradia, Vichy Laboratoires’ medical relations director, serums are water-based moisturizers that contain a high concentration of active ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants and/or plant extracts, to super-hydrate your skin and make it more radiant. Unlike regular moisturizers, serums do not contain occlusive emollients like shea butter, so they penetrate skin quickly as opposed to sitting on its surface.
Generally, their silky texture comes from smoothing ingredients such as glycerin or “slip” agents such as silicone. Some are treatment-oriented (targeting dark spots, for example, or designed to firm the skin); check the package. Berradia says you should consider adding a serum to your regimen, whatever your skin type, to increase skin hydration. Apply, wait five minutes to let it sink in, then apply your regular moisturizer. If you have oily skin, a serum can be worn alone.
A drawback of serums is that they can be a little pricey—but one or two drops go a long way, right down to the décolleté. Bottom line: They aren’t essential, but they sure feel nice.
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Best Health Magazine, September 2008; Photo: Masterfile
I am SO glad i purchased the "Made from Earth" detox and renew products. Its is the healthiest microdermabrasion out there....and its all chemical free...
I have only used them for the last 2 weeks and WOW! I almost didn't use it last night because i thought my skin was already pretty smooth but i couldn't resist - i was just too excited.
First, let me say that i am 29, a student in graduate school. When i first went to college for many months my acne progressively got worse. I tried Proactiv but it was too drying, other drugstore brands (that used to work until my skin worsened), and even went on a prescription for a month for acne (i hated it).
Then i began trying products to retain moisture - and i LOVE the Made from Earth Vitamin Enhanced Moisturizer for that. Having success with it encouraged me to try their detox also - which is the "rooibos Tea Face Scrub".
I wanted to try it because while much of my blemishes are gone, my skin doesn't look very healthy. I have some scars that blend with my freckles and my skin tone looks terrible. I wanted professional microdermabrasion but i am a college student - not gonna happen on my salary. Plus, I am super healthy and dont want to put any harmful chemicals in my body or on my skin.
Luckily i did splurge and spent around $120 on this kit and i am so glad i did.. .it comes with a discount of you buy both rpoducts together. . .
It has removed some of the dry skin patches near my nostrils and left my skin even softer! Softer than i ever imagined! The combination of the scrub daily and the enhanced moisturizer have greatly reduced my blackheads and my skin feels firmer.
This will be in my skin care routine FOREVER! For a graduate college student, this is a bit pricey - but it works! So stop wasting money on cheaper things that don't work and try this.
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I have used serums for the last number of years, having always had oily skin, creams are too rich for me most of the time. I have used different brands organic as well as others, have never had any problems with any. I am sixtynine and always get told I look years younger,( 55 tops, although I think that is kind), sometimes having oily skin when you are young wil do that.