facial serums

the bottom line

Serums are highly potent and elegant additions to your skincare regimen. What’s in them, how to use them, and why.

 

first layer: what is a serum?

“Serum”* is technically a medical term which refers to the clear, light-yellow fluid that separates from blood when it coagulates. However, in the beauty world, it refers to the consistency of the product and implies that the fluid is more viscous than water, but lighter than a lotion. Serums are low-to-medium viscosity, water-based preparations. They have small molecules which can penetrate deep into the skin to deliver potent actives. Although serums are typically light on the skin with a fine texture, they can provide a powerful boost to your daily regimen. Designed to be used after cleansing and toning, they are readily absorbed and can be used just prior to your moisturizer, or in some cases in place of it. The specific serum you choose will depend upon your skin’s particular needs.

 

second layer: why to use a serum and how to choose one

Serums can address specific skin concerns, such as pigmentation, dryness, or aging. As such, they allow you to customize your personal skincare regime and address your biggest pain points. Because they are so light on the skin, they can easily be layered with other products.

The ideal serum for you depends upon your specific needs:

• dryness: look for a serum that will boost hydration and draw moisture to the skin. Hyaluronic acid, propanediol, sodium PCA, panthenol, ceramides, and glycerin are some of our favorite hydrators.
• acne: while retinols, vitamin C, and salicylic acid are powerhouse ingredients which help to diminish acne, they are associated with irritation in sensitive skin. Some kinder alternatives include willow bark extract, bakuchiol, bergamot, and bisabolol.
• pigmentation: there are a number of natural ingredients that target the steps in melanin production. Look for bakuchiol, lotus, lychee, licorice root, hibiscus flower, and plankton extracts.
• aging: antioxidants* such as Centella asiatica, pomegranate, and elderberry fight free radicals and promote cellular repair.

 

third layer: how to use a serum

We recommend using a serum once daily, usually in the morning, unless your serum contains ingredients which sensitize your skin to the sun, such as retinols. Use just a few drops and apply to your fingertips. Massage in gently and allow to absorb prior to moving on to your moisturizer. Don’t use too much – serums contain concentrated ingredients, and too much may irritate sensitive skin. If you tend to be extremely sensitive or have multiple allergies, do a patch test on your forearm and wait 24 hours prior to trying it on your face.  

The best face serum will often look pretty in its cute little bottle, but don’t let it sit on your shelf for too long. Serums tend to have active ingredients that may lose activity with time. Keep them tightly bottled in a cool, dry place out of direct light and enjoy them within 6-12 months.

A common point of confusion is whether a serum can replace your regular moisturizer. If your serum contains moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides, you may find that your skin feels hydrated after a serum alone. In general, if your skin tends to run dry, layer a moisturizer over your serum. If your skin is on the oily side or you live in a very humid climate, a serum alone may be enough. Blending products with different benefits is the easiest way to customize your skin regimen.

 

fourth layer: how we do it

We currently offer two serums: jasmine serum and Centella antioxidant serum. Our jasmine serum boasts hyaluronic acid for hydration, panthenol to improve the barrier function of the skin, and sandalwood and jasmine essential oils to soothe and moisturize. Our Centella antioxidant serum contains Centella asiatica, glycerin, and propanediol to quench thirsty skin, help to restore the skin barrier and soothe redness, and protect against free radicals.

 

All this and more at www.anokhaskincare.com .

xx

anokha

 

*definitions:

antioxidant: an antioxidant is a compound that inhibits oxidation. free radicals create oxidative stress and an inflammatory response which in turn can damage DNA and result in injury to the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. in the skin, this manifests as premature aging with decreased elasticity leading to increased wrinkling, age spots, and decreased skin tone. antioxidants stabilize free radicals, which in turn limits their ability to damage the body.

serum: serums are low-to-medium viscosity, water-based preparations. they have small molecules which can penetrate deep into the skin to deliver potent actives.

 

 

faq’s:

what is a serum?

serums are low-to-medium viscosity, water-based preparations with small molecules which can penetrate deep into the skin to deliver potent actives.

 

why should I use a serum?

serums can address specific skin concerns, such as pigmentation, dryness, acne, or aging. they allow you to customize your personal skincare regime and can easily be layered with other products.

 

how do I choose a serum?

the ideal serum for you depends on your skin’s specific needs. look at the ingredients and select a specific serum to address dryness, acne, hyperpigmentation, or aging.

 

how do I use a serum?

use a serum once daily, usually in the morning, unless it contains ingredients which sensitize your skin to the sun, such as retinols. apply a few drops to your fingertips and massage into your skin gently. allow to absorb prior to moving on to your next layer.