All things serums

Hello my lovelies, this is the second last product in the “all things” skincare products category and probably the most complex part; serums. The reason I say complex is because serums are targeted at very specific skincare needs, even more so than masks. The main difference in this being that serums are meant to be a permanent solution to problems, including acne scarring, flaky skin, and pigmentation to name a few. Serums are however more potent than other products, with less diluted ingredients and should, therefore, be chosen carefully to suit your skin need. I know some of you may be thinking another step in my skincare routine seems a bit extreme, but it is a favourite among dermatologists and aestheticians for good reason. So first off, what is a serum? Serums are made up of small molecules designed to directly penetrate into your skin to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients, whether they be acids or essential oils. For this reason, it is best at targeting any skincare concerns from wrinkles to large pores.

Applying serums all depend upon the serum in regards to how often, some are once a day, other twice a day, and others every second day. Where the application of a serum differs from regular skincare is the inclusion of a pressing motion. The best method to ensure deep penetration for your needed active ingredients would be to press the serum into your face, instead of the general smearing in. Serums also last longer in the long run, as they only require one or two drops at a time. Serums have many benefits, for one the usually contain topical retinol and antioxidants along with vitamins A, C, and E. This overall benefit is seen through evening out the skin tone, in terms of both texture and pigmentation. A lot of times I regard serums as magic in a bottle, as they truly deliver magical results. However, this is no instant 3 wishes Genie, serums need time to aid in the cause, they take up to seven or eight weeks to fully show an effect, however, the effects tend to be permanent.

So how do we know which serum is good for your specific needs or what to use? I’ve broken it down for you in 5 headings, including B’s recommendations.

1. Anti-aging

- These serums are formulated to combat aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. It could also aid in slowing down the aging process, after all, prevention is always better than cure. These serum types are beneficial to all skin types and especially mature skin, it is even recommended to start using this as early as in your twenties. Usual ingredients include anything caffeine-related, including green tea, retinol, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and proteoglycans.

- B’s recommendations include: African Extracts rooibos advantage triple action serum; IQ DermaQuench anti-aging renewing serum; Sorbet age affect power serum; Lamelle intensive GF serum; hey gorgeous Vitamin C wrinkle reversing serum; hey gorgeous happily ever after youth elixir anti-aging serum

2. Antioxidant

- Antioxidant serums act as a protector against all the free radicals exposed to on a daily, including pollution and UV rays. Furthermore, they aid in the prevention of aging, as well as in repairing and healing the skin. Think of this as a combination of the anti-aging and the texture type serums. This is again useful to all skin types, however, these serums might at times contain harmful ingredients, mostly for preservation purposes, so just watch out for fragrances, sulphates, and dyes and refrain from using anything minty or citrus orientated, especially if you have sensitive skin. On the other hand, these serums may also be induced with vitamin C, which is great to wear underneath a sunscreen for added UV protection. Other necessary ingredients include Vitamin A and E, niacinamide, and melatonin.

- B’s recommendations include: Nivea perfect and radiant even tone overnight serum; Lush full of Grace serum bar; Khiels daily reviving concentrate; Lulu and Marula balancing serum; Avene A-Oxitive antioxidant defense serum; La Roche-Posay anthelios AOX daily antioxidant serum

3. Texture including acne and scarring

- Of all the skincare products, I think serums are most vital in any textured faces, whether it be acne scarring or current breakouts, even scarring from a different source or other acne-related texturing. A serum is lightweight and non-vigorous, so it won’t add any pressure on the skin or sting it in any way. Serums may control acne and it may also act as a medicine for healing the skin. Great ingredients to look out for hear include tea tree oil and salicylic acid for acne and for repair and healing hemp oil and jojoba oil.

- B’s recommendations include: The Body Shop tea tree anti-imperfection daily solution; hey gorgeous banish and repair serum; Skoon mineral matte serum; hey gorgeous hemp oil healing skin rescue serum; Kiki Beauty moon drops serum; DermoProf booster serum; GlamGlow Super serum 6-acid refining treatment

4. Hydration

- Serums generally give an added hydration due to their formulation, however, for the extra dry, cracked, hydrated, and flaky skin, hydrating serums are a wonderful antidote. Although in most cases hydration is associated with dry skin types, this is also ideal for oily skin types, it controls oil production through having the skin not dry out and create excess sebum. For these serums, the ingredients of hyaluronic acid and peptides are your best friends. Lastly, this serum type is more gentle and suited for very young skins, including teens with acne concerns.

- B’s recommendations include: Neutrogena hydro boost hydrating hyaluronic acid serum; esse esse hyaluronic serum; Skin Creamery Wildflower water cream; Skoon wow-wow wonder hydrating serum; dermalogica skin hydrating booster

5. Colour correcting and pigmentation

- Any colour correcting form, from dark spots, dark circles, sun damage, pigmentation, and hyperpigmentation, serums are your solution! These serums even out your skin and may even have a lightening effect, returning it back to its norm, plus they also help with enlarged pores. Other benefits include hydration and brightening your skin if you have a dull tone. The important ingredients here include kojic acid, phytic acid, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and arbutin.

- B’s recommendations include: Clinique pore refining correcting serum; Afriderm serum concentrate; Pond’s flawless radiance anti-spot intensive even tone serum; hey gorgeous skin evening and brightening serum

There you have it my lovelies, continue to love yourself by practicing your self-care, you might just inspire the next person to do the same.

Keep going, keep glowing, and keep growing. You're doing amazing.

• B x