Your serum questions answered
WHAT IS A FACE SERUM?
Face serum is a set of concentrated skincare ingredients that help to address specific skincare concerns. The ingredients are made up of small molecules and can penetrate deep into the skin and nourish the skin layers beneath the surface. This feature makes serums effective in treating specific skin issues like wrinkles, etc.
HOW DOES A SERUM DIFFER FROM A MOISTURISER?
Though a serum is similar to a moisturiser in many aspects, there are many distinguishing aspects.
A moisturiser has various ingredients to make it feel soft on the skin's surface, like vitamin E, mineral oils, etc. These ingredients act as a sealant that rests on the skin's surface preventing moisture evaporation and making it softer.
On the other hand, a serum has fewer surface sealing ingredients as its purpose is to penetrate at a cellular level and deliver targeted results.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FACE OIL AND A SERUM?
Traditional serums are water-based. They nourish the inner layer of the skin as the molecules are relatively small and can penetrate deeper. Hence, these are predominantly applied before face cream. On the other hand, oil-based serums have a slightly bigger molecule, and therefore they are applied over the moisturiser. With the increasing popularity of face oils, many oils are also being marketed as serums.
CAN I USE SERUM IF I HAVE SKIN PROBLEMS?
Serums are concentrated. Hence, if one has sensitive skin or is prone to allergies or skin reactions, it is better to consult a dermatologist before using it. Doing a patch test before using serums all over the face is always advisable. Avoid harsh chemicals or makeup when using serums, as they may alter efficacy. Also, people prone to severe skin issues like eczema must use serums cautiously.
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH SERUM SERIES IS FOR ME?
To best select the serum/s right for your skin, start by prioritising your skincare concerns and use these priorities to customise your regime.
If your primary concern is sun damage or uneven skin tone, incorporate Serum Series GLOW into your AM and PM regime.
If you are also concerned with premature ageing, you might like to layer both Serum Series RENEW and Serum Series GLOW or use Serum Series GLOW in the AM, and Serum Series RENEW in the PM.
As layering, patch-working or adding one, two or all three of the Serum Series to your moisturiser are all options, the opportunities to customise your regime are endless.
CAN I MIX THE SERUM SERIES?
Mixing serums can decrease each formula's efficacy, so combining them is not helpful. Also, some ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C, affect your skin's pH levels differently and cancel each other out when applied simultaneously. However, specific skin serums can be layered. For example, hyaluronic acid can be used alongside retinol to prevent the skin from drying out and peeling.
CAN I USE TWO SERUMS AT ONCE?
As we mentioned, you can layer face serums; avoid mixing them by adding a pump of each serum to your palm and pressing the two formulas together.
HOW TO PROPERLY APPLY SERUM?
Serums work best on bare, clean skin, so prep your face by cleansing and removing any makeup. Next, apply 2-3 drops (or a pea-sized amount) of serum to the face, and massage it into the skin. It might not sound like much, but serums are concentrated formulas, and a little goes a long way! Before applying another skincare product, wait a few minutes or until your skin is dry to the touch.
It's generally a good idea to follow your serum with a moisturiser to enhance its benefits and lock in moisture. However, this may not be required if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
HOW SHOULD SERUMS BE STORED?
Serums (especially those containing vitamin C) tend to break down from sunlight exposure. Hence, it is best to store them in a cool dark place and use them within six months to a year, as described on the label. The cap should be replaced tightly after each use as certain potent ingredients in the serum tend to turn unstable when they come into contact with air.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A FACE SERUM?
Do you want fewer breakouts, an even skin tone, or a smoother, plumper complexion? Facial serums have a wide range of benefits, including hydrating, brightening, fortifying, exfoliating, soothing and rejuvenating the skin. The specific serum benefit will depend on the active ingredients included in the formula, with Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and retinol being three of the most popular.
DOES A SERUM DIFFER FROM AN ESSENCE?
Serums and essences are very similar except for each product's texture. A serum is gooier and typically has a higher concentration of ingredients, while an essence is more watery. These products are marketed differently, with the word "serum" being used more in the US and "essence" more prominent in Asian countries. You can achieve the same effects depending on which ingredients you're seeking.
HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH SERUM SERIES IS RIGHT FOR MY SKIN?
The good news is that serums focus on different skin care problems so that you can find your skincare soulmate in a bottle. In addition, the first ingredient has the highest presence in each serum, and the potency tapers off as you get further into the ingredients. So you can prioritise your skin concerns and find the best serum for you.
HOW DO SERUMS WORK?
Serums have smaller molecules compared to other skincare products. They also only have a few concentrated active ingredients and don't have additives such as thickeners, emulsifiers or oils. Leaving out these heavier ingredients commonly found in traditional moisturisers lets the skin absorb serums much faster and deeper, allowing them to do as they are designed at a cellular level.