Skin care article: Cosmetic Serum
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cOSMETIC Serum
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.
So, what is SERUM?
What type of product is it that earned a reputation not only in beauty salons worldwide where cosmetic serum was first used as long as twenty years ago but also among everyday users of skin care who never knew any serum except for "sweet curd" serum. Nowadays, both men and women, who are striving for competent skin care, use it. So, what is serum?
COSMETIC SERUM
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.
SERUMS EFFECTS
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.
USE OF SERUM
Use of serum also depends on the season and climate where a person permanently lives. In hot climate, concentrates are based on water (for normal and dry skin) or accompanied by antiseptic concentrates (for oily skin as they have a slight drying effect). Use of oily bases is not recommended in this case as it may lead to pore bridging. For this reason oil bases of any cosmetics whether it is a cream or a concentrate, are recommended for cold or variable climate, in winter.
Serums are stored in special small ampoules because as soon as opened they should be used as quickly as possible. Ampoules with serums for home use certainly contain less concentration of active substances than those for professionals. But, in spite of that, before purchasing this or that product with "immediate effect" for home use it is recommended to get expert advice to define your skin type and chose the most appropriate product.
COSMETIC SERUM APPLYCATION
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.
RECOMMENDATIONS
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.
