Super serums: Why you should add a serum to your skincare regime
Skincare serums have been on the shelves for a little while now. Targeting everything from wrinkles to sun-spots, you could be forgiven for thinking that these pint sized bottles were just a glorified moisturiser but before you judge a tube by its cover, read on to find out why adding a serum might just be the best thing you can do for your skin in 2015.
What exactly IS a serum? If you think of your moisturiser as the economical E10 petrol you can buy to fill your car, a serum is the top of the range expensive stuff. Think about it like a super-charged, heavy-duty treat for the skin. Enriched with intensive ingredients, a serum is usually worn underneath your moisturiser where it goes to work, targeting specific skincare concerns. Where a moisturiser’s primary task is to add moisturise back into your skin (and create a barrier against it seeping back out), a serum works at a deeper level.
Why do I need one? While a serum isn’t “essential” to your skins survival, it can be a wonderful addition to your current regime, especially if there’s a specific concern that you’d like to address. A couple of years back, you’d find a broadly termed “anti-ageing” serum on shelves. Today, things are broken down even further with anti-ageing being the umbrella term under which nestle products that work on wrinkles, dark spots, skin dullness, skin dryness, redness… the list really is endless!
What should I look for? It really depends on what you’d like to target and achieve. Some women may find that an anti-ageing product that increases skin elasticity and refines tone while adding extra moisture covers all their bases, while others with specific concerns like sun damage or deep wrinkles may need a product that works directly on those issues. The best place to start is either at your local department-store beauty counter or in a large shop like Priceline. Check out the ranges on offer for “mature” skin as they’ll usually offer products that offer what you want. Speak to the staff and explain what you’re looking for so that they can help find something that best suits you.
When, how often and will it break the bank? These days you can pick up a quality product on the shelves at Coles so generally speaking, investing in a serum won’t require a mortgage. The best time to apply is of an evening, after washing your face and before you apply moisturiser. While some products encourage twice daily application, it can sometimes be a bit much to apply of a morning along with your sunscreen, moisturiser and any makeup you may use. Using your chosen product of an evening allows it the whole night to absorb and go to work, without the interference of other skincare.