WHAT ARE SERUMS?
Serums are lightweight water, oil or emulsion based leave-on skincare products that contain active ingredients. Active ingredients are skincare ingredients that target and improve specific skin concerns. Hence, the purpose of a serum is to help improve skin concerns such as; hyperpigmentation, blemishes, breakouts, fine lines and wrinkles, dehydration, rough texture, clogged pores e.t.c. The lightweight texture of serums allows them to penetrate faster and more deeply into your skin, delivering these active ingredients to the necessary areas.
TYPES OF SERUM TEXTURES
Water Based Serums: Water based serums have a liquid base, are very lightweight in texture and usually come in a gel form. These type of serums contain water soluble active ingredients.
Active ingredients such as niacinamide, l-ascorbic acid (vitamin c), hyaluronic acid and more are soluble in water.
Oil Based Serums: Oil based serums have an oil base and may be lightweight or heavy depending on what oil is used. These type of serums contain oil soluble active ingredients.
Active ingredients such as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (vitamin c derivative), bakuchiol and more are soluble in oils.
Emulsion/Creamy Based Serums: Emulsion based serums are made up of combining water and oil together making a lotion like texture. They may contain both water and oil soluble ingredients.
HOW TO USE AND APPLY SERUMS
Serums should be applied after your cleanser, toner and/or essence steps but before your moisturiser, face oil, balm and sunscreen/spf. This order of application is suggested because you should layer your skincare in the order from thinnest to thickest consistency. When layering two or more serums it is important to apply the serum with the thinnest consistency first and work up to the one with the thickest.
ARE SERUMS NECESSARY IN A SKINCARE ROUTINE?
Serums may not be necessary in everybody's skincare routine, especially if you feel you do not have any serious skincare issues. However, you may want to consider adding a serum to your skincare routine as they also help to prevent skin issues.
If you are interested in trying serums, check out our serum collection here