What you should know about serums and retinol

Serums are skincare products that are formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients which target specific skin tissues. They are more potent than face creams and work more profoundly on the epidermis layer. If you are going to spend money on skincare products, serums are probably the number one category which you should focus on.

Are serums the same as moisturizers? The answer is no! Moisturizers are used to coat and add a layer of protection to the outer layer of your skin. A good moisturizer can prevent your skin from dehydration and cracks after exposure to heat, cold air, sunlight, and pollution.

Serums work differently, depending on what their main function is. There are many different types of serums on the market, ranging from anti ageing to skin brightening serums. Serums can work wonders on your skin within a relatively short period of time, if you choose the right product that suits you and if you use them correctly. You can think of a good face serum as a super-nutrient or food supplement that enhances your body in maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

There are 2 types of serums in terms of texture: gel based and oil based.

• Gel (liquid) based serums:

A liquid form of serum looks clear and feels lighter than a moisturizer in terms of texture. For example, a good hydrating serum will keep your skin hydrated more effectively than a moisturizer cream does. The molecules of the serum can penetrate the skin fast and hydrate on the deepest level, while the heavier cream tends to sit on the top layer of the skin. Hydrating serums do not necessarily replace your moisturizer, but can boost the hydrating effects of your moisturizer. To make the most of your money, you should read the ingredients list carefully before you purchase any products. Look for ingredients that have been scientifically proven to work, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, A and E.

• Oil based serums:
  

Often, they are made from natural plant oils (always check the ingredients list on the label), and are sometimes known as facial oils. For example, Moonette’s Organic Anti-ageing Serum is a 100% botanical face oil serum. It is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin A and E, which prevent damage caused by free radicals. This face serum contains high quality certified organic plant oils, such as sweet almond, avocado, lavender essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, and geranium essential oil. It acts as targeted treatment to slow down the natural ageing process. It is especially effective in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, preventing pre-mature skin ageing, brightening your complexion, evening out skin tone, and boosting the night time skin-repairing process. It is suitable for all skin types and it especially caters to mature skin. It is also vegan and cruelty-free and totally free from Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEGS, synthetic fragrance, alcohol and preservatives. It is gentle on the skin and easily absorbed after application.

Free radicals and ageing

Although free radicals are natural by-products of chemical processes in our bodies, those originating from external factors can be very detrimental to skin. According to Huntington's Outreach Project for Education at Stanford University, we are exposed to free radicals via the food we eat, the water we drink, the medicines we take, and even the air we breathe. Fried or burnt foods, alcohol, tobacco smoke, pesticides and air pollutants are some common sources.

Too many free radicals in the body have a destructive effect on our cells and DNA. As far as skin is concerned, this is believed to be the main cause of premature ageing and wrinkles. Since most people are exposed to free radicals on a regular basis, establishing a healthy life style as well as applying antioxidant serums is an essential part of good skincare regime.

Benefits of anti-ageing serums

• Repair free radical damage on skin cells.
• Promote healthy skin renewal and speed up healing.
• Prevent formation of deep wrinkles and fine lines.
• Encourage collagen production, hence improve skin elasticity and strength.
• Reduce skin discolouration and pigmentation.
• Improve hydration - smooths and softens skin texture, generating a glowing, dewy look.

Apply a serum before a moisturizer

Depending on the size of your face, it is recommended to use one pump for a small face, and two pumps for a larger face. If a serum comes in a bottle fitted with a pipette, 3 to 5 drops for each application is sufficient. For the best outcomes, use your serum(s) twice a day on a clean face and neck. Applying on slightly moist skin will help the serum be better absorbed. However, there are exceptions,  please read the last section of 7 tips for retinol use in this post!

A serum is lighter and delivers active ingredients to the skin quickly, so it should go on straight to your face after cleansing. To seal the serum in order to maximize the benefits, a moisturizer or face cream should be applied on top. Of course, there might be some exceptions; reading the product label is the key! What if someone uses more than one type of serum in the routine? Well, use a gel-based serum first then followed by an oil-based one.

Depending on the serum and the current state of your skin, you might see some results — like slightly more hydrated skin — in just a few days.  However, you should allow at least seven weeks for your skin responding to the active ingredients in the serum. In the case of our Organic Anti-ageing Serum, if applied regularly you should see results after two to three months. Needless to say, age needs to be taken into consideration. If you are in your 60s or 70s, it is going to take longer to see a real difference.

Something you should know about retinoid

In recent years, beauty products which contain retinoid / retinol (topical vitamin A) are getting popularity because of their efficacy in treating acne and wrinkles, promoting radiant youthful skin and clearing sun-caused damage, like sun spots. If you are thinking of getting a serum or moisturizer with retinoid, it is best to start with a low concentration, like 0.05 %, to see how your skin responds to it. Retinoid is an unstable ingredient, and can cause irritations or retinoid dermatitis to some people who have sensitive skin. To reduce the risk of side effects, dermatologists recommend that you choose the right product for your skin type and skin conditions, and incorporate it slowly into your skincare routine, complementing it with other calming and hydrating products. Once your skin is happy with retinol, you can then gradually move up to a slightly higher dose. Picking a retinol product that is fragrance-free is another rule you should follow.

7 tips for retinol use