Facial serums. You’ve heard about them … probably even read an article or two about them. But have you tried one yet? Do you know what they are and what they can do for your beautiful chocolate complexions?

What is a Facial Serum?

Facial serums are typically lightweight in texture and formulated to address a specific challenge. There are serums for fine lines and wrinkles, bags and puffiness under eyes, dark spots, uneven skin tones, neck and decolletage.

You’ll see ingredients like hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q-10, caffeine, Vitamin A, C, E and B3, to name a few. Some people think that serums are to be used instead of a moisturizer. Serums are not meant to replace moisturizers. If anything they become part of your basic skin care regimen. Granted, a small percentage of you will not need both no matter what type of serum you use.

Your skin may not want or need a serum and moisturizer. All of this will depend on your skin type and how it takes to a given serum. The key is in knowing what type of serum will benefit your skin and how to use it in your regimen, if at all.

How Do Facial Serums Benefit Your Skin?

They have a wide variety of benefits and functions. For my mature skin beauties, you might want to find a serum that offers collagen production or protects your skin from stress and/or hyperpigmentation. You’d look for a serum that’s labeled as an Anti-aging serum. This is where your labeling would read Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q-10.

As for one that would help minimize or prevent melanin formation, you’d look for a label that says Brightening, Evening Out Skin Tones or prevents dark spots. Ingredient list should include niacinaminde and/or azelaic acid.

Facial serums are meant to boost moisture, nourish, balance, replenish, balance out oil, brighten, firm and tone, soothe, calm, act as an antioxidant and enhance the aging process.

Types of Facial Serums

You’ll find different types of serums in your boutique type skin care stores, department stores or pharmacies. Most people think of serums as being oily. However, there are serums that are water based oil based and believe it or not, oil and water based combined. Yes in its own unique way, oil and water do mix.

You’ll hear and read about terms such as humectants, occlusives and emollients. Humectants attract water and bind it to your skin. It helps it to stay hydrated and moisturized. Hydration makes your skin look plumper, thereby improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Occlusives increase the level of moisture, creating a protective layer that prevents the moisture from escaping. Ingredients that are occlusives, are oils, butters and waxes. You’re all familiar with Shea butter and jojoba oils. Both of these ingredients are occlusives.

Emollients smooth and soften your skin while enhancing its flexibility.

What’s Hot Now, in Facial Serums?

Anti-Aging – You’ll find a lot of serums that are geared towards anti-aging. You Baby Boomers are not ready to throw in the towel and take up the walker or cane. And the younger ones among you, you’re doing preventive skin care regimens, so that your skin remains younger looking and soft to the touch.

Hyperpigmentation serums are big in the market. No one likes dark spots or uneven skin tones. So you gravitate towards serums that are specifically for these skin challenges.

Dark Circles and Puffiness (bags) are a big buzz category when it comes to serums. Because this is your eye area, you’ll want to be very particular about the ingredients you find in the ingredient list. The skin under your eyes is very thin and delicate. What ever you find and use, do not put it so close your eye that it becomes an irritant.

How to Use a Facial Serum

Facial serums are to be inserted after you use your toner and before your moisturizer. So your regimen would look something like: Cleanser, Toner, Serum and Moisturizer. Depending on what your skin needs, some of you might find that a serum is too much when added to your regimen. In that case, make a decision to treat what’s bothering you most. It just might mean eliminating your moisturizer. Try an extremely thin layer first, before you decide to toss the moisturizer.

Okay … That’s it for this week. As Always …

Dedicated to Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care