What’s a Serum?
When it comes to the looks and life-altering claims made by the skincare industry, I totally have a beauty Achilles heel. Words like youth, radiance, glow, dewy, hydrating and free radical scavengers are music to my ears—especially when combined with “serum.”
I love the word “serum.” It sounds so scientific and mad doctor. But, what exactly is it? In general, serums are formulated with a higher percentage of active ingredients than moisturizers. Serums are considered treatment products, whereas moisturizers are humectants that bind water to the skin.
I love the word “serum.” It sounds so scientific and mad doctor.
Types of Serums
Serums are designed to address specific skin concerns (e.g. uneven skin tone, wrinkles, redness, sun damage). Most serums fall into one of three categories: Prevent/Correct, Calm/Sooth and Hydrate.
Prevent and Correct Damage
If you’re looking for an anti-aging product, Vitamin C is a great antioxidant that will protect your skin from the sun/environment. It’s also proven to brighten and correct uneven skintone. While there are tons of C serums, my favorite is Skinceuticals C E Ferulic . It contains 15% pure L-ascorbic acid and 1% alpha tocopherol, the addition of ferulic acid doubles its synergistic benefits. Plus its stable formulation, and packaging protects it from oxidizing (which makes Vitamin C worthless). But don’t just take my word for it…check out this scientific data on the efficacy of Vitamin C.
Stay tuned: Next week I’ll discuss serums that calm irritated skin and hydrated parched complexions. Plus, I’ll offer a few natural and organic product alternatives.
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I’ve been using a Vitamin C powder that transforms into a super light immediately absorbed cream by Dr Sebagh and I have to admit that the results are amazing. It’s not a serum but this powder is like a mini skin care miracle. Anyway, I’m a sucker for all these things and never believe in any of the organic products like Dr Haushka. Give me the real hardcore stuff!
I had a Skinceuticals vitamin C serum sample that I used for a while — I couldn’t bring myself to pay the full $75 for the full-size, though! But I am thinking about bringing vitamin C back into my routine…
I’m looking forward to seeing your suggestions!
i would give organic products a chance…i’m really beginning to think that what we put on our face every single day is far too harsh.
Yes, I’m definitely willing to try organic skincare products. I’ve heard good things about Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum and also want to try Camellia Seed Oil, which has antioxidants + Essential Fatty Acids.
thanks for the good post!
this is the ultimate non-intimidating skin ‘diet’ often times you just want someone to nicely lecture you and here it is.
Being the nerd that I am though, I probably right down all the ‘unfamiliar’ words and look up what their meaning is LOL
I wonder if it would work to chop up a super C tablet and blend it in with your favorite face mask (a hydrating one)? Perhaps it would be to harsh?
Aah the relief, I have often wondered what the heck a serum was. I’ve heard good things about that Skinceuticals range but I’ve never managed to find it in the shops.
I swear by La Mer serum. I don’t know what it is actually doing but my skin just feel silky and soft. Maybe seedweed really works. Wonder if eating more seedweed helps??
A gal pal tried Dr. Perricone Vitamin C serum and swears by it. Has anyone tried it yet?
Hmmm…unfortunately, I don’t think crushing a Vitamin C tab and mixing it into a lotion or cream will work. So, I’m no scientist, but I think it’s because the stability of ascorbic acid (vitamin c) determines it’s effectiveness. Once it’s exposed to oxygen or water, it becomes unstable and thus, ineffective.
I’ve been using skinceuticals C+E Ferulic for over 4 months and I’m addicted. It’s definitely worth the money!