In keeping up with your beauty and skincare routines, we have already covered Step 1: Cleansers – in particular, how to use a face cleanser properly (and the do and don’ts associated with them). Step 2 looked at using a toner after your cleanse (I mention my favourite toners). In step 3 we looked at the benefits of using a face scrub. Step 4 covered why using a moisturiser was good for your face and which moisturisers suit your skin type. This week we will be covering my latest beauty tip: the benefits of using a face serum.

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The benefits of using a face serum

So step 3 in fact is serum and step 4 is moisturiser. I promise to do a full recap post at the end with a downloadable skincare routine chart which you can save and keep handy when putting together your skincare routine. I will also be putting together a beta trial service of creating personalised skincare routines based on skin types, lifestyle and budgets. Watch this space.

First question that is on everyone’s mind regarding serum, is what on earth is it?? A moisturiser?? 50/50. Serum is a face product that is applied to your skin after cleansing but before moisturising. Serums contain powerful ingredients which are applied to the skin directly. The ingredients in serums contain molecules that penetrate deeply into the skin delivering a very high concentration of active ingredients. This means that serums are very good at targeting specific skincare concerns, such as wrinkles.

Benefits of using a face serum: Serums contain healthy ingredients

Serums contain a variety of healthy ingredients which make up around 70% of the product itself. Whereas, moisturisers are made up of around 10% active ingredients that are good for your skin. The main amazing ingredients of a face serum include

• Vitamin C – this is very valuable for anti-ageing so it is important to find a serum containing vitamin c especially if you are in your late 30s and 40s as part of your daily skincare regimen to delay early signs of ageing. Vitamin c also builds collagen and boosts skin immunity.
• Hyaluronic Acids – this ingredient is what targets dehydrated skin without weighing you down as some creams and emollients tend to do. The beauty of hyaluronic acid is that it traps the skin’s natural water levels without losing any of its natural moisture.
• Antioxidants protect your skin from environmental damage and stress caused by our very hectic lives and the crazy pollution-filled cities that we live in. Antioxidants include extracts of beta-carotene, green tea, berries, pomegranates and grape seeds.
• Retinols – these are ingredients that are important for acne-prone skin and fine lines and wrinkles.
• Plant-based active ingredients act as natural brighteners such as liquorice and they are good at dealing with sunspots, scars and patchy skin.
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients prevent redness, breakouts and inflammation that are usually present in sensitive-skin sufferers. Be sure to look for active ingredients such as zinc, arnica and aloe vera.

Serums To Try (UK links)

Benefits of using a face serum: Serums target specific skin concerns

Serums are good at targeting specific skin concerns or issues such as hydration, breakouts and nourishment. They have the power to clear and heal the skin. For example if you have oily skin then you definitely should invest in a serum as extra moisture actually helps your skin and prevents it from overproducing more oil.

Serums to try in 2019

When choosing the correct moisturiser to buy you need to first think about your skin type and then about your current skin problems and problem zones.

If you have dry skin:  you should look for a serum containing ingredients such as vitamin E, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid.

Dull skin:  antioxidants like green tea extract which promote cellular repair and healing at night.

If you have acne-prone skin: you should look for serums that contain vitamin C, retinol, zinc and salicylic acid. PLEASE read up on retinol and its effects, uses and when it can be used before using anything new on your skin that you are not familiar with. I am NOT a doctor or beauty expert. I’m just giving you little tips.

If you have red and eczema prone skin: you need to be careful with any products you use on your skin. Check on National Eczema Association’s website before buying anything new and always patch test.

Serums To Try (US links)

DISCLAIMER: Serums can be very potent, so please be careful when applying it to your skin especially around any sensitive areas such as your eyes. Always patch test before using any new product and seek your own medical advise and do your own research regarding any powerful products such as serums as they can irritate sensitive skin.

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What serums have you tried? Tell me in the comments below…

Til next time XX Monica XX