Importance of Facial Serums
Serums are the latest rage in the fast growing skin care segment. The CTM (Cleansing, Toning and Moisturizing) routine is now CTSM (with serum serenely placed). These beauty products first made their mark about two decades ago and since then their popularity has only grown manifolds.
What are Serums?
These are highly-concentrated products based on water or oil. They contain substances that are 20 times more biologically active substances than many ordinary creams that we generally use. These are known for faster, better and deeper penetration in the skin and thus giving faster results. Because of the high concentrated ingredients present in the serums, they are fast absorbed in the skin. They are oil or water based and their texture is just like that of a gel or cream. The serums are mostly oil free in texture which is why they do not leave a greasy feel on the skin.
Why Should You Use Serums?
The reasons to use serums are many. They are used to brighten the skin, to prevent ageing, acne, etc. Based on the work they do on the skin, they can be classified as:
- Revitalising and rejuvenating.
- Moisturising.
- Nourishing.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Soothing.
- Anti-stress.
- Lifting up (anti wrinkle).
Do I Need To Use a Serum?
Anyone! Yes, a teenager can use it to solve her acne problems while a middle-aged woman can use them to lift up her skin and make it tighter and younger in look. At the same time, a man can also use serums to avoid post shave inflammation.
How To Use Serums?
One can apply serums directly on the skin after proper cleansing, but one has to note the following while using serums:
- After applying serums, always follow up with a face cream. You must always use a cream after applying a serum. The use of the cream creates a protective layer on the serum and does not let its substances evaporate. It conserves its properties and helps it work better on the skin. While on the other hand, a cream also works better if applied over a serum. In a way, they both complement each other on skin.
- It is better to apply serum in the night as it will work faster in night when your skin is free of pollution and relaxes.
- It is advisable to use a toner before applying a serum as a toner opens up the pores and helps in the absorption of the serum.
- It is better to massage the serum onto the face with fingers. Take a little amount and gently massage for 30 seconds on the face.
- People with sensitive skin should use these carefully. As they contain active and concentrated ingredients, they can irritate sensitive skin.
- Last but not the least, one should use serums in courses. You can do three-four courses of serums in a year.
What Type of Serums Available in the Market?
There are many commonly available serums in the market. Some of them are Lotus whitening serum, Pond’s Gold Radiance serum, Olay Regenerist Serum, Kaya Skin Clinic’s Serum, Olay White Radiance Serum, Biotique Ageless Lightening Serum, L’Oreal youth code serums, Tatha Face serums and many more.
Image Sources: 1
How To Make Vitamin C Serum At Home
Lotus Herbals Whiteglow Skin Brightening Whitening Serum
Shahnaz Husain Saffron Skin Serum
Anew Retroactive Repair Eye Serum
Ponds Age Miracle Concentrated Resurfacing Serum
Skin Food Gold Caviar Serum
Nurture Protect Moisture Boosting Serum
L’occitane Shea Fabulous Serum
Oriflame Time Reversing Instant Illuminating Serum
The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Serum
Very informative article 🙂 I have a small query though. I am currently using the Anti-Blemish set from Clinique for my skin ( I have terrible breakouts and it’s working well so far :)) I use the soap, toner n moisturizer and then apply the spot treatment gel which has been reviewed on top of the pimples. Do I need to apply the spot treatment gel after toning n then apply the moisturizer? Please help 🙂
I think you should use the gel and then cover it up with the moisturiser. Moisturizer is usually the last step in every skin regimen. So, I think use the gel and then the moisturizer. Or may be do it for 3-4 days, watch the effect and then change the sequence if needed.
thanks for this really useful info. I have used serums in the past wth no luck but after reading this now I know I was using them all wrong. Wasnt aware of ‘how’ to use them till now. the Body Shop one looks promising..
Hey Aru… Thank youuuuu.. you are always so generous in your comments.. thanks for the sweetness.. :heart: :heart:
i have only used the Kiehl’s midnight repair serum till date.While i liked the concept i find them difficult to use for some odd reason. :methinks: Very useful article Surabhi 🙂
Thank you.. thank you Jyo..!! I was also benefited a lot by reading about it..
very informative surabhi.. i have never used a serum.. may be i shd try it..
Hi Raji..
Thank you dear. And you may try using them.. they are good for skin.
Very informative … the otherday I was wondering whether to add a serum (moisturizing or anti-aging) to my routine.. now i will 😀
Yeah Shalini.. adding a serum does wonders.. if used properly..
Nice write up surabhi! U ve created an awareness abt serums :yes:
Thank youuuu Shruthi.. 😀
Informative! can you suggest something which would help in evening out the skin tone.. and would work for acne prone skin??
Hi Ragini..
I have dry skin so dunno if creams that suit me would suit you too.. but so far I have been lucky with Body shop shisho white serum and Ponds age miracle serum
Hey Great article! Didn’t know all this about serums!!
I’m planning to buy the WhiteGlow one asap! 🙂 :heart:
Hey Riti.. Thanks dear but dont buy white glow.. I dont think it works.. 🙁
Oh no!! I had the other products from this range ..mask,scrub and micro emulsion lotion overall good….. Any decent serum for blemishes and spots :'( ??
I dunno.. but if you think the white glow range worked for you.. maybe the serum does too. Vaise bhi it isnt too expensive so you can try it..
Quite informative article Surabhi :yes:
Am using Shisiedo serum from a month ..got it as a part of my Feb Blisscovered box..no visible results till now :nababana: Will try TBS soon :woot:
Hi Deepshikha..
Thanks yaar you told about Shisiedo.. I used Lotus white glow.. but no results at all.. 🙁 I am also planning to switch to TBS..
hey Surabhi, nice informative article. i would just like to add one more thing. whenever a person uses serums, a sunscreen is a must for them. even if they are at home, in daytime after bath or after washing face in morning they must use a sunscreen, as serums are concentrated so it’s actually a treatment done on the skin, so skin becomes slightly photo sensitive, i mean sensitive to sunlight. otherwise all your effort of using a serum goes in vain.
Hey Tejas.. thats a very valid point but I think since we cover it up with a moisturizer.. its photo-sensitivity kinda diminishes. But anyway, thanks for the great point. I will certainly keep it in mind.
excellent article surabhi. i agree with all the points. 🙂
Thankooooo Rati 😀 after seeing the great response here.. Will send more such gyaaan… :yahoo: :yahoo:
Great article, Surabhi! :woot: I never knew how beneficial serums are for the skin. :preen: Please post more on appropriate kind of serums according to age and skin types. 😀
Hey Jw.. sure thingy babes!!! You gave me an idea for a post,, :yahoo: :yahoo:
Great review Surabhi…i’ve tried a couple of serums…but my skin would always break out and i had to stop using them.
🙁 Shanaiia… maybe the active ingredients didnt suit you.. 🙁
Surabhi, very informative article.. :yes: learnt more about serums.. never knew there are serums available to recover from acne.. :happydance: can u suggest any? My skin is combination-dry and prone to acne.. :))
Laxmi.. dearie sadly I have no clue about products for acne skin.. 🙁
a month back I was discussing Serums with Jomolay and we both were equally confused. I got a vit C serum a month back but I still didnt know how to use it or what to expect.. 🙂
thanks Surabhi- grt points 🙂
thankooo thankooo Beee.. 😀 I am so glad it was useful for people.
Hi Surabhi. Very informative article. Thnks for sharing. In ur article u advised to use serum in courses, please explain this.
Chars, courses means do not use serums round the year like you do moisturizers, toners etc. Use them in turns like get a serum, use it for two months and then take a break. When you again see your skin misbehaving, start using it again. Means use it like we take medicines.
very nice article Surabhi, never knew so much about serums and how to use them, I have combination-sensitive-acne prone skin, can you suggest a serum which will help clear blemishes and firms up the skin. Thank you.
Hey Akhila.. you looked so sweet in your Hyd meet pic with Aruna. I cant suggest a serum for acne prone skin but for firming up, you can use ponds age miracle serum or TBS white range serum.
Surabhi, Thank you very much for taking out time and responding to my comment. I bought the ponds gold radiance serum, lets see how it fares. I follow your posts in Womanatics, they are really very sensible and so true to life, but whenever I click a like button, my systems hangs or errs. Not sure why 🙁
Have a nice day ahead and a wonderful week 🙂
hey also I watched Dor after reading your post about inspiration movies, I must say its A WONDERFUL MOVIE…. loved every bit of it, thanks for such a nice directional post Surabhi.
Hi Akhila..
Thank youuu so much dear for the lovely words. 🙂 If you are not able to like the blog.. maybe you can go to facebook and search for womanatics and then click like.
Thanks again dear.
goood one Surabhi 🙂
thankooooo :yahoo: :yahoo:
thnx for sharing Surabhi..i just want to know the course thing u mentioned..3-4 course per year..?? do u reco to use the serum daily and wen it finishes give a few weeks/mnths gap n then strt over again?? :worship: :worship:
Yes. Exactly!
Which serum is good for oily skin? I am 26years old…. Please suggest ..thns :yahoo: :yahoo:
I dunno Khushi.. 🙁 I now only about dry skin.. 🙁 sorry dear.
:yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:
informative 🙂
clrly explained the need of serums and when to be used in the CTM routine
wil try to include sumtym soon 🙂
Thankyouuu Vish 😀
Really nice article !! always wondered about them… gnna surely start using them !! Thank u !!
Thank youuuu Lipi..
wow superb post dear!!! :yes: :yes: :yes:
Thankkkk youuuu Ckg.. 😀
Thanx so much for posting this :yahoo: :puchhi: .. i was always confused about serums.. now its all good :toothygrin: and lara dutta looks absolutely beautiful!!! :woot:
Thank you Karishma.. I also thought I had to put it to spread the gyaan..
Hi Surabhi…
Very informative.. :)) i have never used a serum so far….. will try it out :))
Can anyone suggest me a good serum??? i have a combination oily t zone….
Thankyouuuu Rajani..
Very informative Surabhi,…. and happy to see one of my pictures as well 🙂
Thanks Supriya..
thanks surabhi.
Most welcome Chars.. 😀
hey surabhi gr8 article i have started using homemade serum lets see how it goes…..thanx :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:
Ohh wow.. thats a great thing to do Hana.. I am also a ‘home-made’ girl.. 😀
very useful one Surabhi. have heard about them but never bothered to know what exactly they are. your article is very useful to novices like me.. thanks for the gyan. I have heard the ponds gold radiance is very good. one of my friend has used it and has seen visible results.
yeah! Ponds gold radiance and even ponds age miracle is also good..