The “WHY” and “HOW” of Face Serum

Hello there! Today’s post will allow you to understand the science behind skin serums. If you’re wondering what skin serum is, why you should use it and what is the best way to do so, keep reading.

FACE SERUM SIMPLIFIED

• made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply and faster into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients.
• are a high concentration of active ingredients.
• penetrate deeper into the skin to target cells that aren’t yet at the top surface level.
• keep water from evaporating.
• the costliest product in many skincare lines because active ingredients are more expensive than thickeners.
• are usually applied in small amounts not to cause irritation. 

MORNING OR NIGHT?

1. Skin concerns that require a corrective approach are best addressed in the evenings because when we sleep our cells divide and multiply = skin cell renewal.
2. Serums feed, strengthen, and fortify fresh cells while you sleep. (again, timing is everything here).
   
   MORNING = prevention = antioxidants (like vitamin C: stimulates collagen production + helps to fade the pigment of dark spots )
   NIGHT = retinol-based serums = cellular turnover + fade dark spots.

WHY ARE SERUMS SO EXPENSIVE?

Serums made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients. Those active ingredients are quite expensive, which results in the price of your serum. Serums are the most expensive skincare product in many brands. It takes $$ to even extract the high amount of active ingredients and combine them in such a powerful product.

WATER-BASED VS OIL-BASED SERUMS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Water-based serums go under the cream and they are so important. They nourish the inner layer of the skin because the molecule is very small so it penetrates.
The oil-based serums go on top of the moisturizer because they have a bigger molecule. They’re supposed to keep the cream and whatever you put underneath moist during the entire day. 

• Acne-prone = Vitamin C, retinol, zinc, salicylic acid.
• Dry Skin = Vitamin E, niacinamide, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid.
• Feeling Dull = antioxidants (green tea extract, resveratrol, ferulic acid).
  P.S. Powerful ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Always patch-test accordingly.

SERUM VS CREAMS

Creams are formulated to lock moisture in. They contain thicker, heavier ingredients to form barrier on your skin. 
Serums penetrate deeper into your skin to unleash the full potential of the cream. Serums are the commanders of your skincare.
Still, serums aren’t for everyone. Liquid or gel-like texture of a serum can be a poor match for people with chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea: it will penetrate too quickly causing irritation. 

WHAT’S THE PROPER WAY TO USE SERUM?

• apply serum on clean damp skin;
• apply 2-3 drops on your hands; run your hands together and gently pad/press them against your skin;
• wait one minute to apply moisturizer.

DON’T FORGET
!!! Your serum will always come with a manual. Do not throw it away. It has all the extra information specifically for your serum application.
!!! You can’t get away with using just serums. Their main purpose is not to provide moisture but LOCK it (along with other 1000 benefits).

XX,
Gena.

Pollution VS my skin: can I win the battle?

Hello there? Today’s post is dedicated to life our skin has to face every single day. We life fast, and often forget that there is more to skincare than our habits. Every day our skin has to be prepared to face the speed of life we’re used to in the cities, where pollution is often higher than expected. So, let’s talk about Skin VS Pollution and what can be done for us to win this battle.

SOMETHING TO REMEMBER:
Pollution particles, sometimes twenty times smaller than pores, can infiltrate deeper layers of the epidermis, causing not only inflammation and dehydration but also a cellular-level reaction that leads to loss of elasticity. 10,000 is an estimate number of attacks DAILY to each of your body’s 70 billion cells.

AS A RESULT OF POLLUTION ALONG:

• skin ages prematurely.
• skin becomes dehydrated;
• it loses its radiance;
• sensitive, redness-prone skin;
• enlarged and clogged pores;
• brown spots/discoloration. 

HOW CAN I HELP MY SKIN?

       – double cleanse;

1. Hydration: drinking enough water and using excellent noncomedogenic skin products.
2. Antioxidants: both topical and oral forms.
3. Balanced diet: fruits, vegetables, spices and supplements like Vitamin B3.
4. Anti-pollution sprays to create an invisible shield to protect your skin from oxidative stress that weakens the skin barrier.
   
   HERE you can find MY FAVORITE ANTI-POLLUTION SPRAY THAT HAS CHANGED LIFE OF MY SKIN BY:
   Blocking pollutants, protecting skin by creating an invisiable shield, helped to reinforce skin’s natural barrier and adapt to agressors + added a layer of antioxodants to my skin.

XX,
Gena.