topic Re: I don’t understand Serums and what they do in Beauty

I don’t understand Serums and what they do

darkhomespun — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 02:14:48 GMT

Are they something new or something that have been around but now have a new name? I just find all the names, cc creams, concealers, blur creams and now serums very confusing. Thanks to anyone who can explain what they do.

Re: I don’t understand Serums and what they do

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 02:44:28 GMT

Serums have been around for many years, Various treatment products have certain active ingredients that address certain needs. Serums are where the specific active ingredients are in the highest concentrations within the particular formulation. They also penetrate the skin more deeply than something else that may just lay on the surface. Serums can be watery, in a gel form, creamy, or oily.

Re: I don’t understand Serums and what they do

hopi — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 02:47:11 GMT

Good serums have several actives and no oil, butter or creams, they are not heavy and I love them , very light on the skin and usually seen quick results and many of them quickly. They do not weight the skin down and absorb immediately.

Re: I don’t understand Serums and what they do

sarahpanda — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 08:13:56 GMT

If you've never tried a serum, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised if you do. I didn't put it on 'one morning' and I could certainly tell a difference. I use Dr. Denese's line.

Re: I don’t understand Serums and what they do

Sooner — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 12:37:52 GMT

I am old and have oily skin. For me only: They lighten my bank account and shrink my wallet. I just don't see a real difference in adding them to my skin care. So I am thinking of skipping them all together now.

Re: I don’t understand Serums and what they do

Shanus — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 12:59:37 GMT

@darkhomespun It does get confusing since so many skincare products say they include all these...some more than 2 or 3. The issue is they don't say the % inside.

So I think women wanted a separate "serum" to apply. I only use Vitamin C serum under my SPF. It does boost the effectiveness of sunscreen and helps brighten the skin.

I don't get into all the niacinamides, hyaluronic acids, etc. It;s difficult to escape them, but most likely if you purchase a moisturizer, one or more are in there.

The niacinamide serums supposedly helps with wrinkles and fine lines, but IMO a good moisturizer, cleanser, sunscreen and maybe an occasional exfoliation (not a physical scrub, but an acid) goes further to help your skin.

Most derms will say cleanse, moisturize, protect. The only proven help for lines, wrinkles, sun damage etc. is a Retin A or retinol at night after cleansing. I prefer a short and sweet skincare routine.

I hope this helps, but only my opinion. If you want to try a serum, be prepared to not see results, if any, for at least 8 wks. or longer.

Re: I don’t understand Serums and what they do

Judaline — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:14:47 GMT

@darkhomespun wrote:
Are they something new or something that have been around but now have a new name? I just find all the names, cc creams, concealers, blur creams and now serums very confusing. Thanks to anyone who can explain what they do.

They call a serum the "workhorse" of skincare.

Re: I don’t understand Serums and what they do

Shanus — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:29:38 GMT

@Judaline wrote:
@darkhomespun wrote:
Are they something new or something that have been around but now have a new name? I just find all the names, cc creams, concealers, blur creams and now serums very confusing. Thanks to anyone who can explain what they do.

They call a serum the "workhorse" of skincare.

@Judaline @darkhomespun It all depends on your skin, age, willingness to be consistant and what you expect. It's also a waiting game to see if these serums/skincare are doing anything for your skin.

If adding any new skincare item, whether skincare or serum, only add one at a time and wait several months before deciding if you see change. Adding moisturizers for instance with several active ingredients makes it difficult to see wha's is or isn't working on your skin.

I prefer adding a separate active acid or serum into my routine so I can see whether my skin becomes irritated or reacts positively.

The worst thing you can do is disturb or damage the top layer of your skin's barrier. Scrubs or actives that are too strong can leave microscopic tears or change the ph balance leaving your skin unprotected from the environmental elements. You'll know this is happening if your skin becomes (or is) red, itchy, any change in texture, etc. Time to heal with going back to a very simple cleanse, moisture SPF routine.