What is a serum, exactly?

What is a serum, exactly?

Feb 19, 2018Madison Abernethy

 

When you picture skincare routine essentials, what do you think of? If you’re like most of us, maybe two or three items will come to mind: a cleanser, an exfoliant, a moisturizer. However, if your skincare routine stops here, you’re missing out on one of the most beneficial skincare products you can invest in: a facial serum.

You may have heard of serums—they’re the latest health & beauty buzzword that seems to be floating around recently. But what are they, exactly? If you’ve never used a serum before, and are not sure what they do: you’re not alone. Below, we’ll touch on what a facial serum is, how to use them, and which option is the best for your skin.

 

FIRST THING'S FIRST: WHAT IS A SERUM, EXACTLY?

Simply put, serums are very lightweight moisturizers that penetrate deep into your skin to deliver powerful, nourishing ingredients. Serums can penetrate deeper than traditional moisturizers because they are made up of smaller molecules, and their nutrient-rich ingredients make up a much higher concentration. Because of this, serums are a great tool for targeting your specific skincare concerns.

Many people assume that a serum and a moisturizer are one in the same. While facial serums can be made of moisturizing ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides) which help the skin retain moisture, they’re not moisturizers in the traditional sense. Face lotions and creams are richer, and therefore work to create a barrier on top of the skin, which helps to keep in all the wonderful benefits of a serum.

 

Oil Free Hydrating Serum

 

HOW CAN I INCORPORATE A FACIAL SERUM INTO MY SKINCARE ROUTINE?

Serums only moisturize to a certain extent, so we recommend using them in conjunction with a moisturizer. Depending on your skin type, you can apply a serum in the morning, at night, or both. After cleansing and toning, gently massage the product into your face and neck in upwards circles. Follow with your preferred moisturizer to make sure all the goodness is locked in, and then apply your regular makeup as necessary. 

When applying a facial serum, remember a pea-sized amount will do! A little goes a long way, and more is not always better. Because their nutrient-rich ingredients are so concentrated, you only need to use a tiny amount with each application.

 

Frankincense Intense Lift Serum 

 

 

WHICH SERUM IS RIGHT FOR MY SKIN TYPE?

Your perfect serum will depend on different factors contributing to your overall skin type. Below, we’ve outlined which of our serums work best for different skin types.

 

For all skin types

Perfect for all skin types, our Wild Rose Beauty Elixir is a best-selling, luxuriously rich serum that boosts skin’s radiance and leaves it feeling silky smooth. With antioxidant-rich, organic wild rosehip oil, ultra-moisturizing hyaluronic acid, skin brightening turmeric, as well as a balancing blend of organic geranium and patchouli essential oils, it gives your skin a healthy glow, naturally.

 

Normal to Oily Skin

If you have normal to oily skin, you’ll love our Oil Free Hydrating Serum—it adds a layer of mattifying hydration, and is perfect for all skin types. It’s hyaluronic acid and rice extract rehydrate skin for a smooth, plump and luminous complexion, while calming willow herb soothes and helps to minimize the appearance of pores. This serum also doubles as a perfect makeup primer, and will leave your skin looking matte and shine-free all day long.

 

For skin that’s showing the first signs of aging

If your skin is starting to show signs of aging, such as fine lines, our Rejuvenating Frankincense Serum might be right for you. This serum is an intense boost to rejuvenate and firm the skin, and combines frankincense and gotu kola with a line-smoothing tripeptide, anti-oxidant rich blueberry oil, and skin brightening turmeric. This serum has a wonderful light, silky smooth and easily absorbed texture which will have your skin feeling replenished and refreshed.

 

For skin that’s showing the second signs of aging

If your skin has begun to show the second signs of aging, such as deeper wrinkles, our Frankincense Intense Lift Serum is clinically proven to lift and recountour skin. Over time the levels of your body’s natural hydrating molecule, hyaluronic acid, gradually decreases. This serum contains hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles for a smoother look and firmer feel. Scientifically formulated with active and certified organic ingredients, it targets skin that’s starting to show a lack of firmness, elasticity and definition. Our age well secret ingredient—award-wining Frankincense Active Phyto Complex—has proven collagen protecting properties and a profound antioxidant effect.

 

 

Do you have any specific questions about serums? Have you tried and loved one of our serums? Let us know in the comments below!

More articles

Feeling good from the skin in
Jan 25, 2018
We sit down with Lisa Tierney from Yoga Santosha to discuss her journey into yoga, what it means for her, and how we can all benefit from practicing.
Wellness in the Home with nora bouz
Feb 28, 2018
We interview nora bouz, founder of Lucida Wellbeing by Design, to discuss her path to holistic design, what holistic design is, and tips for making your home a place that promotes wellbeing.