Decoding skin serums and why all women must use them

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I am not much of a skin care person and for me, skin care means washing, moisturizing and occasionally, a face pack or something simpler. Recently, for an article I wrote for someone, I was asked to do a bit of research on skin serums.

I’ve seen a lot of ads on TV for skin serums but they are quite expensive so I never really bothered to try one. But now that I know more about them, I must share some info with all you girls…here it goes.
The difference between a moisturizer and skin serum?
Moisturizers keep the skin hydrated by putting a protective barrier between it and the outside. So basically, it doesn’t allow the moisture to evaporate from your skin. Serums, on the contrary, are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver key ingredients which hydrate and enhance the quality of your skin.
What are the benefits of a skin serum?
- lighter than creams, lotions
- it is water based and do not contain oils
- fast, and better acting than creams because it has an a higher percentage of active ingredients which act on the skin like vitamin C, protein etc.
- it smoothens fine lines, reduces age spots and more.
Skin creams cannot replicate these benefits

Are they expensive?
Skin serums are many times more expensive than skin creams but eventually, the benefits outweigh the costs. Here is how…
- You need just a drop or two of serum to hydrate your skin in comparison with creams.
- Easy drop dispensers on serums ensure least wastage.
- One bottle will last you for months because you need less quantity of it
- Faster and longer lasting benefits.
Serums…a must have in your beauty regimen
Serums are a favourite beauty product of most celebrities and skin experts all around the world because those few concentrated drops are super-efficient. Serums are made of very small molecules, so the skin absorbs them quickly and deeply. The thicker, heavier ingredients in creams form a barrier on your skin which lock active ingredients out. Without these hindrances, the active ingredients in a serum penetrate your skin faster and more effectively.

How to Apply Serums

Here's how to apply serums for maximum effect.
1.  After cleansing your face, apply a pea-sized amount of serum, patting it evenly over skin with your finger.
2. If you have sensitive skin, wait 10 to 15 minutes after washing your face before using serum. Allowing your skin to dry completely slows down penetration and thereby irritation.
3. You don't need to skip the moisturizer you love. Just pat on your serum first, so it isn't blocked from penetrating your skin. 
4. If you feel that your serum too expensive for twice-a-day use, use the serum as a booster adding a couple of drops to your moisturizer instead.

Serums are ideal for those of you who have an oily skin or those of you who don’t like the heavy feeling of skin on your face. Since serums are non-greasy, they don’t leave behind a sticky feeling. Having said that, serums are not the best bet for everyone. For people who have chronic condition like eczema or rosecea, skin serums can cause irritation because the skin barrier is weak and the serum is absorbed inside the skin far too quickly causing possible irritation or discomfort.

The best way to use your skin serum would be to add it to you skin regimen before you apply your cream or moisturizer.
Serums come in a wide range starting from Rs. 300 running into thousands. The best way to invest in a skin serum would be to go to a mall and try out the testers there.
PS:
1.      I’m not endorsing any particular brand of skin serum in this post and this is for information only.
2.      The image is courtesy of Google search.

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