Search online for skincare and you’re bound to come across facial serums, arguably the best skincare products ever created. One tiny dollop of facial serum contains a concentrated dose of magic, at least that’s what I thought the first time I tried one. I was in awe at how a tiny pea size drop was enough to cover my face and neck and yet absorbed almost immediately. Little did I know, my face was extra thirsty for the skin-loving nourishment contained in that wonderful little drop. I noticed immediately that my skin looked better and felt softer and smoother. Furthermore, my face was absolutely glowing! I had to know what sorcery was at work, and it was very clear I needed facial serums in my life, so I did some research.
Facial serums are formulated to provide delicate facial skin with targeted nutrition to meet specific skincare needs. They are concentrated and do not contain the occlusive ingredients you find in lotions and cremes. In fact, serums can both nourish and hydrate the skin and provide the highest concentration of active ingredients, much more than most other facial care products. They are fast-absorbing and designed to address specific issues you may be experiencing with your skin. Think of facial serums like vitamins. You select your vitamins to address specific health needs, and you should apply this process to choosing facial serums, too, to address specific skin needs.
So, how do you select the right serum? The first step is to see a skincare professional. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to see a dermatologist, but at the very least treat yourself to a professional facial from a licensed esthetician. Your esthetician will perform a thorough examination of your skin before your facial. While you’re in the treatment room is an excellent time to ask about what issues they see with your skin in its current state and how they recommend addressing these concerns. Once you understand what your skin needs, you can select the right serum to address those needs.
Essential offers a wide selection of carefully formulated serums, and I’ve listed just a few of my favorites.
Ultimate Facial Serum was the first serum I ever used, and I was truly in awe of the results. It’s still my favorite! Featuring DMAE, skin-loving oils, moisturizing glycerin, alpha hydroxy acids, moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid, supportive CoQ 10, pro-vitamin B5, B3 and more! This serum truly is the ULTIMATE in skin care serums!
Niacinamide Serum provides a powerful 5% niacinamide (vitamin B3) in this potent, yet light and fast-absorbing formula. Niacinamide is an essential ingredient in the arsenal against time and a powerful ally in any effective skin care strategy. Add to that, soothing organic aloe vera, rich avocado oil, and organic neem – this effective serum can really help soften, smooth and bring balance, tone and texture.
Equalizer Facial Serum is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Well-tolerated by most skin types, it is perfect for sensitive, mature, oily, or combination skin. With a light and creamy texture that absorbs quickly and cleanly, this fragrance-free serum helps to balance, tone and rejuvenate the skin. Featuring organic aloe, organic jojoba oil, carrot oil and shea butter, with soothing lavender, calendula, rooibos tea extracts and more.
Still More Facial Serum Choices
With an incredible number of serums available, it’s easy to find just the one for my specific needs. I’ve noticed that as I’m aging, my skin goes through monthly changes. You may experience the same phenomenon; it may be due to aging, seasonal changes, or otherwise. You’ll want to select the right serum to help your skin through those changes. Again, a professional facial is a great place to get advice. Personally, I love how the DMAE & MSM Serum helps my skin through the winter months, and Supreme Serum with rose absolute is super gentle, so I use this one when my skin is feeling especially sensitized. Vitamin C Serum is my summertime serum, and Anti-oxidant Serum helps me out when my diet has been less than healthy. As you have probably guessed, I love serums, and I have no doubt that you will too!
How to Apply your Serum
Once you’ve selected a serum that’s right for you, apply your serum to your face and neck every morning and/or night after you cleanse and tone. Place a pea-sized amount of facial serum onto fingertips. Warm the serum between your fingers and spread evenly over your face in gentle upward motions. In every step of skincare always use circular, upward motions with a gentle touch on your face. Don’t help gravity by tugging down on your skin and remember that the skin on your face, especially around the eyes, is very delicate. The serum should be completely absorbed by your skin within 5 minutes. Your skin should feel soft, but not oily. If it feels like you have a mask on, you have used too much serum. Remember that serums are concentrated so a very little goes a long way. Follow the serum with a lotion or creme.
Share with us which serum you like. How do you pamper your skin?