Benefits of Skin Serums and Expert Advice For Which Ones You Need in a Dry Climate
The world of skincare products is vast, making you feel hopeful, nurtured, seen, and at other times, totally overwhelmed and/or invisible. It seems like everywhere we turn we are being told that we need the latest, most highly-advanced skincare products or the newest formulation of the latest trend (think snail mucin, think sticky…). When it comes to choosing the right skincare products for your specific skin type, conditions and the climate in which you live, your trusted licensed professional esthetician is your best friend. Our expertise helps you to know how to get the best results for your skin by helping you create a skincare regimen that meets your skin’s needs and your lifestyle needs. Here at b Theory, we are highly selective in the product lines that we carry, ensuring that your skin will be safe from toxic ingredients, improper formulations, and trendy unproven products.
One area of skincare products that is particularly exciting and often challenging to navigate on your own is the world of serums. For some people, adding a serum or two into their skincare routine is a must. For others, they frequently ask, “Why can’t all of these ingredients be in one or two products? How am I going to get all of this on my skin before I leave the house or go to bed?” We feel you! We are here to help you understand the benefits of serums, how they work most effectively and why it is essential to use properly formulated serums to get the results that you most desire.
A serum is a high-performance, potent, concentrated formula that targets specific concerns including:
Areas of dark pigmentation
Fine lines and wrinkles
Dryness
Rough texture
Acne/breakouts
Loss of elasticity and firmness
Serums are different from moisturizers, toners and masques based upon their ingredients, molecule size (how deeply it penetrates into the skin) and delivery systems. Serums typically have fewer ingredients than other skincare products and need to be applied to the skin in the correct layered order, at the right time of day, and the optimal frequency during the week. Serums can range from thin gel-based formulations, to thicker, creamier, even oil-based formulations.
Molecule size and delivery systems go hand-in-hand. Certain ingredients, such as mandelic acid, have a large molecule that treats the skin at the surface level, helping to clear bacteria, gently exfoliate, and brighten pigmentation. Other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, must be formulated properly with a small molecule that can penetrate deeply into the skin, otherwise this ingredient may actually cause the skin to dry out, rather than boosting hydration, plumpness and firmness. Getting active skincare ingredients past the skin barrier and deeper into the epidermis of the skin requires the use of a liposomal delivery system. Liposomes create an outer coating of lipids which surround the molecules of the serum, allowing them to penetrate into the dermis and slowly be released. Similarly, time-released and micro-encapsulated formulas use technology that stabilizes and coats the molecules allowing for a gentler, slower release of active ingredients helping to reduce sensitivity and irritation.
Serum ingredients to look for in our sunny dry climate:
Hyaluronic acid - humectant, hydrator (you need both hydration and moisture on the skin to support a healthy skin barrier function and microbiome). Our favorite: H.A.Collagen Boosting Serum from Green Envee
Vitamin C - antioxidant protection that improves the health of the skin’s barrier function, brightens pigmentation, supports the firmness of the skin. Our favorite: Glow C+ Brightening Serum from Green Envee
Peptides - these chains of amino acids reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin. Our favorite: Collagen & Elastin Recovery Serum from Sanitas
Retinal - we are always going to recommend a retinal serum over a retinol serum. Retinals firm and plump the skin, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, help clear acne breakouts and improve the appearance of sun-damage and pigmentation. Our favorite: Retinal Renewal Complex from Green Envee
Alpha hydroxy acids - ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid gently exfoliate the skin, improve firmness and texture, reduce pigmentation and the appearance of sun-damage, and help to clear congested, hormonal breakouts. Our favorite: Brightening Peel Pads from Sanitas
Essential fatty acids (EFA) - antioxidant protection is absolutely essential in the Colorado climate giving us protection against pollution, bluescreens, and damage from UV rays. EFA’s boost the plumpness and firmness of the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce acne and inflammation. Our favorite: Flora Elixir Botanical Oil Serum from Green Envee
Whether you are new to using serums or a seasoned serum-lover, we can help you find the right serum with the best ingredients, formulation and delivery system to ensure that you are getting optimal results for your skin type and conditions. Call 720-432-2878 or book a consultation online to ask us all of your serum-related questions - we love educating you!