Faster and lighter are the qualities many of us look for in a car, a laptop, but what about our bodies when we're running a marathon. They're also the prized attributes of skin care serums -- light, fast-absorbing liquids used as an alternative or in addition to creams or lotions.
The biggest difference between a serum and a cream or lotion is what the formulation doesn't include. Serums leave out occlusive, or airtight, moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil that keep water from evaporating. They also contain fewer lubricating and thickening agents, like nut or seed oils. Most serums are water-based, eliminating oils altogether.
"I think everyone is doing their skin a disservice if they don't have a great serum."
"The beauty of a serum is that most of the fluid is eliminated," "so what you're left with is a high concentration of active ingredients." Serums contain the most potent dose of anti-aging ingredients --antioxidants, peptides, and skin brighteners such as kojic acid, Arbutrin and Glutathione.
Serum Costs, Serum Benefits
Because active ingredients are more expensive than thickeners, serums are also the costliest product in many skin care lines. But when applied properly, a 1-ounce container of serum should last months and just the tiny amount you need.
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. "That's great for locking moisture in. But it can also lock active ingredients out. Without these hindrances, the active ingredients in a serum penetrate your skin faster and more effectively."
Skin connects us to the outside world.
It's part of every smile, every handshake, and most importantly, it protects us from the potentially damaging influences of daily life.
Your skin is your body's protective covering but it has even more jobs to do as our only external organ.
The skin acts as a waterproof, insulating shield, guarding the body against the external temperatures and harmful environment. It also exudes antibacterial substances that prevent infection and manufactures vitamin D for converting calcium into healthy bones.
Skin is also a huge sensor packed with nerves for keeping the brain in touch with the outside world.
Healthy skin is often viewed as evidence of a healthy body. Serving such important roles, it must be properly protected, nourished and treated.
