What is a face serum and do I need to use one?

One upon a time, skin care routines basically followed a traditional 3-step process with 3 products: cleanser, toner and moisturiser. But these days, more and more people are adding a 4th step and product: the facial serum. Maybe you've heard about face serums recently but are wondering just what they are and whether you need one. In this article, we'll tell you a little bit about face serums.

Face serums have been steadily increasing in popularity over the last few years and many women the world over now use them as an integral part of their daily skincare regime. And the reason they do that? Because serums can make a huge difference to your complexion, and in a good way. Here's why . . .

What is a face serum?

A face serum is typically a highly concentrated skin care product jam-packed with nutrients, like vitamins and unique botanical extracts, and specially designed to deeply hydrate, nourish, repair and protect your skin. Face serums can be either oil-based or water-based.

Is a face serum just another moisturiser?

A face serum is not the same as your regular face lotion or cream. For a start, it usually contains smaller molecules, allowing it to penetrate the skin's surface faster and more deeply than normal moisturisers. This should make the face serum more effective in achieving noticeable benefits for your skin. In addition, serums have a really high concentration of active ingredients - as much as 70% - compared with only 5-10% in regular face moisturisers. Hence why they can really pack a punch!

What benefits can I expect from a face serum:

Because a serum will usually have a super-concentrated formula and can reach into the deeper dermal layers of your skin, it can help improve your complexion in the following ways:

• Superior hydration
• Reducing the visible signs of ageing, like fine lines, wrinkles and age spots
• Reducing the appearance of pigmentation and uneven skin tone
• Prevention of acne and blemishes

How do I use a serum?

You can, of course, use a serum on its own without a regular moisturiser. However, it is generally recommended that you use both a serum and moisturiser together so you can achieve optimum hydration benefits - that's the goal for really healthy looking skin. This is especially important during the colder months of the year when our skin tends to be drier or if you naturally have dry or mature skin. You would normally apply your serum after cleansing and toning but before moisturising. Serums are so concentrated, you only need a few drops and it is preferable to apply the serum whilst your skin is still damp from your toner. This will also help with absorption of the serum. You can simply place a few drops onto your fingertips and apply gently to your face in a patting motion. Then follow up immediately with your favourite moisturiser. The serum's unique absorption properties also helps your moisturiser to be better absorbed. Alternatively, if you like, you can just mix a few drops into your moisturiser and then apply.

Which serum should I choose for my skin?

As with other skin care products, there are facial serums suited to just about every skin type. At Naturally Safe Cosmetics, we suggest you choose a certified organic face serum so you know it is free from harsh or toxic ingredients. Because the whole philosophy around face serums is that they provide fast, deeply penetrating hydration, it is important that your serum contains only the best, nourishing ingredients and is free from harmful chemicals.

If your skin tends to be dry or your have mature skin, we suggest something like La Mav's Hyaluronic Acid Hydra-Max Serum. It has a combination of 7 truly effective bio-actives, along with Hyaluronic Acid which, can apparently hold in an incredible 1000ml of water per gram of Hyaluronic Acid!

The Mukti Antioxidant Facial Serum, one of our most popular face serums, includes native extracts of Kakadu Plum and Mountain Pepper and is ideal for all skin types.

If you're after something to target those pesky 'fine lines' (what's so 'fine' about them I would like to know?), wrinkles and crows's feet, then we suggest you try the Miessence Firming Eye & Neck Serum made with organic rosehip seed oil and avocado oil

Regardless of your skin type, your face can definitely benefit from the superior nourishing, hydrating and anti-ageing properties of a facial serum. So, why not give your usual moisturiser a little extra 'boost'? Choose a certified organic facial serum and give it a go for yourself.