There are those who compare the serum to a chess pawn, because it is light, works as a team and at first glance does not have the packaging and greasiness of a great cream. And yet, it is the king of the beauty board, due to its high concentration of active ingredients, its performance, its ease of penetration and its leadership capacity to improve the effectiveness of the products that are applied afterwards.
It is usually the vanguard of technological innovations and is a great ally for skin care. It is not always recognized and is sometimes criticized for its price although, in reality, it yields a lot because only a few drops are used. It is usually associated with antiaging, where its potential shines a lot, but there are different types of serum – moisturizing, antioxidant, firming, exfoliating, anti-blemish, to combat spots…– to respond to other skin needs.
It is also indicated for young skin, from 25-30 years old. They can start with an antioxidant serum in the morning (for example, with vitamin C) and a hyaluronic acid serum at night.
Experts agree that you have to know how to choose and combine serums. “There is no fixed rule for all skin types,” says Inmaculada Canterla, a pharmacist specializing in dermocosmetics and director of the Cosmeceutical Center. “The number and type of active ingredients that each skin will be able to assimilate will depend on its specific characteristics, as well as the context in which it is located. Therefore, each serum must be completely individualized,” she advises. “It matters about the product itself and how it combines with the rest of the routine. If it is daytime; at night; If it should be used on alternate days to avoid irritation…” she specifies.
Two things that should be clear about the serum: it is applied after cleansing and before the day or night cream. It does not replace them. Its texture is fluid and light to penetrate deeper into the skin and requires the cream to gain comfort and protection on the surface.
The concentrated effectiveness and rapid absorption of serums has made their way among the male consumer and has exported their use to hair and body treatments. There is almost a serum for everything, including the eye and lip area, scalp and cellulite.