Serums are getting a lot of hype in the beauty industry, and for good reason. If you are unclear about the benefits of a serum then read on…. you will LOVE the benefits of adding this step to your skincare routine, promise 😉
What are serums?
We all know the health benefits of eating “super foods” or drinking a green smoothie. Well, think of a serum as a super food or green smoothie for your face!
Serums are a mega-dose of highly potent actives in their purest, most concentrated form and are incredible for targeting your specific skin concerns. Serums are loaded with nutrition and cell-communicating ingredients and do not contain “filler” ingredients such as heavy emollients or thickeners. This results in serums having a light, thin texture with a small molecular weight which allows them the ability to rapidly penetrate those powerhouse ingredients deep within the layers of your skin, providing phenomenal results.
Because your skin is the last organ to receive nutrients from the food you eat, the topical nutrition you receive from a serum is essential to providing the extra nourishment and support needed for healthy aging of the skin.
What kind of serum should I use?
There are many different types of serums that address a variety of skin concerns. If you are concerned with firming, choose serums that are packed with advanced peptides like Luzern’s Firming Collagen Booster. For brightening, you may consider a serum with vitamin C like Luzern’s V12. Want to boost your hydration and plump up your skin? Then look for hyaluronic acid like that found in Luzern’s Rehydrate.
Be cautious because not all serums are created equal. The best serums are free of preservatives and toxic ingredients. They also have a combination of organic extracts, which provide antioxidant protection and the proper amount of pharmaceutical grade actives. Pharmaceutical actives are the ingredients that actually change the way the skin cells communicate with one another, resulting in change and improvement in the skin at a cellular level.
Luzern’s Serum Absolut line is a shining example of the best in serums and I “absolut-ely” cannot live without my Luzern Firming Collagen booster within this line. I have been using this product for the last 5 years faithfully. But, just like anyone else, I have occasionally run out and actually had moments of thinking “I can take a break”, or asking myself, “Is this doing as much as I think?” Without an ounce of hesitation, I can tell you IT IS. I am not overestimating when I say I see a significant difference in the texture and firmness of my skin. I liken this product to liquid gold or the fountain of youth in an airless pump. J
Serum Packaging
Because serums contain pure, highly active ingredients, they are very sensitive to oxygen and light and must be packaged with that in mind. I love Luzern’s serum packaging! They utilize airless pumps and those gorgeous silver bottles, which do not let even the smallest amount of light in, keeping ingredients potent and active.
Isn’t moisturizer enough?
Moisturizers and serums each provide different functions. Because moisturizers have larger molecules due to the inclusion of emollients, they lay more on the surface of the skin. I like to think of moisturizers as “a blanket of protection”, keeping environmental stressors out and “sealing in” what your skin needs. Alternatively, serums have a small molecular weight and are designed to penetrate deep into the skin.
How do I use a serum?
I recommend serums be applied on skin that has been cleansed and toned, but before moisturizing. With Luzern’s airless pumps, one pump is plenty, but if you like to cover your neck and decollate then you might enjoy two. A good serum will penetrate quickly so be sure to not “play” with the serum too much before application or all that goodness will absorb right into the palms of your hands! Most serums may be applied morning and night, but you may have to adjust that regime if you are using a serum with AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy acids).
Why are serums so pricey?
Serums tend to be more expensive because they are filled with only the best active ingredients that work. Simply put, these ingredients are just more costly. If you could spend money on only one product (besides sunscreen 😉 then it should be a serum- they provide the biggest impact!
When will I see results?
Upon serum application you will feel immediate effects. Serums are fluid and light and have an elegant application providing immediate plumping and smoothness. Clinical studies show that true change in the cellular level of the skin is apparent at 90 days.
I always compare skincare to a healthy diet. It takes time. Real results come with commitment and a combination of other healthy skincare habits. But think of it this way, have you ever regretted eating a dark green salad? You know the benefit of committing to a healthy diet. I promise that you won’t regret feeding your skin a powerhouse of nourishing ingredients that support it. If you stick with a long-term healthy skincare regimen you will see results. You can thank me later 😉
