Anti-aging serums are the gold standard in skin care - because they work!
Go where no lotion can go
Skin serums are very light, highly concentrated liquids, packed with vital active ingredients. They’re made up of fast-absorbing, small molecules designed to go where lotions and creams cannot. The small molecules penetrate deeper into your skin to deliver rich antioxidants, collagen boosters, and more that you typically won't find in non-prescription products.
Nutrition for your skin
Studies show that nutritional supplements can in fact delay skin aging. There are two main groups of anti-aging components, active in many anti-aging skin serums:
1. Antioxidants, such as vitamins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, reduce collagen degradation by reducing the concentration of free radicals in your skin tissues.
- Vitamins C, B3, and E are most important because of their small molecular weight, which gives them the ability to deeply penetrate the skin. Vitamin C encourages the production of collagen. Vitamin B3 regulates cell regeneration. And vitamin E has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Combinations of Vitamins C and E offer more effective antioxidative protection than either C or E alone. There are also studies demonstrating that vitamins C and E combined with ferulic acid impart both a sunscreen and an antioxidant effect.
2. Cell regulators, such as retinols, peptides, and growth factors, have direct effects on collagen metabolism and influence collagen production.
- Vitamin A (Retinol) and its derivatives also provide antioxidant effects. Retinol is the most common anti-aging compound for its positive effect on skin aging and collagen metabolism. It fights free radicals to increase cell turnover, and to improve skin texture, fine lines, and brown spots.
Skin serums vs. lotions or creams
While both serums and creams seek to moisturize your skin, thicker, heavier creams and lotions can form a barrier on your skin. While that barrier can be great for locking in moisture, it can also keep water from evaporating and absorbing into the skin’s surface. On the contrary, most serums are water-based, have a non-greasy, weightless feel and contain fewer lubricating or thickening ingredients. They’re designed to penetrate the skin to deliver rich nutrients, rather than lock existing moisture in and keep additional moisture out.
For mature or dry skin, you can add a serum into your skin regimen instead of replacing lotion or cream with a serum. You can apply the serum prior to a moisturizer for best results, so it’s not blocked from penetrating your skin. See recommended steps below.
Benefits of skin serums
- Super efficient. The higher concentration means that fewer drops are needed, so your serums last you longer. Plus serums are made with small molecules for deeper, quicker absorption.
- Highly effective. Serums reduce the appearance of various effects of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun spots.
- No prescription needed. Serums are the most potent skin care products you can use without needing a prescription or seeing a dermatologist.
- Non-invasive and safe. Serums are a great alternative to expensive and often invasive alternative procedures. You can apply these serums in the privacy of your own home.
Toners, cleansers, serums - what’s the right order?
You’ve spent the time and money to research and buy specific products to make your skin look and feel younger and healthier. But now what? The correct order of application can make all the difference.
Step 1: Cleanser - Cleanse your face to remove dirt and excess oils. Everyday dirt, pollution, lotions, makeup, or other products will hinder maximum absorption.
Step 2: Toner - If a toner is part of your regimen, apply it next to balance your skin’s pH and ready it for your serums. The toner also removes excess oil or stubborn dirt left behind even after you cleanse.
Step 3: Serum - Put 2-3 drops of serum on your clean fingertips. Apply to damp, moist skin as it’s several times more permeable than dry skin. Massage into the skin gently so it penetrates and absorbs well. Wait 5 minutes to allow the serum to completely absorb.
Step 4: Moisturizer - Complete your skin care regimen with a daily moisturizer with sun protection to lock it all in.
Step 5: Enjoy! Repeat daily and enjoy the benefits of a natural, healthy skin regimen.
Pro tips
Each morning, we like to use a few drops each of Vitamin C serum and Hyaluronic Acid serum to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and to get some intense hydration. Our Vitamin C serum combines vitamins C and E with ferulic acid to provide sun protection and a higher anti-oxidative effect. Hyaluronic Acid holds 1,000 times its weight in water and attracts moisture to your skin. We then follow this with a moisturizing sunscreen with plant-based oils.
At night, we use a few drops of Retinol (Vitamin A) serum followed by a face oil so that our skin cells can regenerate and hydrate deeply while we sleep.
Important Note: Only for retinol, if you have sensitive skin, apply on completely dry skin to slow absorption and reduce risk of irritation.
Source: Demato Endocrinology: “Skin anti-aging strategies”, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892
