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BUYING GUIDES
What is a serum or treatment?
Serums and treatments are products with a concentrated combination of ingredients that are available for different skin concerns. The word ‘treatment’ is often used for a product that is for use over a smaller problem zone in the skin (an acne zone or a pigmentation zone) while the word ‘serum’ is usually used for a product that’s for use over the entire face.
‘Active’ serums or treatments contain more potent ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin C (L Ascorbic Acid). These serums can sometimes cause a mild tingly sensation on the skin when you begin to use them.
‘Non active’ serums and treatments usually contain plant extracts, natural oils and essential oils. They are less rigorous in their activity on the skin than active serums and treatments but can be excellent for nourishing and calming the skin.
Spot treatments are used to treat pimples, blackheads and skin prone to breakouts. Some treatments are designed to ‘spot’ onto blemishes while others are designed to ‘zone’ treat problem patches of skin, preventing and clearing breakouts. Common ingredients in spot treatments are salicylic acid (BHA), alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, zinc oxide and clay.
How do I use a serum?
Most serums are designed to be used under your moisturiser. So, you would cleanse and tone your skin then apply your eye cream, and then your serum underneath your moisturiser. Don’t forget to finish with a sunscreen during the day!
How do I choose a serum or a treatment?
Ask yourself what’s bothering you about your skin right now. Is it a bit of sensitivity, perhaps breakouts, maybe dryness, possibly uneven skin tone? There will be a serum available for each of these concerns, so it’s really as simple as working out what your current skin gripe - is and then selecting a serum that treats it.
What if I have a few concerns?
If you have a few skin issues you’d like to work on, you’ll probably need to include a couple of serums into your routine. If your breakouts bother you but you tend to be a little sensitive, you could select a spot treatment to dab onto areas where you experience breakouts, along with a serum for sensitivity to apply over the skin. You could be using both serums in the morning and at night time in this case.
You might decide that fine lines and age prevention bother you, but you also want to work on your hydration levels. In this instance, you might choose an active age prevention serum to use at night time and you might also select a non-active hydrating serum to use during the day. You could also layer both, and use them morning and night. The possibilities for results are endless! Just be sure to check the directions for use on the products you select.
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While we make every effort to ensure that the information is correct, we take no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from its use. Information and resources provided are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or to contradict health advice given.
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