What does face serum do?

Margaret52129

Hi, this may appear to be a silly question here - but I'm needing my next jar face cream and I've seen lots of ads for face serum. What actually does serum do that face cream doesn't, and is it worth the money as it seems to be rather expensive.

I usually get Nivia Q10 and it seems to be ok for me (I'm 58 if that makes a difference).

Thanks.
Margaret

meames_2

found this for you

A face serum is a clear, thick, liquid beauty product applied to the face and neck area. Face serums come in many different varieties and are often meant to target a specific problem. They can be used to help fight the signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. They can also be used to help prevent acne and brighten the skin. Depending on its specific purpose, a serum can contain a wide variety of ingredients, including vitamin C, amino acids, mushrooms, glycerin, cucumber, and aloe.

People are often confused about the differences between a moisturizer and a face serum, and may be unsure if they should use one or both products. Due to their large molecules, moisturizers can only penetrate the first layer of the skin, allowing them to hydrate and seal in moisture. A face serum is able to penetrate into all three layers of the skin because it is made of smaller molecules. The serums ability to go deeper into the skin is what allows it to help combat many common beauty complaints.

Face serums are best applied to a clean, slightly damp face. If a toner is being used, the serum should be applied after the toner. It is often recommended to apply the face serum before bed, as the skin will absorb it better overnight, although each serum will have its own application instructions.

Some face serums contain ingredients that also help moisturize, therefore eliminating the need for an additional moisturizer. If an additional moisturizer is necessary, it is best to wait several minutes after applying the serum. Applying the moisturizer on top of the serum will help seal in the benefits of both.

Eye serums are a specialized type of face serum. They are applied to the thinner, more delicate skin around the eyes. These serums help decrease wrinkles and fine lines, and also help reduce the appearance of dark circles, which are often made more prominent by dehydration.

Some people do not need to use a face or eye serum. A face serum is probably not necessary if there are no trouble spots, and the skin responds well with just a moisturizer. In addition, the effectiveness of many of the ingredients in face serums and other beauty products are often in question. In that case, it is up to each person to decide if they are worth the money.

If the serum becomes discolored or yellowish, it may mean that the ingredients have oxidized, or become unstable. When this happens, the serum can become rancid, so it is best to dispose of it.

jenniewb

In a nutshell, the way I understand it:
Serums treat your skin, they have concerntrated ingredients that do not work as well within a moisturising cream as they separate or don't blend well. You apply them first to prepare the skin as generally they don't moisturise, this is what the cream does. They do the 'work' then the cream does the moisturising.

I could be wrong, but this is what I understand them to do.

Margaret52129

Thanks for your replies.

I've gone and bought some from Aldi - a serum and also a moisturiser (own brand Q10) to help reduce wrinkles. I used to use Aldi's own moisturiser some years ago but then found Nivia Q10 on offer at Wilkinsons which I liked. Price has hiked up at Wilkinsons so hence the lookout for another.

I can but only try it to find out if it works for me and at Aldi prices, I'm not forking out a fortune (Serum £3.49, moisturiser £1.99 I think!)