Applying it the right way
For best results, incorporate the serum in your daily beauty routine. Use only a dime size of the product.
- After cleansing your face, use an alcohol-free toner and leave it damp on the skin before applying your serum. This way, the ingredients will penetrate deep within the skin.
- Wait for a few minutes until the serum is fully absorbed by the skin before applying a moisturiser.
- Keep your moisturiser in the refrigerator as when it is applied cold, it pushes blood away from the skin and in the process, creates a vacuum effect to pull the potent serum ingredients deeper within the skin.
The benefits…
Each face serum available in the market may be aimed at solving a specific skin problem, so the benefits vary. Dr Nazirin says, “Since this highly concentrated treatment contains high levels of nourishing ingredients, all of them help restore moisture and elasticity to the skin, while regulating oil production.”
The most common benefits include hydration, increased nourishment, brightening of the skin, and acne prevention. They also help in strengthening skin cells.
While other face creams contain only 5 to 10% of active ingredients, a face serum can contain up to 70%! No wonder these potent products are able to deliver a much greater concentration of nutrients, deeper into the skin.
Serums and moisturizers help the skin in different ways. Sometimes a serum alone will be enough for what your skin needs. They’re not meant to replace your moisturizer, but can be used to boost its hydrating effects. But there may be other times you’re going to find that you need both a serum and a moisturizer.
Serums are typically thinner and lighter than moisturizers, and have a wide variety of functions. Serums are used to address a variety of skincare issues. For example, there are anti-aging serums, skin brightening serums, and acne prevention serums. Serums tend to be more expensive than other skin care products, but being that they’re full of potent ingredients, a little goes a long way.
Moisturizers are thicker and creamier than serums. They’re meant to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss. Some moisturizers have added anti-aging ingredients, so they do double duty for your skin. But in order to really address a difficult skin care problem, like sun damage, you’ll want to combine your moisturizer with a quality serum.
The pitfalls!
Always use serums according to the instructions and as per the prescribed amount because excessive use of serums can cause irritation, rashes and itching to the skin. Also, never use two serums at a time.
Dr. Nazirin Ariffin, a certified dermatologist and founder of Nazirin Skin Clinic and 16%, says, “Firstly, it is time consuming to add another product to your existing skin care regimen. Because of the active ingredients they contain, serums can be expensive. Next, given the heavy content of these products, clogging of pores is a common side-effect, especially if the serum isn’t non-comedogenic. Finally, they can make your skin feel greasier and look oilier, particularly in summers.”
How are serums different from moisturisers?
- The molecules in serums are smaller than those in your regular moisturiser; thus they penetrate deeper into the skin and give better results. A moisturiser has larger molecules, and so it works only on the first layer.
- While serums deposit highly concentrated active nutrients, vitamins and minerals, which are essential for treating various skin conditions, moisturisers provide moisture and hydration to the skin.
- The efficacy of serums is more as compared to moisturisers. The results acquired are quick and satisfactory, unlike the latter.
Choosing the right serum for your skin
Whether you’re blessed with a good complexion or have problematic skin, the sheer variety that you have in serums can be a conundrum for even a beauty junkie.
To ensure that you find one that will suit your skin, begin by picking a serum as per your skin type — dry, oily, combination or sensitive.
There is no such thing as the best face serum for everyone. You can determine the right product for you according to your age and needs.
Also consider what other skin care products and techniques you are using. Dr Nazirin warns, “If you use chemical peels regularly, be careful if you are adding an anti-ageing serum to your routine. The Vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids in these serums are very acidic and can irritate freshly peeled skin.
Be careful with other forms of exfoliation when using anti-ageing serums.”
Get the best results from most skin care products by using them consistently. This is especially true if you are trying to remove wrinkles and age spots. Try a serum for at least a month before you give up on it. It can take some trial and error, but eventually you’ll find the best face serum for your needs.
Is serum right for your skin?
Probably. Get to know your ingredients first. If you’re:
Acne-prone: Look for vitamin C (increases collagen production, enhances skin’s repair process, and reduces inflammation), retinol (also an antioxidant, reduces inflammation), zinc (soothes irritation, regulates oil production), and salicylic acid (unclogs pores).
Dry: Look for vitamin E (an antioxidant, protects cells from oxidative damage), niacinamide (improves skin elasticity, increases ceramide levels in skin), glycolic acid (gently exfoliates and lightens discoloration), and hyaluronic acid (retains moisture).
Feeling dull: Look for antioxidants like green tea extract, resveratrol, ferulic acid (these combat free radicals, increase effectiveness of sunscreen by day, and promote cellular repair and healing by night).
A word of caution: Because serums are super potent, more is not always better. Be careful before piling it on. Powerful ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Always patch-test accordingly.
NSC Signature Booster Serums
We have paired some of our most popular treatments with 4 NSC Signature Booster Serums. To get the best results for gorgeous-looking skin, along with cleansing and toning and , we will add a booster serum to your face that is personally mixed to suit your skin condition, before moisturising. Loaded with nutrients, ceramides, glycerin, natural ingredients and vitamins like C, K, E, the NSC Signature Booster Serums have the ability to penetrate deep within the layers of your skin, so that you get phenomenal results.
Come experience NSC Signature Booster Serums and feel your skin, glowing with health.