Today skin care is all about layering. Serums are concentrated formulas that are designed to treat specific skin concerns and penetrate deeper into the skin, to ensure efficacy and results. Serums are a great way to customize your routine and give your skin what it needs.
If you had to choose one serum what should it be?
Definitely an Antioxidant serum. Everyone needs antioxidants to fight free radicals and prevent oxidative damage within the skin. So a good serum that combines 2 or more antioxidants, such as Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Ferulic Acid and/ or Resveratrol.
What are the best ingredients for anti-ageing?
Antioxidants are key as well as Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s, BHA’s & PHA’s) such as Glycolic acid, Salicylic Acid and Lactic acid which are the most common. These help resurface the skin and improve cell turnover and cellular renewal. As we age the cellular renewal process slows down, so it’s important to boost this process.
The important thing to look at though, when it comes to ingredients, is the purity, correct concentration and quality (ideally medical grade).
Is price point important?
Price can be important. Serums are generally formulated with highly concentrated, pure ingredients and go through significant clinical trials. These all increase the cost but also ensure results. Serums are generally more expensive than a moisturiser. If budget is a concern, we advise to rather spend a bit more on your serum and go for a less expensive moisturiser.
How do you choose the right Serum?
Start with your specific skin concern. Whether it is dehydration, oily and blemished, dull with rough texture, pigmented or sensitive and prone to redness. There are serums to address each concern. A lot of good serums will address more than one concern and have anti-aging benefits too.
Serums & Sensitivity
If sensitivity is a concern then firstly look out for serums formulated specifically to treat sensitivity, as it is important to build your skin’s barrier and have healthy skin function. We do advise on introducing any new serum, gradually into your regime, therefore start by using them 3 times a week initially before every day. This will get your skin use to the concentrated formulas and decrease the likelihood of severe reactions or breakouts. You can expect a slight tingling sensation when first using antioxidants and hydroxy acids.
Certain ingredients might also trigger an allergic reaction, so it would be advisable to stay away from those serums if you are allergic.
A few of our favorite serums: (hover to get further details or click the image to visit the product page)
Browse our full range of serums online. You are welcome to get in touch if you would like any product recommendations or would like to book a skin consultation at our clinic in Cape Town.