How to Use Skincare Serums
We’re not all blessed with flawless complexions (if you are, we salute you!) and skin can fluctuate with breakouts or dryness dependent on stress and hormones. If your skin is singing out for some TLC or an extra boost, adding a serum to your routine is a must.
The world of skincare can be a minefield and it can be hard to differentiate between the multitude of products on offer and where to add them to your routine. That’s why we’ve put together our guide for all things serums and our recommendations based on your skin concern.
What is serum?
Serums are made of smaller molecules that penetrate deeply into the skin; this makes them perfect for targeting specific skincare concerns as they deliver high concentrations of active ingredients.
How should I apply serum?
You should use a serum after cleansing and eye cream but before your other regime steps. This will ensure your skin receives the maximum effects before you layer your moisturiser on top to lock in all those skin-loving actives.
If you want to accelerate your results and indulge your skin, introduce a gua sha or micro-needling into your routine. Micro-needling allows for greater penetration of active ingredients into the skin, making it the perfect partner to your favourite serum. Take a look at our micro-needling rollers.
Gua sha stones are also great tools to use alongside your serum. Gua sha stones encourage lymphatic drainage, lift, sculpt and reduce the signs of ageing! To use apply your favourite serum or face oil to provide some slip to the skin and gently sweep across the face. Find out more on how to use our gua sha tools here.
What serum should I use?
Anti-ageing
If fighting the signs of ageing is top of your to-do list, then serums are your new best friend. Turn to serums containing peptides for plump, hydrated skin that reduces the signs of wrinkles and fine lines. Peptides are short chain amino acids that act as the building blocks for proteins such as collagen. Collagen strengthens the skin and provides elasticity that gives skin a radiant bounce. As we age our collagen production decreases, therefore, it is vital to support the production to retain a youthful complexion. Our recommendation would be Environ’s Tri-Peptide Complex Avance Elixir.
Acne/blemish-prone skin
You may shudder at the thought of adding anything new to your regime if you suffer from breakouts or acne. However, choosing a lightweight serum with ingredients such as salicylic acid to unclog pores or vitamin C to reduce inflammation and correct skin tone could be a game-changer. Colostrum gel can also work wonders as it is naturally antiseptic and helps to repair the skin barrier. Take a look at Environ’s Vita Enriched Colostrum gel here.
Dry skin
A great addition to your regime regardless of your skin type, but perfect for those with drier complexions are serums containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body and holds 1000 times its weight in water, making it the perfect remedy to plump and hydrate parched skins. Keeping your skin hydrated also helps to diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin texture. We love Environ’s HA Intensive Hydrating Serum.
Stressed skin
Stress is a part of everyday life and your skin is the first place to show it. Environ’s new Serience Night Serum packed full of active powerhouses like malachite extract (an antioxidant to protect from stress), neuropholine (to energise and reset the skin), Argireline Amplified (to relax fine lines) and Matrixyl Morphomic (a powerful peptide that reconnects the skin and boosts collagen). Use it as part of your nighttime routine to wake up refreshed and a little less stressed.
Watch my video guide all about serums…
If you need any help choosing the right serum for your skin, book in for a face-to-face or video skin consultation with our skincare expert Katherine Taylor.
