Hydrating Serums - What Are They?
Before We Go On
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Serums are made to target specific skin troubles. It’s a more potent formula than essence made to deliver an ingredient directly to your skin. You can find oil-based or water-based serums, it is suggested that oil should be applied after your moisturizer while water should come before. But aside from what serums are the real question, we’ll be looking into is about hydrating serums. Specifically why we might need one even though we have to use it in tandem with a moisturizer. First off hydrating serums are a potent mixture in lightweight formulas that specifically targets dehydrated or dry skin. Common hydrating serums will use hyaluronic of some kind and ceramide. Hyaluronic is meant for sensitive, dehydrated skin and Ceramide is best for dry and sensitive skin. Secondly, it is recommended to use a dime size of serum, since serums tend to have smaller molecular structures that allow it to seep into the skin. Then top it with moisturizer to lock in the goodies provided by the serum, as moisturizers have larger molecules and act as a seal rather than a deep moisturizer.
Asides from Hyaluronic and Ceramide other common ingredients used to formulate serums include vitamin C, antioxidants, rosehip seed oil, retinol, zinc, aloe vera, and licorice to name a few!
Recommendations?
At Dr.Althea we have a Hydration Boosting Serum made with Ceramide, Plant-derived Squalane, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Algae Extract. Best for sensitive dry skin or sensitive acne-prone skin.
It should be noted that serums aren’t the best for weakened skin barriers as it penetrates the skin too quickly and ends up causing irritation. On the other hand, moist skin is ideal for serum application - so massage it in right after you’ve put toner on your skin!