Have you been wondering, “Should I use a serum?” The answer is 100% yes! If you have a skin concern, there’s a natural skin care serum for that. We are here to help explain why a serum is important for skin health, the various types, and the best skincare serums for your concerns. Then, we will guide you on how to use them correctly for sensational outcomes.
Purpose Of a Serum
So, why use a serum? Quality face serums seriously tackle top skin concerns and are the most corrective part of a skincare regimen.
Well-formulated serums contain the highest concentrations of active ingredients compatible with the skin – essential if you want to transform your complexion. For maximum results, they should employ manufacturing technologies and advanced delivery systems to yield molecules small enough to penetrate deeply and effectively target your skin concerns. So, are serums optional or essential? There's no contest!
Types of Serums
Now, let's talk about the different types of serums and what they do. Serums can be categorized based on formulation and consistency, from lighter-weight water-based/aqueous serums to mid-weight gel serums and richer oil-based formulas. Breakdown of serum textures:
Watery/Liquid Serums:
Lightest texture, absorbs quickly
The best types of serums for oily skin or acne-prone skin
Often contain Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration
Gel Serums:
Slightly thicker than watery serums, with a gel-like consistency
Can provide a hydrating and plumping effect
Suitable for most skin types
Oil-Based Serums:
Rich and emollient texture
These are ideal types of serums for dry skin or mature skin
May contain essential oils or plant-based oils for added benefits
Find Your Perfect Facial Serum
In addition, serums are designed to target different skin concerns and suit various skin types.
Stick with your type: Choose a serum texture that suits your skin type, like a watery serum for oily skin or combination skin or an oil-based skin barrier repair serum for dry skin. No matter the texture, a serum for sensitive skin must have gentle ingredients.
Care for your unique concerns: Select formulas that address your primary skin challenges first. For example, should you experience breakouts, explore the different types of serums for acne care, such as a spot treatment or a probiotic serum for face sensitivity and eruptions.
For concerns like redness relief or a clearer, smoother, and more luminous complexion, we’ve compiled a cheat sheet to help level up your routine.
Primary Concern Recommended SerumFine lines Marine Collagen SerumLoss of elasticity Marine Elastin SerumExpression lines + Wrinkles Caviar SerumWrinkles Stem Cell SerumSun damage + Uneven texture Retinol SerumFlushing + Dilated capillaries + Red bumps Green Tea SerumRedness + Sensitivity Probiotic SerumDullness + Dark spots Vitamin C SerumSurface dehydration Hyaluronic Acid SerumDryness + Tightness + Flakes Ceramide SerumBreakouts Niacinamide Serum
Still uncertain what serum to choose? A moisturizing serum can benefit everyone, as most people tend to have dehydrated skin, recognized by flakiness, irritation, and fine lines. To help counteract skin dehydration, a common condition where skin lacks water, formulas with Hyaluronic Acid buoy skin’s moisture, giving it a plump, glowing look, while helping prevent early signs of aging! {Pull quote} Did you know? Surface skin dehydration is a precursor to early signs of aging, irritation, and breakouts!
How To Use a Serum
Serums must be applied after cleansing and toning your face and neck, followed by an eye cream, moisturizer, and SPF, making them typically the third step in a skincare routine. You may have seen influencers applying serums in interesting ways and wondered what was the correct way to proceed. Here are our tips for how to use a serum on your face like a pro:
How to use a serum dropper: After cleansing and toning, dispense or drop 2-3 drops of serum onto the palm of your hand or fingertips, then gently massage it onto your cleansed skin. Those with sensitive and reactive skin may fare better with the pat technique, as in patting your serum into your skin to avoid any undue friction.
How to use a pump serum: Dispense 1-2 pumps of your preferred serum to your fingers or the palm of your hand. Gently massage it in with your fingertips.
Incorporate a face roller: If you have a face roller, you can use it instead of fingertips to facilitate absorption. Just wash it with an antibacterial cleanser and dry it completely before subsequent use.
Exfoliate to achieve best results: Exfoliate one to three times weekly, according to skin type, to remove accumulated dead skin cells and enable your serums to penetrate more deeply and effectively.
Layer up for double the impact: You can use more than one serum at a time to meet your skin’s complex needs. Just read your labels to ensure you aren't doubling up on actives that may irritate when used in duplicate and stick to no more than two at a time.
Watch your order: Apply a liquid or aqueous formula first and a thicker oil-based serum second.
Keep it clean: Please don’t apply facial serums directly from the dropper or pump to avoid touching the tip of the dropper/pump to your face–keeping it free of bacteria.
Moisturize for serum success: Always follow a liquid serum with a moisturizer to prevent it from evaporating and seal in its goodness.
Consistency with serums is key: To achieve noticeable changes in your skin, it is vital to apply your chosen serums and concentrates daily. Consistency and patience will reward you with beautiful skin.
Know when to apply: For a Retinol serum, be sure to use it at night to prevent photosensitivity and UV light from breaking it down, mitigating its effectiveness.
Practice patience: Allow your serum a few months to hit its stride and show you what it can do. Some skin may show immediate results, while others can take longer, depending on its condition.
Serum swaps: Pay attention to your skin and how it is responding. If your skin loses its initial oomph, switch it out for another Pevonia formula to revitalize your complexion.
Pair With Purpose
Pairing your serum with a moisturizer provides a more comprehensive solution to your skincare concerns and can amplify your results. Of course, if you have a significant concern and are laser-focused on that alone, you can absolutely use a serum and moisturizer from the same collection. Did you know you can use a serum from one line and a cream from another? If you have more than one concern, using a serum to address your most significant concern first and following with a moisturizer to address your next skin concern is an excellent way to customize your routine.
Check out our innovative serum + cream duos to address your multiple skincare issues:
Primary Concern + Secondary Concern Pevonia Serum + Moisturizer DuoFine line prevention + Rosacea prone Intensifier - Collagen Serum + Pevonia RS2 CreamEarly fine lines + Gravity defense Intensifier - Collagen Serum + Marine Elastin CreamExpression lines + Sensitivity Myoxy-Caviar Repair Serum + Sensitive Skin Cream
Wrinkles + Sun damage Stem Cells Elite Serum + Micro Retinol CreamSun damage + Advanced signs of aging Micro-Retinol Essential Serum + Stem Cells Cream
Loss of elasticity + Rough, uneven skin tone Intensifier - Elastin & Sorghum + Micro Retinol CreamLoss of elasticity + Hyperpigmentation Intensifier - Elastin & Sorghum + Lumafirm Cream
Rosacea-prone + Age defense RS2 Concentrate + Marine Collagen Repair CreamSensitivity + Advanced signs of aging Pevonia Propolis Concentrate + Stem Cells Cream
Breakouts + Sensitivity Pevonia Propolis Concentrate + Sensitive Skin CreamBreakouts + T-Zone shine SpaTeen Blemish-B-Gone + Combination CreamEnvironmental defense + Dullness "C" Complexe With Oxyzomes + Lumafirm Cream
Dryness + Advances Signs of Aging Vitaminic Concentrate + Stem Cells Intensive CreamSurface dehydration + Dryness Hyaluronic Acid Hydra-Serum + Dry Skin Cream
If you're new to serums, we offer serun samples for a great way to try before you buy full size. What is a serum sample, you ask? They are small sachets filled with our skin-transforming formulas to help you to find the perfect serum. Visit Find A Spa for an expert consultation at an oasis near you offering Pevonia to discover your best serums for sensational skin.
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