Why Serums?

In the world of skincare, a serum is a highly concentrated liquid formulation that is specially designed as a target treatment for a certain skin condition. Not only do I want to use a serum every night, but I feel it is a must for the health of my skin. One magnificent little serum got me away from a topical I had been using from a Dermatologist months and months and months ago. To be able to say that I proudly made a switch over to something completely natural from something so harsh, stripping and unhealthy for my skin makes me want to give you all of the information I have! I go to bed feeling wonderful every night and wake up in the morning feeling wonderful and confident in the overall appearance of my skin. Who doesn't want that? I want you to have that!

When I was having the bulk of my skin issues, for one reason or another, I found that most Dermatologists didn't take the time to actually explain my skin issues. What I know, I learned from esthiology school as well as countless hours on the internet, my own fascination with health and skin, and countless hours reading a Dermatology book. 

I want to share something with you about what a Dermatologist won't tell you. Any type of topical that contains benzoyl peroxide or adapalene is way too drying for anyone's skin. I don't care who you are and what type of skin issues you may be having. Believe me when I say that there are other options out there that are so much better for us! Our skin is smart! When it is being over-dryed, our skin starts to produce more sebum (or oil). With these detrimental products, all they are really doing is stripping our skin completely. Most dermatologists recommend a topical with these hazardous ingredients for men and women who are trying to combat acne. These men and women (including myself) usually have skin that has a little trouble shedding on it's own due to particularly sticky sebum that acts as a glue and binds cells in the stratum corneum together so they cannot slough off easily. (This issue is more common than one would think). Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide basically increase CTR (see Simply Understanding Your Skin). 

Sounds great right? Wrong. They do it in a way that is unhealthy because they do not protect our skin from future environmental factors, free radicals and other bacteria that may make their way onto our skin. This is when new breakouts form. You are basically ensuring that your skin is a breeding ground for bacteria at all times. 

(If you are currently using topical meds from a Dermatologist and they work for you, hey great! Everyone's skin is different. This is not a blog to put the medical people down in any way. I just have gone through all the medical pish-posh and am telling you as your esthetician and friend that there is hope in more natural, holistic remedies found through my own battles, struggles and breakouts that are better for the health of your skin and also the appearance.)

Because of our own personal needs and wants that vary, as well as our skin types; so should the serums we use. 

A serum in my opinion, can be the most effective skincare item anyone could possibly purchase. Let me explain why. A serum is jam-packed with nutrients, vitamins and anti-oxidants for your skin. Each serum is different. Getting the right serum isn't impossible, either. There are many things to keep in mind when getting the right one to target your skin's issues. 

A serum is typically used as a layering formula, allowing us the opportunity to integrate targeted treatments into our already existing skin care routine.

All of us have different areas we would love to target and fix with our skin. From fine lines to dry skin to loss of elasticity to dullness to hyperpigmentation, there are serums that can aid in the recovery of our skin. Because the delivery systems in serums are so complex, some serums are able to drive their ingredients down into our dermis' (the live layer of skin) promoting rapid healing. If they are not able to drive their ingredients that far, there are things we can do to aid in the product penetration of a serum (stay tuned for a blog).

There is not one product line I will say I love more than another. But I will list some of the best serums I have come across. 

Best Serums:

Avalon Organics Vitamin C Serum Delivers a concentrated amount of Vitamin C for aging protection as well as the antioxidant action of Lemon Bioflavoniods, Melatonin, Organic Green and White Teas. Organic Borage and Flax oils containing omega 3 fatty acids repair cells while nourishing and protecting. This product can be used by all skin types. I use this, and so does mom! She and I both have very different skin types and issues but this works so great for both of us. Oh, and it smells like orange juice! .

Sonya Dakar Omega 3 Repair Contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Nourishes skin from the inside out with Geranium and lavender extracts that fight blemish-causing bacteria. Lavender has so many natural healing properties and reduce redness and inflammation. Key ingredients stimulate circulation in the skin for really fast healing. Your skin's moisture level will be completely replenished and restored. This serum is super ideal for acne, rosacea and eczema or any other severely drying conditions. I suggest if you are really concerned with your breakouts and they are more cystic and painful, you try this.

Elina Organics' Ambra Lift Serum Ideal for anyone concerned with fine lines and aging. It's amazing how a small amount of this serum can naturally perk-up the most experienced skin. I have seen it happen personally as I worked an event for Bengston Center For Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery. Elina was there doing demo's on several different people with varying skin types. As Baltic Amber as it's performance ingredient, it has been scientifically proven to tighten loose and used-looking skin. Containing silk amino-acids, rise hips and organic aloe for healing and softening. 

If you have any more questions in regard to serums, please feel free to comment or contact me. 

Waking up with beautiful skin,

-Jessica.