Lightweight, fluid, and quickly absorbed, facial serums are, in a way, the stars of skincare. They are particularly useful for skin dried out by the sun, which calls for immediate hydration.
They act quickly, and the effect is so noticeable that it is hard to live without them. As proof, during the tests carried out by our team, the tubes gave the impression of having passed under a steamroller because they had been crushed to extract even the smallest drop.
Our curiosity was also aroused: what makes a serum and a moisturizer, and do we need them?
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Faouzi Berradia, director of medical relations at Vichy laboratories, defines serums as water-based moisturizers containing high concentrations of active ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and plant extracts, which act by hydrating the skin in-depth and by giving it back its shine.
Unlike regular moisturizers, they don’t contain emollients such as shea butter and won’t clog pores. They are absorbed through the skin rather than residing on the surface.
These products owe their silky texture to ingredients such as glycerin or silicone. Some have a specific action (for example, against dark spots or to firm the skin), it is essential to read the label before buying. Faouzi Berradia believes that every woman, regardless of her skin type, should keep a serum in her skincare arsenal. No one is safe from dehydration.
All you need to do is let it sit in for five minutes before applying your usual moisturizer. If your skin is oily, you can only use the serum.
The main downside to serums is that they are quite expensive. However, it only takes a few drops to cover your face and cleavage.
In conclusion: serums are not essential, but their effect on the skin is undoubtedly charming.
