As we age, our skin undergoes a number of changes.
Collagen production slows down, leading to wrinkles and loss of firmness.
The skin barrier weakens, making it more susceptible to dryness and irritation—especially in dry climates and in winter.
This is where serums come in, offering a potent boost of targeted ingredients to address these concerns—allowing your skin to become as radiant as you are!
But what exactly are serums, and why are women over 50 raving about them?
Let's delve into the science behind these powerful skincare products, while also acknowledging that not all serums are created equal.
Serums are lightweight, concentrated skincare products that contain a high percentage of active ingredients—often much more than moisturizers or creams.
They contain more active ingredients because they have a minimal amount of water (usually less than 10%) and practically no fillers or additives. This concentrated formula allows serums to penetrate deeper into the skin's layers, delivering a targeted dose of active ingredients to address specific concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or dryness.
While serums hold immense potential, it's important to remember that not all are created equal.
Some may contain harsh ingredients that irritate mature, sensitive, skin. Other serums don’t offer a balanced formula that combines potent ingredients that soothe, heal, and hydrate.
Some are simply less potent, or tackle less areas.
It's also important to avoid falling prey to marketing campaigns that focus on "anti-aging" narratives.
These campaigns can negatively affect self-image by implying that aging is something to be "fought" against. And airbrushed models are just that—airbrushed models.
Great serums create great results for your skin, but they certainly won’t give you that airbrushed look where everything becomes a bit soft and fuzzy around the edges!
Look for 360-degree solutions that boost your skin's natural plumping and hydrating mechanisms (our bodies are amazing!). These solutions will leave you with a progressively more radiant and refreshed appearance.
Pampered from within. Flaunting it on the outside!
Certain ingredients in serums can trigger irritation, especially for mature skin, which tends to be thinner and more delicate.
Common culprits include:
Fragrances: These can be highly irritating and disrupt the skin's natural balance.
Alcohol: While some alcohols like cetyl alcohol can be beneficial, others like denatured alcohol can be drying and cause irritation.
Harsh exfoliating acids: While AHAs and BHAs offer exfoliation benefits, excessively high concentrations or improper use can lead to irritation in mature skin.
Parabens: While the research is ongoing and inconclusive, some individuals might choose to avoid parabens due to potential concerns regarding endocrine disruption (but in something like mascara where the amounts are so small and it barely comes in contact with your skin, it’s fine).
Sulfates (SLS/SLES): While not considered directly harmful, some individuals experience dryness or irritation from sulfates, which are primarily used for foaming purposes.
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: These can be irritating to the skin and some individuals might prefer to avoid them due to potential health concerns. Note that the label might say “formaldehyde free” if it’s simply ingredients that release formaldehyde, so do your due diligence!
While some of those ingredients, in small amounts, won’t hurt, it’s sometimes best just to stay away from them.
When looking for a serum that works for you, follow the science.
First of all, ensure the serum doesn’t contain any of the harsh ingredients listed above.
Secondly, check the ingredients.
Is there scientific evidence to support their effectiveness? Yes, that means a bit of research on your part, but it’s important not to throw money away on something that’s just clever marketing and nothing else!
It's also important to note that not all ingredients work for everyone, and patch testing is crucial before incorporating any new serum into your routine.
So, that’s the boring, but useful stuff, now let’s look at a formula that works!
Your wait is over.
Be a rebel.
Don’t allow the sun, pollution, and toxins to bully your mature skin.
Because now you have a protector!
We’ve crafted a feather-light hydrating serum for our lovely mature queens.
One that’s multi-level, and with a delightfully perfect mix of hydrators, humectants and emollients.
But we didn’t stop there. We equipped this formula to reinforce and strengthen your skin’s own ability to heal. For a you that looks more glowing, more nourished, and more well-taken-care-of with the years.
Now, whether you go with our formula or someone else's, this is a quick way to familiarize yourself with some serum ingredients that do work.
Here's a closer look at what they are and their benefits:
But we didn’t stop there. We equipped this formula to reinforce and strengthen your skin’s own ability to heal. For a you that looks more glowing, more nourished, and more well-taken-care-of with the years.
Now, whether you go with our formula or someone else's, this is a quick way to familiarize yourself with some serum ingredients that do work.
Here's a closer look at what they are and their benefits:
Aqua (Water): The base of the formula, water hydrates and plumps the skin, but it’s only a very small percentage of the product.
Glycerin: This humectant attracts and retains moisture, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple. Studies have shown it’s extremely powerful, but should be used diluted and in small amounts.
Butylene Glycol: Another humectant that helps draw and retain moisture in the skin.
Propylene Glycol: This humectant also helps with skin penetration and keeps the formula from drying out.
Pentylene Glycol: A humectant and penetration enhancer, it helps deliver the active ingredients deeper into the skin.
Betaine: This natural ingredient soothes and calms the skin, reducing irritation and discomfort. It has anti-inflammatory properties.
Sodium Hyaluronate: A smaller form of hyaluronic acid, it penetrates deeper into the skin layers, providing intense hydration; plumping the skin. It might also help fight skin inflammation such as rosacea.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate: Even smaller than sodium hyaluronate, it penetrates even deeper for maximum hydration.
Glyceryl Glucoside: This natural humectant is gentle even on sensitive skin and helps retain moisture.
Hydroxyacetophenone: A gentle preservative that also has antioxidant properties.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid: Another mild preservative that works synergistically with Hydroxyacetophenone.
Phenoxyethanol: A common preservative, used at a safe and effective concentration.
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract: Soothes and calms irritated skin, plus helps with moisture and possibly improves collagen production. Helps with the prevention and treatment of wounds.
Glyceryl Caprylate: A light emollient that helps the formula feel smooth and non-greasy.
Glucose: A natural humectant that helps attract and retain moisture.
Ethylhexylglycerin: A humectant and also helps with product stability.
Cynanchum Atratum (Bai Wei) Extract: This botanical extract may help improve skin elasticity and firmness. Might reduce inflammation and dermatitis as well as the production of melatonin.
Helichrysum Italicum (Italian Strawflower) Extract: This extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially improving skin health.
This carefully chosen combination of ingredients works synergistically to:
Deeply hydrate and plump the skin
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improve skin elasticity and firmness
Soothe and calm irritated skin
Minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation
To maximize the benefits of your serum, follow these tips:
Apply serums to clean, dry skin. This allows for better absorption of the ingredients.
Use a pea-sized amount and massage it gently onto your face and neck. Avoid the delicate eye area.
Follow with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration and benefits of the serum.
The K-beauty trend of layering multiple serums can be effective, but it's crucial to do your research and choose serums with compatible ingredients.
Avoid layering too many products at once, as this can potentially irritate the skin.
It's best to start with one or two serums and gradually introduce new ones, observing the effect as you go.
As we've seen, serums offer a potent and targeted approach to addressing the unique needs of mature skin. By understanding the science behind serums, choosing the right ingredients, and applying them correctly, you can harness their power to achieve a healthy, radiant complexion.
Remember, healthy, beautiful skin is ageless. Embrace your natural beauty and focus on enhancing your skin's health with pro-age practices.