What you Need to Know about Serums
By Shahnaz Husain
You may be wondering, “What exactly is a serum? Is it like a moisturising lotion?” Actually, a serum is in the form of a liquid and is different from a moisturising lotion. A moisturiser replenishes moisture and relieves dryness. It may also prevent the loss of moisture.
A serum is designed for many other functions, like age control, removal of dark patches or spots, brightening the skin, protecting the skin, etc. Hair serums are also available, which condition the hair and add shine. They also form a protective layer over the hair and protect it pollutants and impurities. A serum is in a form that penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. Thus Serums are also lighter in texture and do not make the skin oily. They may be used by all skin types. One of the advantages of a serum, as a skin care product, is that it is light, easily absorbed and easy to use.
Serums do not contain mineral oil, or pressed oils, like coconut oil or olive oil. They may contain essential oils, which are not really oils. Serums are water-based. What actually penetrates the skin is a concentration of active ingredients. A serum lasts much longer than a cream or a lotion of the same quantity, because one just needs to use a few drops of serum.
People with oily skins can just apply a serum, but if the skin is dry, or dehydrated, nourishing creams and moisturisers should also be used, along with a serum. Apply the serum first. Wait for a few minutes and then apply moisturiser. Only a few drops of serum should be applied and smoothed on.
Select the serum according to your needs. For the skin, apply serum after cleansing. Wait for a few minutes after cleansing and then apply a few drops of the serum, smoothing it on the skin lightly, with the fingertips. For the hair, a serum may be used on wet or dry hair. After shampoo, you may take a few drops of serum and apply it in the hair lightly. Then comb the hair so that it spreads easily through the hair. Or, you may comb the hair first, take a few drops of serum, spread it on both palms and smooth the palms over the hair.
So, along with cleanser, toner and moisturiser, you should add a serum for your daily care routine.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets.” She was honoured with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon
