Face Serums: What Are They & Why Do I Need One?

When it comes to skin care, you're probably familiar with the traditional 3-step process of cleanse, tone and moisturise, right? But perhaps lately you've been hearing a lot about face serums and you've been left wondering about them. What are they? Do I need one?

The popularity of face serums has been steadily growing in recent years and they are fast becoming an integral part of the daily skin care regime of women all over the world. Yes, that's right - there is a 4th component to your normal skin care routine that you should seriously consider adopting because it can have real benefits for your complexion. And here's why...

Firstly, what are face serums?

Face serums are highly concentrated formulations packed with nutrients, such as vitamins and botanical extracts, designed to deeply nourish, hydrate, repair and protect your skin. Most serums are either oil or water-based.

Aren't face serums just like moisturisers?

Not really. Face serums are different to normal face lotions and creams in that they contain smaller molecules. This allows them to penetrate the skin more quickly and more deeply than regular moisturisers, thereby making them more effective. In addition, the concentration of active ingredients in serums can be as high as 70%, compared with concentrations of around 5-10% in traditional moisturisers. So they can really pack a punch!

Benefits of face serums:

Because of their unique and concentrated formulas, and their ability to reach into the deeper dermal layers of your skin, serums can help with:

� Superior hydration of the skin

� A reduction in the visible signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles and age spots

� A reduction in skin pigmentation and evening out of skin tone

� Prevention of acne

How do I use a serum?

Whilst serums can be used on their own without a regular moisturiser, it is generally recommended that both a serum and moisturiser be used in order to achieve maximum hydration benefits, especially during the colder months of the year, or if you have particularly dry or mature skin. siero viso are usually applied after cleansing and toning and before moisturising. Due to their high concentration of nutrients, only a few drops are required and it is recommended that the serum be applied whilst the skin is still damp from your toner as this also helps with absorption of the serum. Simply apply with your fingers in a gentle patting motion. Follow immediately with your chosen organic moisturiser and the serum's outstanding absorption properties will also help with absorption of your moisturiser - double bonus!

Which serum is right for me?

Just like other skin care products, you can find a facial serum suited to your specific skin type. Opt for a certified organic face serum so you can be sure it is free from harmful or toxic ingredients. The whole philosophy around face serums is fast, deeply penetrating hydration so you'll want to make sure that only the best, nourishing ingredients are in your serum.

If you have dry or mature skin, we suggest you find an organic facial serum that includes Hyaluronic Acid which has an amazing ability to hold in moisture (1000ml of water per gram of Hyaluronic Acid!).

We also love face serums that include Australian native extracts like Kakadu Plum which has one of the highest concentrations of bio-nutrient available Vitamin C of any fruit.

And if you're interested in targeting those areas that can betray our age, then opt for a serum with ingredients that have antioxidant properties, like Vitamin E, Vitamin C and even Green Tea. These ingredients can help fight free radicals which can speed up the ageing process. They can also help to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and those pesky "crow's feet".

There is no doubt that all skin types can benefit from the ultra-nourishing and excellent anti-ageing properties of facial serums. So, if you feel like your moisturiser could do with a little 'boost', grab a certified organic facial serum and give it a go.