Serums 101 - the What, the Why & the Which One

So, you know they exist and everybody says you need one, but do you?  And what the heck do they do?  And which one do you get?  And when do you use it?!  Ugh!  So many questions!  Here's a quick Q&A:

What's the point in using serum?

Their whole purpose is generally to keep everything lifted, firm and elastic.  Think of them as the bones of your house - they hold everything up.  They can also have other bonus properties like brightening or clarifying.  But keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay is their raison d'etre.  Lovely, no?  

What's the difference between serum and moisturizer?  

Serums are focused on said fine lines and elasticity while moisturizers are focused on hydrating skin.  They can absolutely dance into one another's worlds but their purposes are different.  

So do I need both??

It depends on how dry your skin is.  If you have oilier skin you might be fine with the amount of hydration your serum can provide.  If you have normal or dry skin you usually need a moisturizer on top.

On top - what's my skincare order here?  

• Cleanser
• Tonic (toner)
• Serum
• Moisturizer/Sunscreen

So serum goes first and then moisturizer?

Correct!

How many times a day am I doing this?

2 pumps or so morning and night

Do I put it on my eyes too?

Generally no - I am a fan of using proper eye cream/gel on your eyes and keeping serum to your face/neck/chest.  

Wait, I have to put this on my neck and chest too??

If you skip them your face will look lovely and your neck and chest will tell a different story.

Got it - at what age should I start using serum?

Honestly every woman I talked to wishes she had started earlier so I'd vote for mid 20's being a good time.  

Will I see an immediate difference?

If you're in your mid 20's then no because you don't need to yet!  Here's what I say - the earlier you start the better it will be for your skin.  Meaning, if you had a twin and one of you started serums at age 25 and the other started at age 40 the one who started earlier would probably have "better" skin.  It'll keep your skin looking plump and happy longer.  You can absolutely see a difference in your skin if you start at any age but the sooner you start the longer you're keeping your skin in "prevention" mode as opposed to "repair" mode.

What ingredients should not be in there?

This is just my vote but silicones - dimethicone, cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane, dimethicone and/or phenyl trimethicone - you don't need them.  They make your skin FEEL soft but it's only happening while you're wearing it - once you wash it off your face isn't actually softer, it was the product.  It's false advertising for softness.

If I'm breakout-prone will serum break me out?

In my experience the answer is generally yes as they tend to target a combination or dry skintype.  However, that's why I came out with our Clarifying Serum.  I was 33 years old and wanted to do "preventative skincare", aka a serum, but all of the ones I tried were too thick or just didn't work for me as I was too acne-prone.  So I worked with a lab to make what became our Clarifying Serum.  It has a number of Organic Teas (white, green and rooibos) that address redness (in general and leftover from blemishes), Niacinimide (clarifies) as well as Tea Tree Oil (purifies).  As I'm acne-prone, it is literally my favorite thing in our whole line.

What if I'm a combination skintype person who may or may not break out on my period? 

Our Rose Quench Serum is perfect for you!  It's lightweight and focuses on rejuvenating skin with the addition of brightening as well.  It has Niacinimide (great for hyperpigmentation), CoEnzyme Q10 (stimulates collagen) and Hyaluronic Acid (plumps skin with hydration).  It's full of major anti-oxidants is smells like roses because the first ingredient is Rosewater!

And what if I'm dry and want a little more hydration?

Oils help to give longevity to hydration so since it has a bit more of an emollient base our Firming Serum is what will be the best fit for you.  A combination of beautiful oils - Organic Pomegranate for brightening, Meadowfoam for sun damage protection, and Organic Neem for elasticity - make for a luxurious texture that sinks into skin that wants a bigger drink.  

Please let us know if you have any other questions!

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