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Thank God January is finally over, but sadly the wintery weather will be going on for a while yet. So it’s still important to keep your skincare routine robust. Adding facial serums to your skincare routine regardless of the time of year is important but in winter, your skin really does need it to mostly lock in moisture and prepare it for facing the harsh weather not to mention pollution when you step outside your home.
Why serum is important for skin
A few years ago, serums weren’t particularly popular or mentioned that much in a skincare routine but now it’s all the rage because it’s benefits have become very well known.
Applying a face serum usually comes after you have cleansed and toned your skin, before your moisturiser because serums are usually highly-concentrated ingredients and somehow lightweight at the same time making them easy for the skin to absorb.
Depending on the ingredient you choose, serums can be effective at skin cell regeneration to improve your complexion and improve its radiance.
Because serums are easily absorbed by skin, it has the ability to refine your skin’s texture and smoothen the skin’s surface and minimise pores, making your makeup look flawless. Finally, as mentioned before, face serums help your skin lock moisture into the skin.
The best ingredients to look for in face serums
Obviously, serums are great for skin radiance but the power of a serum really lies in the ingredient (s) so choose wisely. Face serums can and should be applied all year round but particularly in winter, serums with the ingredients below will ensure your skin looks flawlessly radiant.
Vitamin C
As you all know this time of year, skin doesn’t just get dehydrated, our complexion also suffers. It becomes very dull because of the lack of sunshine and that’s where Vitamin C serums come in handy. Vitamin C brightens dull and ashy complexion, as well as pigment marks. It also has anti-aging qualities so it fights wrinkles and skin conditions caused by the environment. It’s just what’s needed during winter.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is perhaps one of the most popular skincare ingredients ever. Almost every skincare product I’ve come across recently contains this magic ingredient and for a good reason. Hyaluronic Acid retains moisture in the skin, keeps it hydrated, plumper and firmer. It acts like a sponge holding vast amounts of water in the skin, effectively plumping out the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving the skin’s hydration and texture.
CBD / Hemp
CBD or skincare products that contain this ingredient are multipurpose and solves a lot of skin issues most of us face. This is because the hemp used to produce CBD is so rich in the many nutrients our skin needs. For instance, hemp, it’s naturally rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E – all of which provide skin with the nourishment needed to sustain healthy skin.
It also contains Vitamins C and E both of which are well-known as powerful antioxidants. Again, it contains Vitamins A and D which are required to maintain moisture, repair skin cells, and minimize breakouts. Hemp is also full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and these help to regenerate the protective outer-layer of skin, plus keep it looking smooth and healthy. Let’s just say, having a serum rich in CDB, will solve a lot of skin issues and keep it radiant.
Squalane
Squalane is a lesser known ingredient to consumers, although it does appear in most skincare. It’s a stable hydrocarbon found naturally in the skin. You’d have to revisit your chemistry textbooks to find out what a hydrocarbon is but in relation to our skin, Squalane is an exceptional hydrator that can prevent ongoing loss of hydration that makes skin less supple. It is also an antioxidant so it has anti-aging properties. Skin concerns solved by squalane include fine lines and wrinkles, healing sensitive skin types, as well as dryness and rough texture, and large pores.
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
Our skin cells naturally produce EGF to keep our skin youthful and supple but like most things in the body, production slows as we grow older, so artificial EGF in serums and other skincare products can stimulate skin cells to reproduce EGF. But that’s not all it does. While stimulating the production of EGF in the body, it does the same for collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, all of which keep skin looking plump and youthful.
I’ve only seen EGF in Icelandic brand BIOEFFECT’s skincare products (check it out here) but based on its benefits to the skin, boy, I hope more brands start using it in their products.
It’s rare that you get a face serum with just one ingredient. It’s usually mixed with other oils and derivatives to make them more stable or potent. But as long as they contain dominant amounts of the chosen main ingredient, your skin can enjoy the full benefits and have amazing, radiance all year round.
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