Maybe I can help here! A serum is just a type of product texture - it is a product that it light, usually gets quickly absorbed into the skin. Usually people use serums before a moisturizer.
Serums can do different things depending on ingredients inside: some are mostly “feel good” products and they just add an extra step for moisturization. These would be the so called “hydrating serums”, you can think of them as a “half of a moisturizer” - take a cream, “remove” most of the emollients and occlusive from the formulation, and you have a hydration serum. These serums still work for some people because you could add more hydrating ingredients to your routine without heavy textures.
Other serums have more potent actives, for example retinoids, ascorbic acid, chemical exfoliant. The function of these serums is to deliver a particular active to your skin. And of course, the benefit for the skin will depend on that active. It is also possible to have actives in formats other than serums: there are, for example, creams with retinoids.
Hope this helps to clarify this a bit!
Is it artifical or narural?
* natural
So many different serums, hard to know what really works other than Retin A.
The order of operations for products and sticking to a routine that makes me feel pampered AND that’s effective.
How products work with each other, and basically everything.
Which ingredients clog pores and which ingredients are fragrances.
The thing I find most confusing about my skin is that different areas of my face seem to respond differently, which leads me to believe they need different products and techniques to combat the signs of aging. My skin is sensitive except for my forehead, so I can only use abrasive scrubs on my forehead. But, I want to reduce congestion, pore size and hyperpigmentation in my t-zone, so I use a toner with glycolic and lactic acids, brightening masks and brightening serums. But, I'm also in my 40's so my sensitive skin is also dry, and I need to moisturize, but moisturizers for aging skin can often break me out, especially in my t-zone, causing more hyperpigmentation. ARGH!!!
Skin in some areas is more sensitive, it’s true! It sounds like your skin is irritated, and it leads to dryness and can actually make congestion worse! I’d focus on restoring your skin barrier and stop abrasive scrubs and fragrances products. Once the dryness is managed, retinoids + daily sunscreen would make the biggest difference… let us know if you’d like help with a routine!
Serums and what they do