Face serums are an invaluable way to keep skin looking its best. Retinol serums may reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles while exfoliating formulas can unclog pores more effectively – all essential tools for keeping skin in top condition.
Anti-aging serums work to smooth texture and soften fine lines, while brightening ingredients decrease dullness and discoloration. Antioxidants such as green tea extract and vitamin C protect against pollution and UV radiation exposure.
Retinol
Retinol is an extremely well-researched ingredient used to reduce signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, pore size and dark spots on the complexion.
Beginners to retinol should start off slowly – applying one application every week at first, followed by two at first and three thereafter until becoming regular users of it each night. This helps avoid your skin becoming over-exfoliated or overwhelmed with active ingredients which could cause irritation.
Retinol works best when combined with rich moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen for optimal results. At Waccamaw Dermatology, we suggest our AGELESS+ Retinoid Creme which features Granactive Retinoid technology – one step away from being converted directly to vitamin A.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea has long been revered for its anti-ageing benefits, from soothing your stomach to protecting skin cells from damage. You may have come across products with “matcha-infused skincare”, but this term goes further than marketing gimmickry; matcha really can transform skincare.
[3] Studies have demonstrated that green tea extract can enhance skin hydration and prevent trans-epidermal water loss by strengthening its natural hydration barrier. Furthermore, green tea extract reduces UV-induced DNA damage in skin cells as well as increasing natural sunscreen protection in skin.
Make a simple green tea face serum by mixing equal parts granulated white sugar, carrier oil and loose-leaf Green Tea together until fully mixed and pour it into a glass jar or bottle for storage. Use it on skin by gently massaging in circular motions.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is one of the latest and most promising skincare ingredients. As an ingredient rich in vitamin B3, this ingredient improves skin barrier function, reduces sebum production, and works to combat other issues associated with aging and pigmentation.
Visibly improving skin texture and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles is one of its many advantages, while research demonstrates it’s effective in reducing glycation-related yellowing of the skin as well as lightening hyperpigmentation such as Melasma, Lentigo Senilis or Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide can help strengthen your skin’s barrier and lock in hydration. Include it in cleansers, toners, serums and moisturizers to see results. Beware: this ingredient may cause mild redness or itching sensations so patch testing should always be conducted prior to using on your face; changes may take several weeks before being noticed in tone and texture of the skin.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids which make up proteins and direct skin cells to perform specific functions, such as speeding up cell renewal or increasing collagen production.
Peptides can also help even out skin tone, fade hyperpigmentation and improve elasticity. Some peptides, like bakuchiol and palmitoyl oligopeptide have anti-ageing properties while copper (GHK-Cu) acts as an effective skin firmer.
Choose a skincare serum that contains the appropriate peptides for your skin type and goals. Our neck cream features anti-ageing bakuchiol combined with brightening peptide precursors and soothing cica extract to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an extremely potent antioxidant that works to brighten skin, minimize environmental stressors, and promote overall healthy skin. Most often used in serum form with either a liquid or gel consistency that absorbs into the face quickly, vitamin C should be applied first thing in the morning prior to applying sunscreen and moisturizer or in combination with resveratrol-infused serum at night for enhanced rejuvenation during restful slumber.
Search for products containing stabilized forms of Vitamin C such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or sodium ascorbic phosphate and aim for concentrations between 10% to 20% depending on your skin type. Since Vitamin C can oxidize quickly when exposed to light, air or other elements, look for formulas sealed in dark bottles in order to protect it.
