What it is and what it is for?
A serum is a treatment product that is distinguished from the traditional cream or moisturizer, in terms of texture and ingredients. As a rule, it is more liquid, fluid and non-greasy, in order to penetrate the skin more quickly and deeply.
Face ampoules are used as a boost that responds to skin needs. In general, ampoules outperform serums because they guarantee a greater concentration of active ingredients and a better stabilization of them.
What are the most used ingredients and their function?
Ampoules and serums have several ingredients, the most common of which are the following:
Hyaluronic acid, specialized in restoring moisture to dry skin. As we age, we naturally lose the ability to retain moisture on our skin. Moisture is necessary for a flexible, youthful appearance and touch.
Vitamin C, an essential nutrient that plays a big role in skin health. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage caused by stress and common environmental factors. It assists in cell repair, wound healing, combats inflammation and promotes collagen production.
Retinol (vitamin A), one of the most clinically proven anti-aging ingredients available today. Stimulates collagen production, which leads to firmer skin. It has exfoliating properties that stimulate cell renewal and helps to eliminate dead skin cells.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), natural acids derived from fruits such as lemon, grapefruit and orange. These acids are chemical exfoliants that keep the skin clear and vibrant, removing the accumulation of dead and damaged skin cells. They also prevent the pores from becoming clogged and help prevent the appearance of acne.
Vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant that works well in conjunction with vitamin C. This essential nutrient minimizes free radicals and reverses the signs of aging. It also moisturizes the skin, leaving it with a smooth and attractive complexion.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), a nutritional substance that has been clinically shown to lift, firm and tighten the skin.
Peptides, which play a crucial role in the resistance and structure of the skin. They consist of chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins (ie, collagen).
Glycerin, a multifunctional and beneficial ingredient. It has been clinically shown to significantly improve skin hydration. It also restores and improves the body's natural protective barrier function.
Green tea, often praised for the health benefits inside the body, but also supports the outside a lot. This super antioxidant has strong anti-inflammatory effects that promote skin health.
Resveratrol, a particularly potent antioxidant found in the skin of grapes. This natural compound protects the skin and neutralizes free radical damage.
Which types exist and what are their differences?
Currently, serums are products of daily application and the most common are anti-aging serums. However, there are other types, the importance of which should not be overlooked: anti-stain serums, illuminating serums, straightening serums, anti-sagging, among others.
Ampoules also exist for different effects: moisturize, anti-aging, regenerate, repair, smooth, etc.
What is the most used packaging format and what are the most frequent sizes?
The ampoules appear, as the name implies, in an ampoule. Serums, on the other hand, can exist in bottles, tubes, droppers, jars, etc.
In the case of ampoules, the sizes vary between 2ml and 5ml; in serums it can vary between 30ml and 50ml.
What to take into account when choosing face ampoules and serums?
When choosing this care, it is very important to evaluate your skin type and understand if the treatment you want corresponds to the same. Otherwise, it may cause adverse effects to those desired.
You should also prefer a care that contains at least some of the ingredients mentioned above.
You should also take into account the effect of each ampoule/serum, as they have several different goals, as mentioned above.
What are the recommendations for use and tips?
The ampoule is always the first step in your daily skin care routine after cleansing. It should be applied to the face, neck and décolleté, morning and/or evening, depending on the ampoule used. Continued use, such as a cream or serum, will allow visible results more quickly, as it enhances its action. Once opened, the ampoules can be used more than once, however, it is mandatory to pay attention to the period in which they are in contact with the air, as the formula can become unstable.
The serum should be applied in the morning, after cleansing and toning the skin. And then apply a cream with sun protection. At night, use the product before the night moisturizer, after cleaning and toning. Apply with light pressure movements on the face, neck and décolleté.
What are the pros and cons of using face ampoules and serums?
Ampoules and face serums improve the condition of the skin, since they respond to the needs in it, but we must also take into account the disadvantages.
In certain cases, allergic reactions can be triggered by these products. In such cases, it will be important to check the composition of the product and make sure that none of them could be harmful to the skin.
On the other hand, depending on the purpose of the care, it can bring numerous benefits, such as: fighting wrinkles, loss of firmness, dehydration or skin elasticity, etc.
