Why you NEED a serum
Need a serum eh? Well perhaps ‘need’ is a slight exaggeration, as serums are not as essential as say water or air, however if you are serious about achieving fantastic skin results, a serum is the hidden gem you should certainly consider including in your skincare routine.
So, what exactly is a serum and why have serums recently become a beauty industry must-have?
In two words, a serum targets and boosts. In a third, a serum is liquid-gold!
Different from skin oils (that sometimes are mistakenly called ‘serums’), serums are designed to penetrate the epidermis (deeper layers of the skin) to both deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to address specific skin concerns, and boost moisture for a more supple, dewy appearance. When compared to other skincare products, a serum is more expensive, primarily due to the potency of the active ingredients contained within.
Though there is no quick-fix way to change your skin permanently (or over-night), serums can make a dramatic difference to your skin over time. Sounds pretty good right? Well that’s because they are! In fact, I would go so far as to say that a serum is the one product in your skincare routine that will bring about the most noticeable results.
Serums are water-based products and often formulated with ingredients which very effectively penetrate the skin layers due to their small molecular size. They are lightweight and easily absorbed, making them perfect for layering with your daily moisturiser to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier to reduce water loss in the skin. It is important to be aware that the results of serums will only be seen with continued use; once the active is no longer used, the effect dissipates.
At the base of each of our serums is a combination of organic aloe vera which soothes and heals all skin-types; a breakthrough natural gel ingredient that leaves the skin ultra-silky and assists in the noticeably quick absorption of our serums plus their uniquely milky appearance; natural Vitamin E, a fabulous antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals and smooth the skin; and hyaluronic acid, which is a fantastic multi-tasker and safe for all skin types.
As perhaps the key serum ingredient, not only does hyaluronic acid intensely moisturise the skin and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it can help speed up wound healing and nourish collagen, which is responsible for keeping skin firm and plump. Studies have proven hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, making it a key factor in retaining moisture in the skin, where a lack of moisture is one of the main culprits of aging skin. As an aside, hyaluronic acid is also naturally found in your skin as well as in connective tissue in your body to keep the skin moist and lubricated.
Choosing the right serum can be tricky, which is why we created three serums to address the most common skin issues, being congestion, dehydration and pigmentation.
Our Acne Serum contains to two active ingredients: the first is Australian Lime Pearl (sourced locally from northern NSW) which helps to gently slough away dead skin cells that can often block pores and thereby result in congestion, and the second is a natural sebum reducing active that is clinically proven to reduce sebum production by 56% in 8 weeks. Another notable aspect of this serum is the combination of anti-microbial Australian essential oils of Tea Tree, Lemon Myrtle, Lavender and Valencia Orange, which help kill bacteria on the skin. So, if you are looking for a gentle and natural alternative to treat your acne, this product is well worth a try.
Our Pigmentation Serum is one of our most popular products and is one of my personal go-to products, having made a tremendous difference to the quality of my own skin. For those who are searching for an anti-aging product, this is well worth your investment. It contains a combination of two active ingredients: Australian Lime Pearl to help maintain skin cell turnover which slows as we age, and a botanical whitening agent which is clinically proven to fade the appearance of age spots by 28% in 12 weeks. It also contains the highly valued Neroli flower Oil which aids in the natural regeneration process of the skin, making it a prime brightening and anti-aging ingredient.
And finally, our Hydration Serum helps refresh your complexion by providing optimal and immediate hydration to even the most thirsty of skins. The key active in this gorgeous serum is a powerful Australian botanical combination (including Australian Illawarra Plum and Australian Burdekin Plum), proven to increase skin hydration by up to 128% in 30 days, helping to noticeably reduce the main signs of ageing skin so your complexion appears dewy and glowing with health. This beautifully scented serum helps provide long-lasting skin hydration throughout the entire day.
So that’s a wrap! I hope you are now far clearer on the immense benefits of serums - the true work-horses of your beauty bag :o) Stay tuned for our next blog post where we will detail the best techniques to most effectively apply your chosen serum.