How to Choose a Firming Serum

What is a serum? You can think of it as a moisturizer for the skin. A serum is designed to hydrate the skin in order to promote healthy, glowing skin that can be absorbed by the dermis to increase firmness and reduce the lines around the eyes.

What kind of moisturizing should you look for in a serum? Well, the serum should not contain too many chemicals, artificial fragrances, or other preservatives. All of these are ingredients that will disrupt the skin’s natural balance. Natural products are safer and can actually offer the same amount of hydrating value as commercial products.

A firming serum should also contain natural ingredients, especially those that can work to protect the skin from damage caused by stress and environmental elements. Two of the best natural ingredients for protecting the skin include emu oil and macadamia nut oil. These substances are naturally derived and have been proven to be effective in reducing wrinkles, as well as making skin appear smoother. They also work well in helping skin repair from environmental insults. Emu oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it can help reduce inflammation.

A firming serum should also include skin-cell producing compounds such as Cynergy TK and Phytessence Wakame. These compounds can help to stimulate the production of more collagen and elastin, which results in improved firmness and elasticity. They also inhibit the enzyme that causes collagen to break down.

A firming serum should also include nutrients that promote the growth of new cells. The vitamins A, C, and E are great additions because they increase cell proliferation and have been shown to help reduce lines and wrinkles. Also, vitamins E and B5, along with Coenzyme Q10, stimulate the production of healthy cells.

A serum should also be comprised of ingredients that work to help the skin stay hydrated at all times, without becoming greasy. That is why a hydrating serum will not contain humectants. A hydrating serum will have to use other ingredients to keep the skin from drying out.

Skin care products in the modern world are now considered to be medications by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Products that contain only botanical ingredients will be cleared to be used by patients who have high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and other conditions that can make skin care difficult. For those who are healthy, natural skin care products are perfectly acceptable.

A firming serum and a hydrating serum are both essential ingredients in any skin care regimen. These products should never be confused with the synthetic and chemical wrinkle creams available today.