How To Choose and Use a Facial Serum

How To Choose and Use a Facial Oil Serum

Unlock the ultimate skin secret with Natural Skin Revival – How to Choose and use Facial Oil Serums. In the realm of skincare, serums reign supreme, but with their rise in popularity come questions: What are they? Will they leave my skin feeling greasy? Will they make me breakout? When do I apply it? Do I stop using a moisturizer? Do I really need another product?

As a formulator of natural skincare products, we want you to be well-versed in the world of serums and understand how they can revolutionize your skincare routine. Our serums are meticulously crafted for each specific skin type and condition, harnessing the power of botanical oils and extracts to deliver transformative results.

From softening and smoothing the skin to evening out tone and texture, minimizing wrinkles, fine lines, and pore size, balancing sebum production, and restoring skin health – our serums do it all, and they do it affordably. Discover the difference the right serum can make for your face, body, and hair, and unlock a radiant, rejuvenated complexion.


What is a serum?

A serum is a water-based or oil-based skincare product you can apply to your skin after cleansing and either before or after a moisturizer.

They are formulated with powerful ingredients that penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients. This makes them a great instrument for targeting specific skincare concerns such as rosacea, acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles, skin discoloration, hair loss, dandruff, and so much more.

The water-based serum is applied before or under the moisturizing cream because the molecule is small. The oil-based serum is applied after or on top of the moisturizing cream because they have a larger molecule.

I prefer the oil-based serums because they keep the moisturizing cream underneath it moist all night or day depending on when you choose to use it. Our serums are formulated for each specific skin type and condition with botanical oils and extracts to produce results; leaves skin soft and smooth, evens skin tone and texture, minimizes wrinkles, fine lines, and pore size, balances the production of sebum, repairs and restores, and are affordable.

1. Serums do not replace moisturizers.

Facial serums are not meant to replace your creams or lotions. Creams and lotions are constructed with three types of ingredients: humectants, emollients and occlusive. Humectants draw moisture from the lotion and the air to your skin, while emollients soften the skin. Occlusive ingredients trap humectants and emollients onto your skin so that it stays hydrated and soft throughout the day.

Serums function only as occlusive and emollients but not humectants. So basically, serums put a sealant on your skin by coating the top layer, but they won’t pull water in to hydrate the skin.

2. How to get the most out of your serum.

Our serums are oil based so save your serum application for the final step of your skin-care routine. Apply our hydrating lotions and creams that contain humectants first and then apply the oil afterward to keep moisture from escaping.

3. How often should I use a serum and when?

It really all depends on your preference and skin condition, but once a day will probably cover your bases.  

It’s always best to apply your serum before you hit the pillow, after all, our body never stops working — especially when we’re asleep.  There is plenty of research and science behind the concept of beauty rest.  Sleep is when some of the most important internal and epidermal recovery takes place.  I don’t suggest that you abandon your daytime skincare routine; but you should amp up your nighttime routine for healthier skin results.

4. Using the wrong oils will clog your pore!

Not all skin types are created equal and neither are plant oils. Some oils are lightweight and penetrate fast while others are heavy and absorption is slower. It’s essential to know the characteristics of your skin type so that you can choose the right serum. Heavier oils can clog pores if you have sensitive, oily skin, and/or larger pores.

5. Oils are PACKED with good-for-your-skin vitamins and minerals.

Yes, yes, yes!!! Oils are naturally replete with vitamins and minerals that nourish, repair, heal, restore, and protect. Certain plant oils like soybean and sunflower are rich in Vitamins A and E, which work to smooth fine lines and soften skin while reducing blotchiness and discoloration. Rosehip seed oil is packed with vitamin C for anti-aging and protects against environmental damage. Neem oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties to aid in the relief, repair and healing of chronic skin disorders like eczema, psoriaisis and acne.

Oils are a safe, effective and affordable alternative solution. Check out our Rapid Relief Serum for rosacea type skin and our ProCure for Psoriasis and Eczema sufferers or our Blemish Rescue & Relief Serum for acne and painful cystic acne.

6. Oils that specifically treat oily, acne-prone skin.

Most people with oily, acne skin think that drying up the surface will get rid of their oily problem. Your overactive sebaceous gland WILL rebel. Drying up the surface will cause your gland to produce more oil and by midday, you are a sleek mess.

Lightweight oils like Jojoba, macadamia, evening primrose, tamanu, rosehip seed, and neem tell the body to stop overproducing sebum and in turn helps combat blemishes, balances the production of oil, repair, heal, and calm skin. These oils target bacteria and work to clear current blemishes and reduce inflammation and redness caused by acne, while preventing new breakouts from forming. Check out our Blemish Rescue & Repair Facial Serum or for normal combination skin type check out our Balance & Nourish Serum.

7. For dry skin, reach for the heavier oils.

Heavier oils are your best friend. Our Deep Hydrating Serum is packed with a rich nourishing blend of oils and extracts that moisturize, soothes and restore while promoting new skin growth without leaving skin greasy. It improves skin tone, texture, fine lines and wrinkles as it protects against moisture loss.

8. Choosing the right oils for your hair.

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Hair loss, thinning, and damage hair needs extra care. Our Botanical Hair Recovery Serum is formulated with castor, argan, jojoba, and hemp oils that reverse damage and stimulate the scalp encouraging the growth of healthy strong hair.

It’s important to know how much oil to use, where to put it and when to use it. Our serum is applied before shampooing and should be left in for at least 20 minutes. Start with a small amount — only a drop or two — and work it into your scalp and through the ends of your hair. Shampoo and condition like you normally would.

9. Why are they so expensive?

Yes, serums tend to be on the pricier end of the skincare spectrum. But for a pretty decent reason! Remember they are super concentrated and potent.  You are getting a lot of bang for your buck here… and there are certain times of the year when you need them more, especially in colder dryer conditions.  

A word of caution: Because serums are super potent, more is not always better. Start with out with less and apply more as necessary.

Product Recommendation:

Written By: Mary Ellen Wank, Wellness Advocate and Founder of LATIV, Natural Skin Revival DISCLAIMER

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November 12, 2022 10:25 am

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