Read on to find out…
The grooming industry is evolving. With more and more brands including gender-neutral product lines—men’s personal care-isle across stores are no longer limited to—anti-dandruff shampoos, deodorants or basic shaving gels! Super cool, right? From makeup to face and beard serums and everything in-between—it’s an exciting time to be a man who’d like to make an impression! Serums have been around for a few years now, but are they worth the hype? Man’s Life finds out…
Is it a cream? Is it a lotion? Is it a moisturiser? NOPE. It’s none of the above. Dr Jaishree Sharad, Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist of Mumbai-based Skinfinity, explains, “Serums are the best way to deliver a highly concentrated, potent dose of active ingredients to the skin. So basically, serums are concentrated solutions of whatever ingredients that are in them.”
To simplify: Think of a serum as the whey-protein powder you add to your post-workout smoothie or snack. Just like how the protein supplements your muscles—a serum is a must-have add-on to your skin-care arsenal—which promises results more swiftly and accurately. Says Dr Sharad, “Serums penetrate the skin much deeper: It’s far more superior to a cream—sometimes, it’s even about 30 to 40% more than a cream—which actually make them power-packed solutions for a variety of skin concerns.” Serums are able to carry smaller molecules deep into the skin, where they exert the most benefit. These smaller molecules make it easier for your skin to soak up the vitamins and other goodies in the serum.
No two serums are alike. Just like how no two guys have the same skin-care needs. So, it’s a smart thing to figure out what your grooming needs are before you pick up one! These water-based, liquid concentrates target specific concerns like—dull skin, acne, hyperpigmentation, irritation, inflammation, dry or rough skin and even wrinkles (premature or otherwise)! “There are many types of serums, the most popular one being vitamin C. Then, there are also niacinamide, retinol, AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), BHA (beta hydroxy acid), arbutin, kojic acid and hyaluronic acid,” reveals Dr Sharad.
Serums are one of the best ways to customise your skin-care routine. If you are acne-prone, a good salicylic acid serum (applied 2-3x weekly) might help alleviate the matter. Hyaluronic acid is great for someone with dry or rough skin, as it has excellent hydrating properties. Arbutin is excellent for hyperpigmentation, retinol for wrinkles and—vitamin C in particular—can prevent brown spots, reverse damage from ultraviolet rays, blue light, and stimulate the growth of new collagen.
Whether it’s a vitamin K eye serum to fight dark circles or a beard-nourishing one—you just need a drop or two max! Gooey in consistency, serums get absorbed by the skin quickly. There are some you specifically use at bedtime so that you wake up feeling and looking better!
Concentrated active ingredients are potent and can irritate sensitive skin. So, always test out a small area before applying it all over your face. Don’t combine acid-based serums with other acid-based products! It’s always best to consult an experienced dermatologist before investing in serums.
Turns out, serums provide the extra TLC your skin needs, and if used wisely and regularly (typically for two or three months), after consulting a skin expert—you should see a drastic change in your skin!
[All Image Credita: Shutterstock]
Eva Pavithran
Vertical Head - Lifestyle