WHAT IS A SERUM AND HOW TO USE IT?

WHAT IS A SERUM AND HOW TO USE IT?
WHAT IS A SERUM AND HOW TO USE IT?

All the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Skincare can be pretty complicated, while it doesn’t have to be. Take a serum, for example. You probably already own one or two, but you’re still not sure how it actually works. Trust us when we say you’re not the only one. From what it exactly is to what serum suits your skin best and everything in between: in this article we’ll answer all your most frequently asked questions.

WHAT IS A SERUM FOR YOUR SKIN?

There are so many skincare steps and you definitely don’t need all of them. A serum on the other hand is one you might want to consider. Serums are light, mostly watery products that have a high concentration of active ingredients. Therefore they’re effective formulas that can be a major help to your skin - depending on the ingredients included. For example, think of hydration, brightening and fighting fine lines, breakouts and pigmentation.

Think about your skincare routine as if it is a dinner party. Cleansing your skin is the starter, the serum is your main course and a moisturizer is dessert. Of course you can always add more courses, but this is the base of your meal. A serum is used between cleansing and moisturizing and therefore not the same as a moisturizer. You use it together instead of one or the other. A serum will give you that effective dose of actives, while a moisturizer mainly puts a protective layer on your skin. And ofcourse, it has caring properties as well, but way less active ingredients if any at all.

HOW DO YOU USE A SERUM FOR YOUR FACE?

A serum is the superstar of your skincare routine, as it has the most effective ingredients. You use it after cleansing your skin. Most serums come with a dropper so you can easily apply it on your face or the palm of your hand. Make sure the dropper doesn’t touch your skin to keep your product hygienic.

Because of the thin, watery texture, three drops is definitely enough to cover your face. Use one drop on your forehead and the others on both cheeks, and gently massage it into your skin. Did you accidentally pour too much on your face? Make sure to massage it into you neck as well to provide extra nourishment in that area. Wait until the serum is fully absorbed and follow up with your moisturizer.

WHEN AND HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE A SERUM?

That’s completely up to what’s in the serum. Some ingredients such as exfoliants (for example salicylic acid) can be best used once or twice a week. Other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can be used twice daily just fine. Next to that, exfoliants are most suitable for night time, since they make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Antioxidants like vitamin C are extra efficient when used in the morning, since they protect your skin against free radicals such as pollution and UV-radiation. Moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid can be used both in the mornings and evenings.

To be completely sure you use your serum in the correct manner, it’s always a good idea to read the directions on the packaging. This is especially important for serums, since they contain a high concentration of active ingredients. Next to that, everyone’s skin is different. Therefore it may be that someone with dry skin uses hyaluronic acid twice a day for extra hydration, while another finds that one time is sufficient.

WHICH SERUM WORKS BEST FOR MY SKIN TYPE?

In our collection you’ll find two serums: the Multi Vitamin Shot Serum and the Magic Hyaluron Serum. Both serums have different properties but can be used together as well. We’ll explain to you how they work.

OLCAY GULSEN BEAUTY MAGIC HYALURON SERUM

This serum is - as the name suggests - packed with hyaluronic acid. This is the ultimate power ingredient when it comes to hydration. It can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in moisture and attracts moisture as well. No wonder it’s such a popular ingredient. Not only will it hydrate your skin, it also has a plumping effect and provides a gorgeous glow.

Although it’s called acid, it has no irritating properties and it’s suitable for all skin types. Even the most sensitive ones. You can apply it daily, both in mornings and evenings. It quickly absorbs into your skin, so don’t have to wait long to follow up with your moistuirzer. This serum is especially great for those who suffer from dry skin, but can also be a musthave for those with oily skin. Oily skin can lack moisture as well and this serum can offer a solution without feeling heavy or greasy.

MULTI VITAMIN SHOT SERUM

This serum is an absolute multitasker. It has caring properties and also works great as a primer. This way you don’t only take care of your skin, but it’ll make your make-up last longer as well.

The formula contains 10% Multi Vitamin Complex: a mix of vitamin A, E and F. All three are powerful antioxidants that protect your skin against free radicals such as pollution and UV-radiation. Next to that, they calm the skin and stimulate cell turnover.

This serum can be used both day and night time on a daily basis. To get the most out of the priming benefits, we suggest using it during the day. The serum thanks its priming benefits to a specific type of oil (hydrogenated olive oil). Because of this, it’s less suitable for those of us with oily skin, since these skin types already produce excess oil. Nevertheless the serum doesn’t feel greasy. After your skin has absorbed the serum, you can follow up with either your moisturizer but due to the oil it’s not specifically necessary. Whatever works best for your skin.


CAN BOTH SERUMS BE USED TOGETHER?

Using both serums is definitely possible. Our advice would be to use the Multi Shot Vitamin Serum during the day to have the advantages of the priming benefits, and use the Magic Hyaluron Serum at night time. That being said, there is no good or bad with these products. You can use it however you like. Even layering is an option: using both serums at the same time in thin layers. Start with the hyaluronic acid first and make sure it’s fully absorbed. Then follow up with a thin layer of the Multi Vitamin serum.

CAN BOTH SERUMS BE USED DURING THE PREGNANCY?

The Magic Hyaluron Serum is completely safe to use during pregnancy. The Multi Shot Vitamin Serum contains vitamin A and therefore we discourage using the product during pregnancy.