Family Encyclopedia >> Beauty & Style

Serum:everything you need to know #4

Do I use it as a cure or all year round?

It all depends on the problem to be treated. If it is specific and temporary (fatigue, redness, etc.), it is used as a cure when needed. You can, for example, adopt a mattifying and anti-blemish serum one week a month, when you have a few pimples. Or, choose a “boost” serum rich in vitamin C, caffeine or creatine, in the spring, when the skin needs to be reboosted. You can also draw its soothing serum just to calm sunburn or inflammation (redness, irritation) after hair removal. More general serums (anti-wrinkle, moisturizing or skin-perfecting) can be integrated into an annual daily routine. The one that should be systematized:the antioxidant serum (AOX or CE Ferulic at SkinCeuticals, references on the subject), to be applied every morning under your cream in order to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays, stress, pollution... in short, causes of aging. Real long-term "beauty insurance".

Does it replace my day (and night) cream?

“No, answers Nathalie Chassain categorically, the purpose of the serum is to amplify the action of the cream. However, some of the new generation products are self-sufficient:they are comfortable and have a broad spectrum of action thanks to the addition of moisturizing and antioxidant active ingredients. Moreover, combination skin is not mistaken and is a big fan of these evanescent textures which avoid shine. Our opinion:if you want to wear a serum on its own, reserve this gesture for the morning (in combination with a sunscreen). And, at night, we pair our serum with a cream because the skin needs a (small) supply of lipids.

Can I combine it with a cream from a different brand?

Sure. It is true that by putting products of the same brand, or even of the same range, we are sure of the complementary activity, because specific synergy tests have (generally) been carried out. But nothing prevents mixing. Some serums, such as One Essential from Dior or Elixir 7.9 from Yves Rocher, claim a boosting effect with any treatment.