Do you know the difference between
an oil, serum or concentrate, and which one your skin needs?
The grooming industry , glossy mags and social “celebs” are quick to throw about buzzwords that us ordinary consumers do not necessarily understand.
We chat to Stephnie-Anne Dickinson to help us breakdown the differences of each and how to simply add these to your everyday skincare regime:
Oils
Face oils usually contains plant extracts and essential oils, with the specific purpose to provide lipids to the skin for extra nourishment.
Oils are usually applied over a moisturiser, due to its larger molecular structure, to lock in the goodness of a moisturizer and to target the outermost layers of the skin.
Skin oils are particularly great in treating oil-dry skin, mature skin and skin’s exposed to very cold temperatures.
Serums
A serum is an added step to an already existing skincare regime to provide a boost to the skin or to target a specific problem, such as wrinkles, dehydration or redness.The formulation is water based, with a small molecular size to enable deeper penetration into the skin.
Peptides, hyaluronic acid or anti-oxidants will be used in serums.
A serum should be applied after cleansing, prior to a moisturiser.
An example of a serum will be optiphi®’s HA serum for severe dehydration or the optiphi® Intense Retinol Serum as a powerful treatment for aging.
Concentrate
Concentrates are very similar to serums in that it contains concentrated amounts of ingredients to target specific problems in the skin, whether a dull appearance or a pimple.
A concentrate majority of the time only consists of one ingredient such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E or Rosehip to provide a targeted boost to the skin where needed.
A concentrate can be used alone or in conjunction with a serum or as a spot treatment.
Glycolic acid peels
There is such a negative connotation attached to the word ‘chemical peel’.
Your immediate thought is skin peeling off in sheaths, and being sun-banned for weeks.
But, as a matter of fact, having a peel done regularly is actually quite good for the skin.
Glycolic acid, derived from sugar-cane, is one of the most well-known superficial peeling mediums on the market.
Research has shown that a glycolic acid peel creates the least amount of inflammation in the skin, and can be used on all skin types and skin concerns.
How does a chemical peel work?
Glycolic acid, a water soluble acid, has a small molecular structure that can be readily absorbed by the skin.
Once absorbed, the acid dissolves the bonds that hold the dead cells together.
Once loosened, dead cells are able to exfoliate off the skin, revealing a more glowing and radiant skin.
The plus side of losing all the dead cells, is that your skincare products will be able to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Not only will a brighter complexion be revealed, but your cellular turnover gets a kick-start.
Healthier and happier cells are produced and collagen and elastin production is enhanced, hence the anti-aging effect of peels.
The Optiphi® Glycolic Acid Skin Rejuvenation Peel is an excellent lunch-time peel.
Say ‘good-bye’ to red flaking skin and ‘Hello’ to a more vibrant youthful skin.
