Facial serums....what are they FOR? And should I get one?

[Selks]

Just that really. What are facial serums for and what do they do? And do I need one?

If so, which one?

Info - 48 years old, skin reasonably good but a little minor rosacea on cheeks / forehead and (not too noticeable) red rings around nose sides (think this might be mild seb derm).
Combination skin - cheeks not dry or oily but chin and nose oily (glistening by mid day - hate this)
Not wrinkly apart from minor crows feet/crepeyness under eyes...would be nice to be a little less crepey
Not allergic to anything but skin possibly a bit sensitive
Wear moisturiser (with spf) evry day and light application of foundation most days, matte powder on nose/chin.

So which (budget - budgetish) serum should I get and what will it do for me?

Thanks in advance

Anyone?

Facial serums are lighter than creams so may penetrate your skin better.
A lot of it is pure marketing hype.
Things that are generally good for antiaging (acids) might not be very good for rosacea.
So it depends what your are wanting to improve..

Oh, just as I thought, another product of marketing hype. Is there any merit in them then?

If I could choose one thing to improve it would be the crepeyness around my eyes, so a topical cream for that area maybe?

Thanks for your input

I'm not sure what the point is, but I find serum works better for me than moisturiser, as it sort of sits on top of the skin, forming a base for makeup. They also have a slightly mattifying effect. Marksies does a cheap(ish) one.

I use mine under my moisturiser and it makes it work better.

I got some from Aldi for £3.99, wasn't actually sure what is was for either but made my skin look better, sort of brighter and healthier.

Thanks all

It's all still a mystery to me!

Get rosehip oil from amazon. Just like a serum but much more powerful/anti-ageing and cheap as chips. Naissance is the brand I use. £3/£4. Superb product - I've tried Lancome Visionnaire and other ££ brands and this is better. Also good for acne scars.

Thanks..I've heard talk of rosehip oil before. Would it work for the delicate skin under the eyes or would it be too heavy?

I would avoid putting an oil round the eyes personally. I think it would be too heavy. (And if you wear make up it will melt it off!)

I put rosehip all over the face - it's not heavy like olive oil, it's a very light fluid really. I use 3 drops to do all my face and neck, including eyes. I have used argan oil in the past in the same way - same advice, just 2/3 drops warmed into your hands and patted into the skin. the skin should absorb it - if you can feel it still, you're using too much. Stays on under make-up too (I use mineral make-up FWIW)

cedge, NOTHING penetrates the skin! the function of the skin is to be a barrier.

It is just another layer that sits on the skin, and will make it feel smoother until it is washed off at the next wash (or gets absorbed by your pillow cover).

you may as well use pure almond oil, which feels very nice on the skin.

All these potions and lotions are lovely, but don't kid yourself that anything "sinks into the skin" or "penetrates the skin".

id say a con.

Lotions and potions can penetrate the upper layers of the epidermis, temporarily. And whilst there it has an affect on the skins sebum levels etc.

isn't the upper layer of the epidermis the bit that is dead? SO yes, a bit of oil is nice. Or anything really you are not allergic to.

Chandon - When i mentioned skin penetration, what i meant was getting ingredients to the dermis where they can have a good effect on the skin.
You are right that generally creams and serums have little to no effect on the skin.
However, when you use an acid, the top layer of skin is dissolved/broken. The acid can then penetrate through to the dermis, where it can help to remodel your skin.
Selks - if you are looking for something that has been shown to reduce lines then look for a cream/serum containing glycolic acid. Alternativey, make your own Vitamin C serum, or get retin a on prescription.

Thanks Cedge and others

I have mild rosacea. Any products with oils cause awful breakups and cystic acne. Serums (sera? ) are terrific - they keep my skin moisturized without breakups.

My absolute favorite is Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum. Expensive, but it works - and in the ling run maybe less expensive than the countless moisturizers I've had to bin.

I'm not sure I believe in skin penetration and nourishment. But my makeup glides on and I don't have flaky winter skin - that is good enough.

I've found that a good exfoliating scub with salicylic acid brings my skin up brighter. I use an SPF 8-10 every day (as a moisturiser) during the autumn and winter as even the sun at those times of the year can do damage to the skin.

I obviously wear a higher SPF during the summer. Other than that, I use a natural night cream for problem skin.

HTH