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Do I need serum?

40 replies

photocop · 10/11/2014 16:35

Or is it a bit of a scam to get me to buy two products instead of one?

My skin is combination, I'm 40 and still prone to spots. I use a LRP moisturiser with SPF in the day and an Avene moisturiser at night, after hot-cloth cleansing with Superdrug Radiance stuff. My skin is generally ok despite the odd spot (hormonal usually). But clearly I have lined and crepey eyes - normal at my age I would have thought?

Just wondering if/what the real benefits of a serum might be in addition.

OP posts:
sansucre · 11/11/2014 13:52

As a (another) faithful disciple of Caroline Hirons, I took from her blog one should either use a serum or a facial oil. And a moisturiser is like a very good rain coat, ie. one that does the job of protecting the skin but shouldn't be particularly expensive.

I opted for a face oil rather than a serum. And this is the thing I spend my money on.

I also double cleanse, first with coconut oil and Goldfaden MD exfoliator, hot water and a clean flannel and the second cleanse with an Avene cream cleanser, hot water and another clean flannel.

Double cleansing has changed my life! I've not had a single spot or blemish since I started doing it almost a year ago!

Anyway OP, I think if you like serum and it works for you, continue Smile

OttiliaVonBCup · 11/11/2014 13:58

I like serums.
They help me customise my skin care. I can use a calming or a moisturising one or a retinoid, or on a hot day I can use a serum and skip the moisturiser.

I don't think I need everything every single day.

I cleanse with the simplest Avene cleanser and I don't get too overzealous about it and I've noticed my skin is better when I don't over cleanse.

What I don't use every single day is SPF. On a day like today it's simply not necessary. I don't like to overload my skin because then It gets red and irritated.

ZaraW · 11/11/2014 14:46

I always ended up with break outs with moisturisers but for some reason my skin loves serums. I am using Too Faced for and my skin feels really soft.

pinkfrocks · 11/11/2014 15:52

lurkingaround
I've pasted the bit below from Beautypedia (aka Paula's Choice)

I think it's a fair commentary - it doesn't say it will turn back time but it does say the serum will help skin repair itself which may in turn help collagen production etc.

-----------------

This is rated highly not on the basis of its wrinkle-dashing or lifting claims but because it contains numerous skin-repairing ingredients and plenty of antioxidants that help improve the way skin looks and feels. In that sense, which is what matters most for your skin, Perfectionist [CP+ R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum is a powerhouse option for all skin types (but those with dry skin should be aware this is NOT a hydrating serum).

Just like the previous version of Perfectionist serum, Lauder claims it’s their most effective wrinkle-fighting formula ever (if that's the case, why are they also selling numerous other ultra-pricey antiwrinkle/lifting products in their Re-Nutriv line or La Mer line?) because it begins stimulating collagen production in just two hours. There's no proof of that (Lauder never makes their research available for public scrutiny), but we do know that when skin is protected from sun damage and treated to the ingredients it needs to restore and defend itself, it will make plenty of healthy collagen on its own (skin loves making collagen and would do so in a controlled, manner if we would just stop preventing that from taking place).

It's not as though you can begin using this serum and within weeks your skin will have generated so much collagen that even the deeper, etched wrinkles will be a thing of the past. Besides, if this serum were as adept at generating collagen as claimed that would eventually be to your skin's detriment; too much collagen can result in bumpy skin that doesn't move naturally. Don't forget, excess collagen production is the basis of many scars, including surgical incision scars and deep wounds.

Perfectionist [CP + R] is supposed to blur and smooth lines with its "flexible elastomer," which is a fancy way of saying this serum contains a polymer that works to temporarily fill in superficial lines by forming a flexible, invisible mesh (sort of like a girdle) on your skin's surface. Such technology and ingredients aren't unique to Lauder; you'll find it in similar serums that make firming or lifting claims; however, the effect is always temporary and how long it lasts depends on how expressive you are. Despite some anti-aging claims that still qualify as over-the-top, there's no question that this is a sophisticated formula that does an excellent job of combining and supplying skin with a wide complement of beneficial ingredients. Some of those ingredients can notably improve your skin's appearance, and, yes, reduce the signs of aging, including, to some extent, wrinkles.

lurkingaround · 11/11/2014 18:42

Thanks for that pinkf.

But I'm keeping my scepticals on.
Remember when EL advertised a night cream as anti ageing, and the only active ingredient was SPF? For night? Yes. Hmm

So it's a fancy wrinkle blur-er? That's about it really. A temporary effect. Temporarily improve the appearance of your skin. The skin we see us dead. Very few lotions and potions penetrate thru this to the living later below - where the nutrients are needed. I wonder how much 'nutrients' this one delivers? And how do they know? And how is this measured? And where are these people with well nourished dermis and fewer wrinkles? I strongly suspect you will get more nutrients from a good diet.

SPF is anti ageing
Retin A reverses wrinkles. We know this.
Like everyone, I live in hope. But so far, I remain unconvinced about the vast vast majority of anti ageing products.

ThisBitchIsResting · 11/11/2014 18:47

I like lots of the Paula's Choice blurb and products - but as a business, she has a vested interest in keeping us believing that more complex ingredients are better.

pinkfrocks · 11/11/2014 19:03

lurking

It may blur wrinkles but it's this part that I am more interested in

Despite some anti-aging claims that still qualify as over-the-top, there's no question that this is a sophisticated formula that does an excellent job of combining and supplying skin with a wide complement of beneficial ingredients. Some of those ingredients can notably improve your skin's appearance, and, yes, reduce the signs of aging, including, to some extent, wrinkles.

pinkfrocks · 11/11/2014 19:04

FWIW I don't have wrinkles, but am keen to use anti oxidants and after using this I also use Day Wear SPF 50.

lurkingaround · 11/11/2014 19:11

Yes it sounds great.
but, with my scepticals on, what 'wide complement of beneficial ingredients'? And I wonder specifically, what signs of ageing it reduces? And what does 'reduce' the signs of ageing mean? Freckles? 'Age spots'? Pigmentation? Lack of tone? Sagging? It all sounds a bit too vague and, well, magical for my liking.

pinkfrocks · 11/11/2014 19:39

Maybe read the entry yourself because there is a load more info there that
I 'm not bothering to post here. There is also a list of all the ingredients on the site.

ChrissieLatham · 11/11/2014 20:20

Can anyone recommend a reputable place to buy retin A?
Also is there such a thing as a retinol eye cream I could use at night? I know RoC used to do one? As surely that's the only thing you could use on the eye area that would be anti aging? I use an eye cream with an SPF in the day (Clinique or boots age delay) but need a good night one.

ThisBitchIsResting · 11/11/2014 20:24

I use Boots Soltan Baby SPF50 on days when I'll be outside a lot - it's about £2.99 iirc, free from nasty ingredients, absorbs well, makeup goes on smoothly on top and it's magically anti ageing Grin better than my La Roche Posay one which clogged my pores. You're welcome. I'll repackage it with Esteè Lauder stylee claims of wondrousness.

God I'm snarky today, sorry. Between cashmere dressing gowns for little girls and magic potions for women, I feel like S and B has gone mad today. Sorry. It's like when people want a 'cotton top' and I'm Confused because you can get them in bloody Primark, but no they have to be £60 from some posh shop to be cotton, apparently. Ok I'll go now Grin

Floisme · 11/11/2014 20:28

I'm deeply sceptical and I work on the basis that no over-the-counter product (sunscreen aside) will do any more than plump up your skin and make it look/feel softer. Which isn't to be sniffed at but I don't think you need to spend shedloads to get that effect.

If a product really did fundamentally change your skin, surely it would be prescription only?

LynetteScavo · 11/11/2014 20:34

I have no idea why I should use a serum.....so I use an Aldi one, which I think has won awards.... And I do feel a difference. I think only time will tell with a lot if products. Look at an older person who has used sun cream and moisturised, and another who hasn't.....

lurkingaround · 11/11/2014 21:07

I'm glad it suits you pinkf, and I don't want to come across as picky. EL and their marketing ploys irritate me a bit. Why EL more than other brands I don't know, maybe the exorbitant prices they charge has summat to do with it! Although I get fairly cranky with all of them, truth be toldGrin. All that smoke and mirrors...

I've had a quick look at the ingredients and I still don't see the magic. Water, silicones, moisturisers, emollients, preservatives, a few plant extracts, a few fish extracts (not sure which), some oils (incl wheatgerm, not so good for acne). There's lots there I don't recognise, but the list is so vast, I wonder exactly how much of each ingredient are you getting in the few drops you put on your face.

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