This article is my opinion and for informational purposes, only. I do share outside resources that may help to develop additional discussion. This article is not intended to be used in place of professional advice, medical treatment, or professional care; is not intended to be and should not be a substitute for professional care, advice or treatment; is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease of any kind. How you choose to digest this information is entirely up to you. This article was based on trusted sources that are linked at the bottom of the article. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before changing any health regimen or for questions you may have. 

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It is a question that will have various answers - depending on who you speak to. 

Do I need a serum?

The short answer‌ is no. 

A great skincare routine can simply start with what I like to call the trifecta - a cleanser, a moisturizer, and an SPF. Really, those are the 3 things you need to begin, and maintain, a skincare routine. 

Cleansing your face is the star of any routine because you are washing away the day’s dirt and debris. You simply don’t need that gunk causing havoc within your pores! Moisturizer - even for those with oily, acne-prone skin - keeps our skin balanced and hydrated. And our BFF - SPF of 30+ for our face - should be a no brainer, but I’m still surprised to this day the amount of individuals that aren’t wearing an SPF.     

A healthy practice is to complete your routine twice per day in the AM (with SPF) and PM.

Where a serum comes into play is when individuals may want to elevate their skincare or need to target a specific concern. So, no, a serum may not be necessary, but it is definitely a great addition to your skincare routine.

What is a serum?

Serums target specific concerns you may have with your skin. There are a multitude of serum formulations available that may include well-aging, hydrating, and brightening options, and most are typically in liquid form with a gel-like texture.

Within your skincare routine, serums would fall after cleansing and toning, and right before moisturizing or oil. I suggest spritzing with face mist to allow your serum to soak in better.

If you’re looking for a general overall skin‌ boost, without a specific target, a daily antioxidant serum may work for you to fight daily skin stressors and encourage well-aging. Are you looking to target fine lines and wrinkles? You may find that a Bakuchi serum works beautifully. 

Do serums actually work?

Yes! Clinical trials have demonstrated that serums work. The key is to use them consistently within your routine to gain your desired results. Using your serums daily, in the AM and/or PM (or as recommended) will help to create a consistent habit within your routine.

⇒	Desired results take time, so be consistent with your skincare routine and listen to your skin!

 

I’m a firm believer in utilizing serums to elevate skincare routines. And not just because I make serums, but because I use them within my routine.

AM	daily+peptides bakuchi alt-a
PM	niacinamide10 in rotation with vita c (never use together) hyaluronic acid (when my face feels especially dry)

Are you new to serums?

If you are new to serums and unsure where exactly to start, here are some suggestions, but you should always consult with your care providers. 

• Start with my daily+peptides Serum. This is a well-rounded serum supporting a healthy skin routine. This daily+peptides serum includes a plant-based antioxidant to combat everyday stressors, a skin-protecting plant-based stem cell for hydrating and well-aging, and 4 plant-based peptides. 
• Have you noticed some skin changes? Or has your Esthetician or Dermatologist suggested you add a serum for a targeted concern? Here are some other options…
• Niacinamide10 is a targeted serum that may help against uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, and moisture loss. 
• Bakuchi Alt-A is a targeted serum we use as a Retinol-alternative. Potentially targeting fine lines and wrinkles, offering potential well-aging benefits.
• Vita-C is a targeted serum that may help with brightening, offering potential collagen production, and hyperpigmentation concerns.
• Hyaluronic Acid is a beautiful hydrating serum that helps to lock in moisture, plumping our skin’s appearance by offering a potential youthful glow.

Listen to your skin! It will tell you a ton about what it needs, and when. Use your best judgment when adding skincare items into your routine. And, if you're unsure, ask your health professional for their input! If you have questions about my products, please let me know! 

What are your thoughts on serums? Do you use a serum? Let me know, below!

~ Well age, beautifully!

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As noted above, this article is my opinion and for informational purposes, only. I do share outside resources that may help to develop additional discussion. This article is not intended to be used in place of professional advice, medical treatment, or professional care; is not intended to be and should not be a substitute for professional care, advice or treatment; is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease of any kind. How you choose to digest this information is entirely up to you. This article was based on trusted sources that are linked at the bottom of the article. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before changing any health regimen or for questions you may have. 

Sources:

1. https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/blog-post/importance-moisturizing
2. https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
3. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7122a5.htm
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/skin-serum-what-it-can-and-cant-do-2018061214029
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/damp-skin
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3140905/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3050617/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35054770/