Summertime has finally arrived! Not only does this mean longer days and more sunshine (hopefully!), it also means our skin might need a slight change of routine. As the summer months bring milder and possibly dryer weather, our skin may be in need of extra hydration. One of the best ways you can deeply hydrate your skin is to use a water based serum.
In this blog we will be discussing what exactly a water based serum is, why it’s best to use a water based serum during the summer, and different types of water based serums to suit each skin type.
What is a water based serum?
A water based serum is essentially a serum that has a higher water content than oil content. Therefore it is absorbed into the skin very quickly and efficiently. The consistency is usually either a gel or fluid that also contains active ingredients. i.e plant extracts such as rose, centella asiatica, camphor etc.
Why should they be used during summer?
Water based serums are best used during the summer months as they provide a higher level of hydration than other serums. As the climate becomes dryer and warmer our skin can lose more moisture and become sensitised. This happens by a process called trans epidermal water loss, whereby the moisture in our skin is drawn out into the dry atmosphere.
Water based serums penetrate the deeper layers of the skin quickly and help the skin to retain it’s hydration and replace any moisture loss. This helps to keep the skin plump, smooth and reduces the signs of aging.
How to use a water based serum
The best way to use this type of serum is to apply it to the face, eye area, lips and neck after cleansing and toning the skin, and before applying your moisturiser and SPF.
Apply a small amount (1-2 pumps) to the face and neck and massage into the skin in gentle, circular motions until fully absorbed. Do this in the morning and the evening. Your moisturiser can then be applied immediately afterwards as the water based serum will be rapidly absorbed by the skin.
Choosing the right water based serum for your skin
As with all skin care products, there are many different water based serums designed to suit different skin types and conditions.
Dehydrated skin
For a dehydrated skin a serum with a high water content is best. Serums containing hydrating active ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and glycerin are ingredients to look out for as they deeply moisturise and protect the skin from water loss.
Try Centella’s Hydra Booster Serum+. This all natural and organic serum contains 3 different types of Hyaluronic acid, each penetrating the epidermis at different depths to thoroughly hydrate and protect the skin. Active ingredients such as organic peppermint extract help to soothe the skin and reduce redness. Centella Asiatica boosts collagen synthesis, soothes and repairs the skin, and organic Ylang Ylang extract tones and regenerates the skin.
Apply 1 pump to the face, eyes, lips and neck after cleansing and before moisturising, morning and evening. We also recommend using Centella’s Hydra-Plumping Cream+ to further boost hydration. The skin is left plumper and softer, with a fresh glow.
Dry/Mature skin
For a more dry skin type a water based serum used in conjunction with an oil is most beneficial. Centella’s Lift Firming Serum is best for a more dry skin. It has a gel-like consistency, with a high water content, and active ingredients such as Everlasting Flower water to regenerate the skin and delay cellular aging. Hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain more moisture, and Centella Asiatica and Fenugreek extract to improve collagen production, helping the skin to retain firmness and elasticity.
Apply a small amount to the face, eyes, lips and neck until fuller absorbed morning and evening. Apply a face oil mixed in with your moisturiser afterwards to provide extra nourishment and care for dryer skins. We recommend also using Centella’s Lift Firming Day Cream to help provide more nourishment and to help reduce signs of aging. Lastly apply your SPF.
Use in combination with a face oil to provide extra nourishment. For example Centella’s Serum Regeneration Q. This is an oil serum containing many nourishing active ingredients such as Sweet almond oil nourish and reduce inflammation. Jojoba oil to boost collagen production, and hazelnut oil to heal and nourish the skin.
Oily/Combination skin
An oily/comibination skin requires a light serum with a high water content, containing active ingredients that will help to rebalance the skin, and heal any blemishes. Ingredients such as tea tree oil, peppermint, zinc and citrus fruit extracts are all very beneficial for oily/combination and blemish-prone skin.
Try Centella’s Rebalancing Serum. A water based serum containing many active ingredients such as Organic Green mandarin essential oil to purify the skin and heal blemishes. Organic cinnamon essential oil known for it’s natural anti-bacterial action. Hamamelis (witch hazel) helps to soothe, reduce inflammation and provides anti-septic care, and hyaluronic acid helps the skin to retain it’s moisture.
Apply 1 pump to the face, eyes and neck in the morning and evening. You can then apply your moisturiser on immediately after as this serum is fast absorbing. We recommend using Centella’s Rebalancing Fluid moisturiser to further help rebalance the skin. Apply your SPF finally.
Sensitive skin
A sensitive or fine skin tends to be more compromised than other skin types, and therefore needs extra care. A water based serum with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients is best used to help calm redness and irritation. Ingredients such as rose extract, chamomile and lavender are all highly anti-inflammatory and calming.
Try Hydraflore’s Anti-Redness serum. This water based serum has a gel consistency and contains soothing active ingredients such as Musk rose extract (rosehip) which helps to re-establish a weakened skin barrier.
Centella asiatica deeply soothes, calms redness and restores the skin. Aloe vera juice is wound healing and helps to repair a damaged skin barrier, and glycerin is a powerful humectant that helps the skin to retain more moisture.
Apply to the face, eyes, lips and neck morning and evening. Apply your moisturiser afterwards, followed by your SPF. We recommend using Hydraflore’s Tenderness Cream to further soothe and nourish the skin.
So why not give your skin the hydration and care it needs this summer! Visit our store V Claire Natural Beauty Salon in Harolds Cross Dublin 6W, or visit us Online to check out these wonderful water based serums.
Why not start your skincare journey with us today. To Book your facial Call 01 497 8833 or Book Online
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Written by Deirdre Lynch, Senior Beauty Therapist at V Claire Health and Beauty Salon
