What is a serum?
Modern skin serums come in a variety of forms. In general, they are oil- or water-based liquids with a light ‘feel’, and are usually formulated to be rich in ‘actives’ that can easily penetrate the skin. Often, they target particular skin concerns, most commonly fine lines and hyper-pigmentation. In most cases only a few drops should be applied to the face, and they may be used alone or layered under a cream to ‘seal’ them. (1)
The down-side of water-based serums
Most serums are water-based, which gives them a very light feel, and the impression of instant absorption into the skin. Most people don’t realise that this is mostly illusion - the water component evaporates rapidly and gives the impression that the product has ‘gone in’, whereas its rapid disappearance is mostly the simple process of evaporation.
Like any water-containing mixture, water-based serums must include a preservative to prevent growth of bacteria and fungi, and may also contain an emulsifier, a detergent-like molecule, to stabilise the emulsion. Both have potentially detrimental effects on the skin (read more about this here).
In addition, delivery of ‘actives’ in a watery medium can be difficult. Some forms of vitamins B and C degrade rapidly, particularly in sunlight, with significantly reduced activity when applied to the skin.
Oil-based serums are stable and potent
Using a 100% oil-based serum has important advantages. Firstly, because it is not diluted with water, it is highly concentrated, and does not need skin-disruptive preservatives or emulsifiers. Secondly, the active ingredients are more stable in the absence of water - they do not oxidise as rapidly, and therefore retain their activity for longer. Finally, they can be formulated with potent ingredients that protect, nourish and revitalise the skin.
Important inclusions in our serums are antioxidants that can protect collagen and elastin from the damaging effects of pollutants and UV light, oil-soluble vitamins including vitamin E and beta-carotene, skin-calming ingredients from phytosterols, and essential fatty acids that are known to restore and repair the skin’s barrier function. Each of our 3 serums is formulated with a balanced mix of the most precious botanical oils, to optimise delivery of potent nutrients most beneficial to each skin type.
How to make the most of your Mokosh serum:
As a moisturiser and nutrient-dense skin treatment
Our 3 serums are formulated to sink into the skin rapidly. They can be used as your sole moisturiser, or they may be layered under a face cream, your makeup or sunscreen. We recommend applying to moist skin immediately after cleansing or after misting with our Pure Hydrosol Toner. The water on your skin will allow the oil to spread thinly and evenly over the skin. Only 3-4 drops is sufficient to moisturise the face. Wait a few minutes before applying face cream, makeup or sunscreen. Our serums are concentrated and nutrient-dense, and offer potent nutrition whether used alone or under another product.
As an eye and neck serum
The serums are sufficiently light to use as your eye and neck serum, protecting and nourishing the thin, delicate skin in these areas. For eyes, take 1 drop, share the drop between the ring-fingers, and tap gently all around the eyes. For best results, do this twice daily to see an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles in this eye area. For neck, 1-2 drops will be sufficient, and remember to apply using upward strokes.
Which Mokosh serum is right for me?
Elderberry & Chia Seed Beauty Serum is formulated for oily, combination and acne-prone skin. It is very light in texture and rich in linoleic acid which is deficient in sebum of oily skin types (read more here). For most people with this skin type, no other moisturiser will be needed. However during cool weather, under drying conditions, or for combination skin, the Pure Face & Body Cream can be layered on top. This serum is very nutrient-dense, and makes a lovely light eye and neck serum for all skin types.
Raspberry & Pomegranate Beauty Serum is designed for normal, dry and mature skin. It is rich in barrier-building essential fatty acids and also includes heavier oils to protect the skin from the elements. It can be used as the sole moisturiser when a very light level of protection is preferred, or under makeup or sunscreen. For dry skin types or when the weather is cooler, it may be layered under one of our face creams to deliver deep nutrition under a more protective layer. It is a lovely light eye and neck serum for these skin types, delivering important nutrients to the delicate skin in these areas.
Bakuchiol Revival Serum is the most recent addition to our range. It is suitable for all skin types, and particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin as well as mature skin. Its active ingredient, Bakuchiol, acts as a retinol alternative and has been shown to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and can also help to even skin tone. In addition it has been found beneficial for acne-prone skin. It is extremely light in consistency, and is rich in important barrier-replenishing fatty acids. Although it can also be used as a stand-alone moisturiser, particularly for oily and combination skin, for other skin types it may not offer sufficient protection, and may need to be layered under a cream or the Raspberry & Pomegranate Beauty Serum. It is ideal as an eye and neck serum where it can help target fine lines and wrinkles.
How do you like to use your Mokosh serums? Let us know in the comments section below or send a us quick email at contact@mokosh.com.au - we'd love to know!
References:
(1) Skin serum: what it can and can't do.
Leave a comment