What is HAPPENING to my skin?! Here’s Why You Need Face Serum
It happens to nearly all of us. At some point, our skin is going to change. It may go from a youthful glow to being prone to acne. Even as we age, the exact opposite can happen. Let’s talk a little more about what is happening to your skin, and one proactive measure you can explore that can help it remain healthy- face serums.
Elastin and collagen are fibrous proteins that provide structural support for our skin, like a scaffold. When these cells are depleted skin loses its form causing sagging, thinning, wrinkles, fine blood vessels, and those pesky eye bags.
Unfortunately, elastin and collagen production decrease as we age, starting as soon as the early 20’s. For women, during the first five years after menopause collagen may decrease as much as 30%.
Caused by cells that break down the skin’s elastin and collagen fibers slowly over time. The cells called “free-radicals” come from normal cell breakdown in our tissues but are also produced when we are exposed to the sun, toxins in our food, water and air (carbon-based emissions from cigarette smoke and the fuels used in energy production, transportation, and manufacturing).
In addition, oxidative stress reduces the ability of the skin to protect itself from the elements therefore, dryness, roughness, sensitivity, and discoloration are common.
Soooo, outside of living in a bubble, what can I do?
- Avoid the above items that cause free radicals as much as is practical for your lifestyle.
- Eat an antioxidant-rich diet. Antioxidants block the harmful effects of free radicals. See our Food and Recipe of the month for suggestions.
- Use an oil-based face serum every day.
WHAT!?? Put oil on my face?
It may go against your instincts, especially if you have had oily or acne-prone skin, but an oil-based serum might be just what you need to complete your face-care regime.
As you put antioxidants IN your body with a healthy diet, also put antioxidants ON your body.
The purpose of using a serum is to trap and attract moisture AND add nutrients that nourish and protect your skin throughout the day.
Protect? YES! Your face has to withstand all the elements: sun, wind, extremes in temperature, air pollution, toxins in our food and drink, stress, and of course, the inevitable…aging. If you add other insults like smoking, sun-tanning, lack of sleep, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol, excessive sugars, and poor nutrition, it is a recipe for unhealthy skin which can cause pre-mature wrinkles, breakouts, look dry and dusky, become blotchy and itchy and lead to discolorations.
Meet Agape’s Plant-Based Face Serums
At Agape Body and Soul, we formulated six (6) different serums to address different skin types. Our serums are super-concentrated, made from 100% plant-based ingredients rich in antioxidants along with vital fatty acids, vitamins, and other nutrients that can assist with cell repair, neutralize free radicals, and reestablish the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Serums are important skincare for both men and women.
Will I feel greasy? Absolutely NOT!
Our serum formulas are designed to balance your natural oil production according to your needs. We’ve addressed the most sensitive skin types to those with dry and even ultra-oily skin.
Our skin serum formulas are: Maintain, Clear Up, Delicate, Hydrate, Rejuvenate, and Blot Pls!
Do you know your skin type? Read the serum descriptions to determine the best serum for your skin type.
| NAME | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION | INGREDIENTS |
| Maintain | For healthy skin that needs a light, yet nourishing serum for daily use. This formula contains oils that may balance and protect your complexion, leaving it dewy and soft. | Sweet almond, Jojoba, Marula, Squalane, Frankincense, Lavender Oil, Rosemary oil, Carrot Seed, Vitamin E oils |
| Clear Up | Especially for irritated complexions prone to breakouts. Contains “dry” oils that help clarify, smooth and calm skin, reduce germs and minimize the appearance of redness, discoloration and scarring without clogging pores. | Sesame, Squalane, Rosehip Seed, Jojoba, Tea tree, Oregano, Lavender, Rosemary, Neem, and Vitamin E oils |
| Delicate | Our most gentle formula for skin that reacts poorly to additives like fragrances, colors and preservatives. The oils selected for this formula may smooth and calm skin, locking in moisture and leaving a light, yet protective barrier against the elements. | Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Marula, Squalane, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Lavender, Vitamin E oils |
| Hydrate | Whether you live in the desert like us or not, our skin often craves extra nutrients that can soothe and smooth skin and give it that healthy glow. This formula is designed to lock in moisture and protect. | Sweet Almond, Avocado, Squalene, Marula, Jasmine, Frankincense, Lavender, Sandalwood, and Vitamin E oils. |
| Rejuvenate | The oils selected for this formula are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that may firm and smooth skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and skin fatigue caused by sun exposure and aging. | Rose hip seed, Sweet Almond, Moringa, Squalane Jasmine, Lavender, Rosemary, Patchouli, Carrot seed and Vitamin E oils. |
| Blot Pls! | If you often catch yourself in the mirror or photographs and cringe at the shine, this is the serum for you. It may seem counterproductive to add more oil to your skin, however, this formula contains lightweight “dry” oils and other ingredients that may help balance your natural oil production. | Rose hip seed, Squalane, Sunflower, Tea tree, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Rosemary, and Vitamin E oils. |
How to use a serum?
After cleansing, while your face is still damp, apply 3-5 drops to your hands and massage into your face using a circular motion or gently pat into your skin. Use at least once daily and every time you cleanse your face. It can be used under makeup.
Found the serum that is best for you? GREAT!
Here are some tips and tricks for maximizing your serum use!
- Apply serum immediately after you cleanse, just pat dry and apply while your skin is still damp for the best results.
- Avoid the eyes, but be sure to gently apply to the area just under your eyes (where those bags and dark circles often occur).
- Apply serum at least once daily (2-3 times is fine), face serum is not an indulgence, it should be part of your daily regime.
- If you are applying makeup, wait 2-3 minutes for the serum to completely absorb.
- ALWAYS use sunscreen AFTER your serum.
- Don’t forget about your neck! It is part of your complexion too.
- Keep your applicator clean and dry.
- Always apply with clean hands.
References:
Wong QYA, Chew FT. Defining skin aging and its risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):22075. Published 2021 Nov 11. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-01573-z
Stevenson S, Thornton J. Effect of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of SERMs. Clin Interv Aging. 2007;2(3):283-297. doi:10.2147/cia.s798
Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):308-319. doi:10.4161/derm.22804