Harmattan Heroes: What Do Face Serums Do
Some heroes come in a bottle. There are two seasons in Nigeria: dry and wet. Contrary to popular opinion, the dry season, otherwise called the harmattan season, is not widely anticipated by most, even though its beginning seldom signals the beginning of a new year and the holiday period. It usually begins in late December and lasts till February, sometimes March; the duration varies based on geographical location (the North, East, South and West). With the influx of the harmattan season comes the scary realization that a step outside is five minutes away from a torn lip and a dry, scaly face with white patches. The harmattan period might not be the dreaded season (rainy season), but it certainly always starts a war with the skin, especially the sensitive types.
The ideal humidity level varies from 40–60%, but during the harmattan period, it drops to a spine-chilling 15%. The skin is a moisturized large organ, and this drop in humidity causes a large decrease in the moisture content of the skin, which leads to dry skin. Basic biology tells us that the different types of skin include normal, dry, oily, and combination. The normal skin is neither too oily nor dry; the dry skin has a low amount of sebum (oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands); the oily skin has a high amount of sebum production; and the combination is a mixture of both. The most affected skin type during the dry season is the dry skin type, especially the face and soles of the feet.
What is the remedy for dry or sensitive skin in harsh weather conditions? A dermatologist would recommend a good moisturizer essentially for the face to protect the skin pores from too much loss of moisture content. Not all skin types respond well to moisturizer alone, and in some cases, rashes or more acne breakout show up as a side effect. With more concerns raised about the perfect skincare routine for all skin types, a new product posed the answer: serum.
What is a face serum? Skin serums, as small as they come, are highly potent, light, readily-absorbed oily or water-based liquids with high levels of antioxidants that help prevent skin damage caused by free radicals in the atmosphere. Because of its light liquid-based nature, it easily sinks into the skin, working its magic as an effective skincare police. Skin serums are not moisturizers or body cream. Their ingredients vary depending on the active function: anti-aging, hydration, exfoliating, or brightening.
Types of face serum:
Exfoliating serum contains active acid ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acid, beta-hydroxy acid, or poly-hydroxy acid. Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, removes blackheads and other impurities beneath the skin surface. This type is best suited for sensitive skin and should be paired carefully with other acidic products to avoid irritation.
Anti-aging serum relies on vitamin A and B3 to slow down cell turnover and boost dermal collagen production. As cell production and turnover slow, so does the visible aging process.
Brightening serum uses ascorbic acid, more commonly known as vitamin C, to inhibit the enzyme responsible for excess melanin production, the real cause of dark patches and hyperpigmentation (not always a result of bleaching, as commonly assumed).
Hydrating serum relies on hyaluronic acid as its active ingredient, giving extra moisturizing power, and is usually applied before a moisturizer.
Why do you need a face serum? It's a collagen advocate that helps remove wrinkles and slow aging. It absorbs better than moisturizer alone, keeping the skin surface hydrated even in harsh weather. It brightens by reducing dark patches and pigmentation. It's anti-inflammatory, and it fights acne and blackheads.
Based on dermatological recommendation, a good skin serum should contain vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, though not every skin type agrees that one size fits all. Always read the label, and ask a skincare consultant if your skin is sensitive.
How to apply a face serum: wash your face thoroughly with a mild soap and clean water, apply the serum to various sections of the face and spread evenly, then follow with a moisturizer if your skin is dry. This can be a morning and night routine for best results.
A good skincare routine is like a merry wine: an investment that doesn't seem feasible or sensible until old age reminds you why it mattered. A good face serum shouldn't be abused or downplayed. They come in small bottles and different shapes, but haven't you heard the saying about mighty feats and little things? That friendly foe might not be a foe after all. The expense is worth it. Some heroes really do come in small, amber-colored bottles.