Lotions and potions and serums, oh my!
Whether you’re wandering the aisles of a drugstore or a fancy-pants cosmetic retailer, you can’t swing a makeup brush without knocking over a display of the latest miracle balm.
Though the team at Plum and Sage isn’t here to tell you that you NEED ANYTHING to age gracefully, we get a lot of questions about skin care, so we know you wanna know.
"Serums are a great way to instantly improve the signs of aging in mature skin as they are formulated with concentrations of active ingredients that hydrate, soothe, defend, repair, and boost radiance for a more dewy complexion," says Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Serums target specific skin concerns (wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration specific to menopause) and penetrate deeper into the skin than traditional moisturizers.
Just like retinol and broad-spectrum sunscreen, hyaluronic acid is one of the few ingredients that's recommended by most (if not all) dermatologists. The molecule—often listed as sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronan, or hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid on the ingredient list—is popular among skincare experts because when applied topically, this humectant, which is naturally found in the body, acts like a tiny sponge that pulls in water to quench and plump skin because it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent moisturizer. It helps to replenish and retain moisture, improving skin hydration and making it appear plump and youthful.
HA can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines: As we age, our skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Using products with hyaluronic acid can help to restore moisture to the skin, reducing the sagging and loss of definition that comes with the natural decline in collagen production.
Whether or not using a facial serum is important ultimately depends on your individual skincare needs and preferences. If you have specific skin concerns or are looking to enhance the overall health and appearance of your skin, incorporating a serum into your routine may be beneficial. Check with a dermatologist or aesthetician to determine what might be best for you.
