THE SERUM: DECODED

THE SERUM: DECODED

10.25.2013    |    
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“If you are anything like me, you are obsessed with skincare. It’s all about a routine, morning and night, and sticking to something that works for you. I could talk for days about the products that I use to magically transform my face from tired girl-on-the-go to New York City fresh-faced social butterfly. There are always new products on my desk, and I have noticed that the one product that everyone is pushing these days – THE SERUM.

Basically a serum is an ultra-concentrated, instantly absorbed active. It is intended to be combined with a daily cream or lotion, and should be used on a clean face morning and evening. I still find it mind boggling that many of my friends are not involved in the whole serum situation, and many of them claim is because they just don’t “get it.”

To fix this problem, I decided to talk to world-class cosmetic dermatologist – who boasts a heavy roster of high profile clients as well as countless appearances in everything from fashion, beauty, and pop culture mags to newspaper and medical journals – Dr. Lisa Airan.

Annie: Seriously, what is a serum?

Dr. Airan: Serums are a great burst of moisture for the skin; it’s ideal for penetrating deeper than a typical moisturizer and provides essential nutrients. There are different types of serums for different skin conditions.  Whichever type is used the penetration is thought to be deeper into the skin for a more intense treatment.

Annie: Do you think it is essential that every girl use a serum?

Dr. Airan: Everyone has moments when their skin is in need of something, whether it is an acne treatment, a remedy for dry skin, or too oily skin. Choosing a serum to use for a specific problem is a great way to use serums.

Annie: What are some of your favorite serums?

Dr. Airan: I love Crème de la Mer. They make a whole line of serums including The Brightening Essence Intense, The Concentrate, The Regenerating, The Radiant, and The Lifting Intensifier. Each one targets a separate skin issue, like brightening and anti-aging, or fine lines and wrinkles.

Annie: How quickly can we expect results?

Dr. Airan: Four to six weeks.

Annie: Are serums targeted for specific problems? 

Dr, Airan: Yes, as I mentioned earlier, there are different serums for different concerns similar to creams for the skin, but all serums operate under the same core concept: penetrating deeper into your skin to repair and renew.

Thanks Dr. Airan! On that note, this is my roundup of MY fav serums of the moment. 

1. YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum, $200

According to my girl at Barneys, they can’t keep this on the shelves. This magical serum – backed by seven Nobel Prizes behind the launch – provides instant radiance, increased hydration in only 1 week, and increased “bounce” after 1 month. I noticed an INSTANT lift.

2. Crème de la Mer The Brightening Essence Intense, $290

Recommended by Dr. Lisa Airen, so you know she means business, this serum targets uneven pigmentation and delivers powerful brightening and anti-aging benefits. It’s great for gentle skin as well to create clear and translucent skin.

3. Lancôme DreamTone Ultimate Dark Spot Corrector, $98

Dreamtone – LIFE CHANGING. This is my newest fav! It comes in three different tones to choose from depending on your skin color. It directly targets imperfections such a dark spots and blemishes, and leaves skin looking flawless. It smells of roses and is slightly tinted to reduce redness and leave skin looking super healthy.

4. Verso Skincare Super Facial Serum, $120

Straight from Stockholm, the land of the beautiful, this serum is formulated with a high dose of retinol 8—a stabilized vitamin A complex which is eight times more effective than standard retinol in the same dosage—supports skin’s natural collagen, reversing the visible signs of aging.

5. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, $79

My trusted friend and photographer swears by it, claiming it is the only serum that has completely cured her acme. Highly concentrated with naturally powerful Viniferine, this satiny serum reduces the appearance of existing dark spots such as acne marks, scars, and damage revealing a brighter, more even complexion.

6. Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum, $95

This is what I swear by! It literally mimics the effects of botox on your skin! Gwyneth too is the #1 fan!  Tata’s antiaging treatment supports the natural production of collagen to soften the appearance of fine lines and restore radiance.

7. Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum, $17.99

This concentrated serum that everyone seems to love provides maximum cell regeneration and hydration for skin that is smooth, firm, and vibrant. This serum will turn back the clock and work to slow down the aging process.

8. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, $92

The fashion crowd swear by this classic tried and true nightly serum because it is packed with anti-oxidants to repair, hydrate and plump. Do you want younger looking skin?? This is what I use every single night.

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