Style -- 1 day ago
Words: Alex Woodhall
Serums sound serious, Hollywood blockbuster serious. There’s a certain ominousness about the word, like it’s going to be used to poison all of downtown Manhattan (they aren’t, despite how much of it likely gets washed down the sink on the Upper East Side). In fact, they’re the most potent thing in your skincare arsenal and if you’re not already, now is the time to start using them.
“Serums are most often water based and have a gel like feel to them. They have smaller molecules, helping them absorb quicker and penetrate deeper into the skin, thereby delivering active ingredients into the lower levels of your skin for more effectiveness. There are a variety of serums on the market to help combat dehydration, pigmentation and brightening, lifting and firming, soothing and calming after shaving and balancing for more problematic skin concerns,” says Amanda George, Treatments Manager at the Bulgari Spa in Knightsbridge.
“A serum won’t replace your daytime or night-time moisturiser because serums differ from moisturisers in that they don’t have emollients or thickeners – these are the ingredients that create a lotion or rich cream texture. Likewise, serums won’t contain sunscreen actives like a daytime moisturiser would. Instead, serums work on a deeper level in the skin to pack in other beneficial ingredients or even more antioxidants than any other product in your routine. Serums are designed to treat the skin and face moisturises aim to protect the skin from the environment. If you have oily skin and don’t need extra moisture, a well-formulated serum may work well on its own.”
Serums often come with dainty droppers and in tiny vials, all very unmasculine, but that shouldn’t be a barrier to you not having one to hand in the bathroom cabinet. They solve a wealth of skincare problems if you pick up the correct one to treat your issues, and whilst pricey, you don’t need much of one at a time to benefit.
“An amount you need to use is the size of a 5p piece or less. Some have thought that more is better, but your skin will only absorb as much product as it needs. Excess is just a waste of product. Don’t forget to include your neck when applying the serum,” notes Amanda.
“If you were only going to use the serum once a day, the best time is at night. Your skin repairs itself as you sleep; using a serum boosts this action. If you have time, serums can also be used during the day, however. For example, using a serum that contains Vitamin C would be great under a moisturiser in the morning because this ingredient works to help ward off free radicals [healthy cells turned bad] during the day.”
The Bulgari Spa also offer a wide range of bespoke treatments specific to men, including The Brightening Men’s Facial By ESPA, Swiss Perfection Men’s Skin Cleanse and Sculpting Acu-Facial by David Peters. They also work with a variety of product houses such as Is Clinical, Georgia Louise, ESPA, Swiss Perfection and Mauli Rituals, which all carry a range of natural and result driven serums for men. If you’re not entirely sure which route you should be taking with your skincare routine, book yourself in for a treatment and consultation for some genuine expert advice.
Our recommendations:
For hydrating skin: Aesop Hydrating Serum
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