You may have long ago realized that serums are a bit like magical elixirs that can deliver potent ingredients to your skin and help with a variety of your skin concerns, from dryness to dark spots. Serums, which are applied after cleanser and before moisturizer (and sunscreen during the day), tend to hone in on one or two ingredients to boost the skin’s barrier and, in some cases, build collagen and elastin that make your skin stronger and more resistant to outside elements such as pollution and UV rays. But because of the explosion of products on the market, it’s more important than ever to read ingredient lists and shop according to effective ingredients. Dr. Simran Sethi, CEO/Founder of skin by Dr. Simran Sethi, offers insight on the best serum to build strength and elasticity.
Ingredients First
The skincare market is saturated and there are so many serums to choose from that your head might be spinning trying to settle on one. That’s where some basic knowledge of effective ingredients comes in.
Vitamin E
“Vitamin E provides many benefits for the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), and its benefits, if combined with complimentary ingredients, can also penetrate the skin (the dermis),” Dr. Sethi said. “Vitamin E is able to fade and smooth fine lines, wrinkles and skin texture due to natural aging and weakened skin renewal. The key to halting or slowing down line and wrinkle formation is by strengthening the lipid barrier.”
According to Dr. Sethi, additional benefits of Vitamin E (aside from skin softening and smoothing of lines and texture) include:
- Boosts and accelerates skin cell turnover and skin renewal
- Strengthens the lipid / moisture barrier of the skin which shields from breakage and environmental harm
- Discourages sebum production
- If used with Vitamin C and sunscreen – this trifecta is even more effective than just sunscreen alone
Linoleic acid (essential fatty acids such as Omega-3,6 etc.)
Linoleic acid, though not as widely known as vitamin E, is healthy fat that adds the perfect amount of plumpness to the skin without weighing it down, according to Dr. Sethi. “Linoleic acid is filled with antioxidants and serves multi-benefits for the skin,” Dr. Sethi said.
Here’s what this great ingredient can do:
- Strengthens the lipid barriers of the skin preventing breakage, inflammation, environmental harm and formation of lines and wrinkles. When the lipid barrier is strong, and balanced moisture is restored, the skin renewal cycle begin functioning optimally and accelerated aging is treated
- Effectively (but not singularly) defends the skin from environmental pollutants or environmental factors such as smoke, poor air quality, dry heat and air, UV rays, change in climate, and more
- Linoleic acid is able to aid in healing of inflammation such as dermatitis, eczema and other persistently dry, itchy and uncomfortable breakages in the skin barrier
Ready to combine these two ingredients in one serum? The Vita E & F Hydrate Serum (part of Dr. Sethi’s medical grade skincare line) contains Vitamin E and Linoleic Acid to promote healthy skin renewal, heal rough skin texture, smoothen lines, and provide protection against environmental factors. “Because each of these protect and charge up skin renewal – the additional benefit is strong and elastic skin with faded lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Sethi said.
