Unfortunately, with the onset of cold weather, many of us develop dry, uneven and irritated skin. To avoid this, it is very important to eat a balanced diet, drink enough water and, of course, moisturize the skin with the right products. Usually people use moisturizers to hydrate the skin, but many experts say serum is better.
What is the difference between serum and moisturizer? While serums penetrate up to ten layers of the skin's surface, moisturizers (with larger molecules) only touch the first layer of the skin. If you often suffer from dry skin in the winter and are looking for serums to add to your skincare routine, look no further. Experts agree that bakuchiol and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are the best serum ingredients for winter hydration.
We spoke with dermatologist and Loxa Beauty skincare expert Ksenia Sobchak about the best serums for dry skin in winter. She says that the anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties of ingredients such as bakuchiol and AHA treat dry skin, keeping it looking fresh and youthful. Find out more below.
1. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is an extract from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant, widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. It is often used as an alternative to retinol to treat, soothe and soothe skin (especially very sensitive skin). This is possible due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
“Bakuchiol promotes skin cell renewal and stimulates collagen production,” says Sobchak. She says the collagen in this serum "reverses the signs of aging" like sagging, fine lines and wrinkles. “My research also proves that it helps with flushing of the skin and acne,” concludes Sobchak. Especially useful as an ointment for crow's feet and bags under the eyes.
2. Alpha hydroxy acid (ANA)
Another common ingredient in whey is alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which are commonly found in foods. Citric acid is present in citrus fruits, glycolic acid in sugar cane, lactic acid in sour milk and tomato juice, malic acid in apples, ginetic acid in grapes, etc. Citric acid is used in a number of anti-aging skin care products. such as serum, tonic and cream. AHAs are also sometimes found in concentrated treatments such as chemical peels.
In skin care, AHAs dissolve the top layer of skin, opening it up and stimulating the growth of new skin cells underneath. “Most of the AHAs in anti-aging serums come from sugar-rich fruits,” says Sobchak. Fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons. The more you know.
"In action, AHAs remove dead skin cells and initiate an exfoliating action that clears away age spots and scars." As a result, she says, “you get skin with better texture and elasticity,” but that’s not all, because “your skin can be both smooth and wrinkle-free.”
So there you have it, two expert-recommended serums for hydrating dry skin this winter. We're not saying this serum is a "fountain of youth" for skincare, but dermatologists and skincare gurus agree that it definitely has its benefits and results. Make these serums part of your daily skincare routine to smooth out fine lines and brighten your skin. Your skin will thank you.