Thursday, September 24, 2015

A Review: Skin Inc Serums

Jessica Savino Professional Makeup Artist

 


On Monday I told you all about serums and why they are good for you. Today let me introduce you to Skin Inc. 


 
Skin Inc describes itself as a Skin Supplement Bar. It is an online service that has a plethora of serums depending on what your skin needs. The website is very user friendly and provides a full ingredients list for all products. I do not recall there being any fragrance in any of the products so bravo on both the no added fragrance and the full ingredients list. If you don't know what your skin needs, you can take a quick online evaluation (which is what I did) and they will tell you what they think your skin needs. They thought my skin needed some renewal, regeneration, and replenishing so they suggested a Coenzyme Q10 Serum, a Vitamin A Serum, and a Hyaluronic Acid Serum. I ordered the 3 serums which they send you separately. You then mix them together to make 1 big serum. You even get to choose what color bottle you would like to store your serum in. I chose purple. They even give you a little label to write your concoction on. I wrote mine with the never drying pen. I had ink on my fingers for the next week whenever I picked up the bottle.


They suggest you use 3 drops 2 times per day, morning and night. You can definitely stretch this out a bit by using 2 drops 2 times per day. I am 1 1/2 months in and I have about a 1/4 of a bottle left. Even though this serum did not cause any breakouts and has kept me pretty hydrated, I will not be repurchasing. I didn't see anything life changing and for $90 every 2 months, I need to see some amazing results. I do like the quality ingredients that they use and Skin Inc does have a ton of single serums that you can try that are much less expensive. I will definitely be trying some of their other products, just not the custom blend serum again.


 Jessica Savino NYC Professional Makeup Artist


Monday, September 21, 2015

Why You Should Start Using Serums

Sometimes people will ask me what I use on my skin or if I have suggestions on what products to use to keep skin looking young and healthy. 

I have spoken extensively on my love of the acids. Now I want to tell you about my lust affair with serums. I'm hot for serums right now. 

So what exactly is a serum? It is a highly concentrated blend of beneficial anti aging ingredients. 

Why do I love serums and why should you? Like I said, they are a highly concentrated formulas consisting of high performing ingredients, such as antioxidants and/or retinol, which means there is less room for filler ingredients or thickeners. 

Due to the formulations, the quality of ingredients and the lack of fillers, serums are generally more expensive than other skin products such as moisturizers. However, you really do get the best bang for your buck and for your skin. They are chock full o good stuff!

Serums can be thin and runny or a thicker, more gel like consistency. You would use a serum after the toning stage and before applying your moisturizer or sun protection. You can use either day or night or both. These are a product you want to commit to because you really see the best results if you stick with them for a while. 

Serums are like any other product and ingredients will vary so I like to layer serums and have been using a few different ones. 

The first one I will write about is from SkinCeuticals and I happened upon it quite accidentally. I thought I had ordered a sample/travel package of their very popular CE Ferulic (which I still want to try), instead I accidentally ordered their Serum 10 AOX+

According to the website: 


Ideal for sensitive skin types or conditions to help restore healthy looking skin, Serum 10 AOX+ neutralizes free radicals, defends against environmental damage, and helps to fight the appearance of accelerated aging.

  • Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, neutralizes free radicals, and defends against environmental damage
  • Once absorbed, this serum can't be washed or rubbed off. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent step in your skincare routine
  • Ideal for sensitive skin types and conditions
It is good for normal to sensitive skin and will help with acne and aging. They also described this as a starter serum for beginners.

It really chaps my arse when a company does not post the full list of ingredients on there website. Here are the key ingredients, I did not search for the full list: 


10% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C): Neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects against oxidative stress.
0.2% Ferulic acid: This plant-based antioxidant neutralizes free radicals.


I will say that my skin definitely seems clearer and more vibrant since using this serum but I am not completely blown away. I have not had a "holy grail" moment over this serum. If you think this product is something that you may want to try, you can purchase 30ml for $69. I still want to try the CE Ferulic because it is supposed to carry a bigger punch. 

So sorry their are no photos with this post. Thursdays post will be about Skin Inc's customized serum and there will be photos with that one. 

Jessica Savino Professional NYC Makeup Artist