Spa Days With vAi- Serums

“Cleansing and moisturizing alone is a great start to a beginning’s routine, but for those who have specific concerns about your skin, a 2-step routine is not going to be enough. Let’s talk serums and why they’re your all-star product in your skincare lineup.

Serums are highly concentrated products that generally contain active ingredients to improve “something” about your skin, weather it’s a retexturizing serum, hydrating serum, brightening serum, or some combination of all three. They are so concentrated with that specific ingredient that it will usually deliver great results with regular use. Serums are very lightweight and have smaller molecules so they can penetrate deeply and quickly into the skin. Serums are applied after cleansing and toning, and before eye creams and moisturizers. Some serums can even be layered on top of each other depending on the active ingredient, but ask your local esthetician if you are unsure.

Serums are best used in your nighttime routine, as that’s when your body undergoes it’s healing process, including cell reproduction. This is the best time for serums and their active ingredients to make changes to your skin cells. Most skin conditions do take several months for you to notice improvement, so using concentrated ingredients while your skin is working at it’s hardest will get you the quickest results!

So how do you choose a serum when there are sooo many on the market? I would advise starting with a serum that targets your main concern and then adding or replacing serums as your skin begins to tolerate the product. For example, an acne-prone person may want to control the acne before treating dark spots left behind, and would do best with an AHA/BHA serum first.

At Salon Patrick we carry 8 different serums between Aveda and BareMinerals and I would love to help you find your newest skincare secret weapon! A good home care routine is crucial to the preservation of your skin, and using a serum is a great way to supercharge results. Come on in for a consultation about which serum will work best for you!” -Xoxo Vai

Serums at Salon Patrick-

1) Aveda botanical kinetics intense hydrator- powered by a fusion of cactus fruit stem cells and plant-derived hyaluronic acid, instantly restores skin's moisture, minimizes the appearance of fine dry lines, and restores skin's protective lipid barrier to help maintain moisture throughout the day.

2) Aveda botanical kinetics instant luminizer- powered by a fusion of snow lotus stem cells and plant-derived alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), instantly luminizes and dissolves surface cells to unveil radiant, smooth skin.

3) Aveda botanical kinetics pore refiner- powered by a fusion of sweet clover stem cells and plant-derived beta hydroxy acid (BHA), instantly unclogs and minimizes the appearance of pores.

4) Aveda tulasāra firm concentrate- powered by peptides, Vitamin C, to help skin boost its own natural production of collagen for visibly lifted, firmer feeling skin while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

5) Aveda tulasāra bright concentrate- powered by Vitamin C, Licorice root extract, and glucosamine to boost skin’s luminosity and helps provide an instant glow.

6) Aveda tulasāra calm concentrate- powered by algae extract + pomegranate fruit extract to help reduce the look of redness and irritation.

7) BareMinerals SKINLONGEVITY LONG LIFE HERB SERUM- Powered by mineral- rich Long Life Herb, this vegan niacinamide serum dramatically improves visible signs of aging, and is clinically shown to strengthen skin’s barrier to help resist damage.

8) BareMinerals AGELESS 10% PHYTO-RETINOL NIGHT CONCENTRATE- A clean, vegan serum with plant-based retinol alternative that’s as effective at reducing fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage — without irritation.