Natural Beauty Serums (what are they and why use them?)

Green People scent-free face and neck serum

The beauty industry is renowned for trying to sell people everything under the sun, causing mass confusion and over-spending. So what are beauty serums exactly? Do we need them and how do they differ from moisturisers? And do you need one or both? And if so, which are the best natural brands?

Avoid beauty products with essential oils if pregnant/nursing. Many skincare items contain cocoa butter and/or zinc oxide (also found in sunscreens, cosmetics and deodorants). So if you live with pets, wash your skin before letting pets kiss you, or avoid items containing them.

Most kerbsides recycle plastic packaging. You can also recycle (including pipettes and hard-to-recycle items) at any Boots store (look for the recycling box).

What is a beauty serum?

It’s basically a blend of oils and other ingredients to deliver potent active ingredients into the skin, although know that nothing really can penetrate the dermis, only just under the epidermis, so don’t fall for ‘wonder serums or creams’.

Most skin moisturisers sit on the surface to lock in moistures. But serums usually have smaller molecules so can address specific skin concerns like lines, dehydration or pigmentation (age spots).

They tend to have a higher ratio of active ingredients compared to skin creams, and many are high in antioxidants like vitamin C to protect from pollution and UV rays. Some contain hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration (look for vegan brands, as some hyaluronic acid is from the combs of roosters).

A few anti-ageing ones contain retinol or alternatives. These are designed to increase cell turnover to help booster your own collage and reduce fine lines. But they can make skin more sensitive, so keep out of sunlight after use, or avoid for very sensitive skin.

Likewise those with salicylic or glycolic acids, used to exfoliate pores, and often used to help people with acne or congested skin. Serums with niacinamide (B3) are used to balance oil production (and calm redness).

How to use beauty serums

Serums are applied to the face, neck and décolletage after cleansing the skin, but before you apply skin cream. You only need a few drops to pat onto the skin. Recommended by dermatologists, choose one with natural ingredients. They don’t have to be silly expensive, it matters more what they are made with.

Green People organic beauty serums

The clear skin purifying serum is ideal for oily skin. Ideal to keep spots and blemishes at bay, it’s rich in organic actives and anti-inflammatories and deep-cleansing yucca to purify pores. And willow bark for the benefits of an alternative to salicylic acid, to avoid irritation. Alcohol free.

Green People’s line eraser serum is made with sea holly stem cell extract, to boost hydration by as much as 95%, while baobab firms and baicalin works to restore skin to ten years before! This can firm skin within 15 minutes, and sinks into the skin, free from irritating alcohol.

It can also visibly rejuvenate lines around the lips and eyes, use for four weeks to notice smoother skin.

The retinol booster serum is 100% natural, a vegan vitamin A that is fast-acting to accelerate cell turnover, increase skin elasticity, reduce appearance of fine lines, and protect against free radical damage.

Hydration comes from hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and five organic plant oils, with the calming aroma of lavender, camphor wood, ylang ylang and palmarosa.

Vitamin C serum is clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin, and tested to 96 hours. Suitable for sensitive skin, it’s ideal to brighten dull and uneven skin, for a healthy glow. This serum is not suitable for pregnancy.

Powered by skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, apply before your facial moisturiser, using 1 to 2 pumps on your face, neck and décolletage. Packed with bakuchi oil for antioxidant support, it’s scented with oils of mandarin, rose geranium and neroli oils.

The firming eye serum plumps up skin by 26% in just 1 hour, and increases radiance after a month of use. Made to tone (not tingle!) this includes a calming chamomile aroma.

Skin around the eyes is very thin, so be gentle (dry your face by tapping with a towel, not scrubbing). Also tap eye creams and serums gently onto your skin, using your ring finger (uses less pressure).

Tips to help reduce crow’s feet

Try to get enough sleep. Rest lets your skin repair itself. Aim for regular sleep at the same times each night. Eating fruit and drinking water can help skin.
Give up smoking. This also helps to prevent cigarette litter!
Protect your skin from the sun, and wear sustainable sunglasses (they block out light, and keep you from squinting).