BEAUTY Serum or moisturiser – or both?

Serum or moisturiser – or both?


Maggie Gibbons

I don’t know about you but I find myself totally confused when it comes to my skin-care regime. Moisturiser or serum? Or both? The beauty aisles are groaning under the weight of these products, but how are we supposed to know which to choose? Neither comes cheap and in a time when these purchases may seem frivolous we certainly want to buy something that will do the job.
Taking care of your skin is important, and not just from a vanity point of view. It’s important to protect it from the elements – the sun and wind can cause damage.
The main difference between a serum and a moisturiser is that serum penetrates deeper. Anti-ageing serums may include highly active ingredients, so if you have sensitive skin, make sure to pay attention to what’s on the label. There is a myriad of products to consider but remember most expensive doesn’t always mean best.
I recently converted to Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum, and I must say I love its texture. The serum is silky and absorbs instantly into the skin. The beauty of this product is that you don’t need a separate moisturiser – it actually boosts hydration, so it is pretty long lasting. It works beautifully under make-up. One of the main advantages of Vichy products is that they suit sensitive skins.
I checked the clinical-trial data and customer feedback, and the results are very positive. Customers report great improvements in skin tone, brightness and smoothness. Many users notice an overall reduction in fine lines and wrinkles – always a plus!
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum costs €22 and is widely available. Other serums to watch out for include No 7 Protect and Perfect Intense serum available at Boots for €26.95, and L’Oreal Youth Code, which costs €37.50.

Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.