Serum Schmearum....

Well it is official. What is the one thing I get asked about most since I have started this blog?

Serum!

Is it necessary? Will it help fine lines? Wrinkles? Age spots?

The answers - yes, yes, yes and let me think...YES. Serum is your friend. If you are not already using a serum - you should be. It is the first thing that should go onto your freshly washed skin at night before your night cream. It will give your face all the fantastic miracle workers it needs and will help your night time cream work even better than it does alone.

A good serum is the first step in your anti-aging arsenal. It locks in moisture and deposits the anti-agers and smoothers that you need to actually make a difference. Most good serums will have some of the following..Retinol, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Peptides and moisturizers. However, like most facial products, serum are not one size fits all. I myself have tried many many serums and will bounce back and forth between a few different options. However, below is my current list of faves. These serums are either accepted industry wide as the best of the best or serums I have personally tried and enjoyed. (In no particular order...)

1) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Serum - $19.99 (drugstores and online nationwide)

Pro - Chock full of the ingredients that you are looking for and at a reasonable price. Con- I have found the scent of this serum odd- almost like maple syrup. Strange but true.

2) Clinique Repairwear Deep Wrinkle Concentrate - $55 (Clinique counters and clinique.com)

Pro - One of the best out there for deep wrinkles, prompts major collagen production. Con - could be too strong for some younger skin.

3) Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment - $155 (Online at beauty.com and elizabetharden.com, also at select department stores)

Pro - The gold standard. Created in conjunction with the company responsible for Botox. Con- expensive and perhaps too intense for some.

4) Kinerase Pro+Therapy Advanced Repair Serum - $132 (Sephora and various online retailers)

Pro - Great for those that need the help but have sensitive skin. Con- Expensive and hard to find.

5) Prescriptives Super Line Preventer Extreme - $48-$76 (Prescriptives.com and department stores nationwide)

Pro- Intensely moisturizing yet gentle. Con - Can be hard to find since it is so popular. One time went to 4 different Prescriptive counters before I found it...but then again- is that a con?

6) Boots No. 7 Restore and Renew Serum - $21.99 (Cvs.com and Target and CVS stores nationwide)

Pro- the miracle from across the pond. A best-seller in Britain for years. Con - Soothing but might be too light on the good stuff for those who need serious help. Also, a small amount for the $.

So there you have it readers. One note- many people can stand serum both morning and night but for some that may be too much and cause a bad reaction. If that is the case, apply once at night. Also, if you are someone with mature skin who needs more help - go with #2, #3 or #4. If you are someone new to serum or just looking for something to moisturize and give you vitamins - go with #1, #5 or #6.

Keep looking fabulous!

BGND