Serums, Creams or Lotion?

Your skin, being the largest organ of your body, is one of the most sensitive. Skin is exposed daily to many environmental conditions, therefore it helps to understand what we are putting on it. We are here to answer the question – should you use serums, creams, or lotions?

Skincare products come in different forms such as serums, creams and lotions. It can be be difficult to decide how to choose the best one for your skin type. We are here to help you decide!

1. Serums

The serum is composed of smaller molecules, and due to smaller particle size, they are capable of penetrating deeper into your skin. This deep penetration of serums makes it most suitable for skin conditions requiring active ingredients to be delivered deep in the skin.

Serums are lightweight, and generally applied to the skin after cleansing and toning. The purpose is to deliver active ingredients directly to your skin. You may or may not include a moisturizer after.

Our active serums come in darker bottles to protect our product against UV light damage, meaning that your serums will last longer.

Serums are of different types based on their functions.

Based on your skin care goals, you can choose serums to do the following:

Hydrating serums

For drier skin and skin with impaired moisture retention. Options include our replenishing skin oils and lactic acid.

Anti-oxidant free-radical eliminating serums

For those exposed to environmental stressors like pollution, smokers and city dwellers. Great choices are vitamin C and mandelic acid.

Anti-acne serums

For excellent control of breakouts. Your choices include mandelic acid, salicylic acid, retinol, glycolic acid, azelaic acid.

Anti-aging serums

For fewer lines, wrinkles, sun damage and smoother skin. Your choices include vitamin C, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, retinol, and glycolic acid.

Anti-pigmentation serums

To fade skin discolorations, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. Our active ingredients include hydroquinone (HQ) and botanical non-HQ serums.

Anti-inflammatory serums

For rosacea-prone and sensitive skin. These help strengthen the barrier membrane and reduce inflammation.

2. Lotions

Lotions have a greater percentage of water and are thinner in consistency compared to creams. Typically, a lotion is a blend of water and oil droplets that is non-greasy and lightweight compared to creams. Lotions are easy to spread and are absorbed quickly when applied to the skin.

The Melanopeel® lotions are perfect for delivering active ingredients such as skin lighteners, botanical antioxidants and resurfacing hydroxy acids to the face and body.

Tip: Keep your active skincare refrigerated if you live in a hot climate

3. Creams

Creams on the other hand are composed of a water in oil emulsion, meaning that there are more lipids and and less water. Creams are thicker than lotions providing a barrier to your skin that helps your skin to be ultra-hydrated. These help strengthen both your barrier membrane and your skin’s natural ability to retain moisture.

The Melanopeel® creams are also designed to carry active ingredients to benefit your skin while nourishing and repairing it. Active ingredients include ceramide lipids, hyaluronic acid, retinol, antioxidants, and skin brighteners.