Serums are popular skincare products known for their potency and power to deliver essential vitamins and nutrients deep into the tissue and deliver specific results. Most serums are made up of plant extracts while Miiko Skin Co serums focus on using the whole plant constituents. (Learn more here!)
If you are in the market for a serum or high-quality moisturizer for your face it is extremely beneficial to know these things ahead of time.
Know Your Skin Type
Everyone has a natural skin type or skin state that is their own. The most commonly used skin types are oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal. But we think all these skin types are normal.
Understanding your skin type is simply the first step in understanding what your skin's most predictable behaviour will be. For example, oily skin types are more prone to acne, while dry skin types are more prone to tightness, flakiness, and sensitivities. Combination skin types are usually prone to oily t-zone areas, blackheads and whiteheads.
Not sure what your skin type is? Take our skin quiz!
Oily/ Combination Skin
→ look for light moisturizers and non-comedogenic ingredients like jojoba oil
Oily skin types are best suited for carrier oils such as jojoba oil because it is the most closely matched to the skin's natural sebum. Every oil has a different comedogenic factor, choosing oils that will not clog pores is beneficial for acne-prone skin types.
Examples of non-comedogenic oils are Jojoba Oil, Argan Oil, Sunflower Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Borage Seed Oil, and Shea butter.
Depriving oily skin of moisture can actually backfire by making it more irritated and dry... which causes it to produce more oil. Using oil on oily skin may seem counter-intuitive, but it actually helps to balance oil production over time.
Dry Skin
→ look for both a light moisturizer and an evening cream, avoid alcohol-based products
Dry skin loves oils because it helps to re-establish the lipid matrix and promote long-term hydration. Light carrier oils, like rosehip seed or olive oil, work great because they absorb quickly and deeply; which gives dry or dehydrated skin the moisturizing drink it craves!
Finding a nighttime moisturizer that is thicker is helpful for dry skin types. We recommend something with Shea butter like the Turmeric Rose Cream.
Sensitive Skin
→ Look for simple clean ingredients. Avoid fragrance and ingredients that sound acidic like lemon, orange, etc…
Sensitive skin usually thrives with a simple formula made with a few high-quality ingredients. Organic, unrefined oils such as rosehip seed oil, borage seed oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and extra-virgin olive oil are all rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and awesome choices for sensitive skin.
Know Your Allergies/Sensitivities
Having a food sensitivity is extremely common these days and if you are someone with food sensitivities please consider reading the ingredients list on all your skincare products.
A problem in the natural skincare industry is that often there are 20-100 ingredients and many of them are exotic plants and extracts we have never heard of. Additionally, there are thousands of synthetic ingredients on the market that are irritants for the skin.
Do you have reactions to skincare products but not sure what’s causing it? Book a consult! Another great resource is the EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database!
Peanut/ Tree Nut Allergy?
Avoid serums and oils that contain nut oils like macadamia nut or almond oil.
Sensitive to scents?
Be sure to choose a serum or oil that is labelled "fragrance free" or one that doesn’t contain any essential oils. Even though high-quality essential oils are non-toxic ingredients, they are powerfully potent plant medicine and may irritate those with sensitive skin.
Warning: even if a product is listed as “unscented” it can still be full of fragrance. This is because some fragrance ingredients are designed to mask or cover-up aroma.
Which Miiko Skin Co Serum is best for you?
Golden Serum: best for dry or damaged skin, and reducing signs of free radical damage. Key ingredients are carrot seed essential oil (rich in Vitamin A) and frankincense essential oil (packed with antioxidants).
Learn more about the essential oils in our Golden Serum in our past blog post here.
Luminous Serum: best for oily or acne-prone skin types. The high concentration of jojoba oil in this recipe helps balance oil production over time. Key ingredients are turmeric essential oil (good for killing reducing inflammation on the skin) and palmarosa essential oil (good for killing bad bacteria).
Learn more about the essential oils in our Luminous Serum in our past blog post here.
Simplicity Serum: best for sensitive skin or anyone who dislikes scents. This simple recipe delivers a high dose of antioxidants with just three organic ingredients! This serum offers hydration and moisture to your skin without any risk of irritation.
Refresh Serum: best for normal or combination skin, or those with facial hair. This serum is designed to nourish beards and facial hair, and the skin underneath. Made with cedar, lime & spearmint essential oils for an invigorating serum experience!
Turmeric Rose Cream: this is our first face cream! It's great for very dry skin or those who live in dry climates, and is best used as a nighttime cream so it deeply hydrate while you sleep. Essential oils of turmeric, frankincense, and rose help to calm inflammation deep in the tissues.
Still unsure about what serum is best for you? Please book a phone consultation with us! This will help us customize the best products and routines for you.
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