Serums and Facial Oils – how Quaintrelle delivers the best from both worlds
It can be confusing these days with so many different types of skin care products available, and terms being used interchangeably.
Serums and facial oils are two that are commonly misunderstood, or that you may not be quite sure of when and why to use them. Understanding the difference, and the benefits of each, can really make a difference to the health of your skin.
So here’s a breakdown of the two and why I developed Quaintrelle Revival Serum as a hybrid, oil-based serum.
Serums
Serums are typically water or gel-based products that contain actives, ingredients with smaller molecules to reach the deeper layers of the skin and really have an impact on its function, therefore used to target specific concerns such as pigmentation or firmness. However because they are water-soluble, they usually do not provide enough moisturisation on their own, and normally require you to layer a cream, facial oil or balm over the top. As they are quite ‘active’ and potent, they also have the potential for irritation or follow-on issues such as redness or dryness, to some people.
Facial oils
On the other hand, a facial oil provides nutrition and moisturisation to the skin through lipids (fatty acids). These help to fortify the moisture barrier and keep your skin balanced. They also help to protect it from environmental damage that can cause free radicals and other skin health issues such as acne, dryness or premature ageing.
Facial oils are great for healing. They typically contain larger molecules that serve to lock in hydration, and deliver benefits to the outer layers of the skin, such as restoring, plumping, smoothing out fine lines or brightening the skin. The range of facial oils available varies immensely, from the vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants and other phyto-nutrients contained in them, as well as their penetration ability, molecular size & potential for clogging the pores. It really pays off to look into the oils being used, its properties, the source and quality.
Quaintrelle Revival Serum - a new alternative
Quaintrelle Revival Serum is an oil-based serum. A hybrid product formulated to deliver the concentrated actives of a serum, while deeply nourishing & fortifying the moisture barrier like a facial oil … giving you the best of both worlds in one product, and simplifying your routine.
This was the turning point for me in terms of seeing real changes in my skin, and the absolute key in being able to give (not force) a full spectrum of biocompatible nutrients, including effective actives, to my skin without any potential side effects.
It’s a gentle alternative to retinol-type products (which rather than forcing cell turnover with the potential of follow-on issues, it supports the skin to maintain a healthy turnover process through the high level of Pro-vitamin A from plant sources), and a non-irritating, stable alternative to water-based Vitamin C serums with the inclusion of our concentrated Vitamin C ester.
Another of our potent actives is Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline. While its name isn’t very friendly, it is a plant-derived intense skin-hero when it comes to skin ageing and skin health. Formed by the marriage of a natural amino acid essential for skin collagen synthesis (hydroxyproline) and a natural fatty acid (palmitic acid), it has multiple benefits for our skin. It firms the skin tissue by stimulating the contraction of collagen fibres, protecting them from enzymatic lysis and breakdown due to free radicals; is a skin plumping and wrinkle-correcting agent, giving the skin a more supple & lifted appearance; is an antioxidant; and provides long-lasting moisturisation. Even more, it is also an ECOCERT approved ingredient!
Combined with the 16 slow infused in-house plant extracts, including our Spilanthes Acmella, Australian Kangaroo Paw, Tasmanian Pepper Leaf, Hibiscus, Gotu kola, Licorice root and more, the super-antioxidant Coenzyme Q10, softening & soothing lecithin, potent CO2 extracts including Turmeric, Rosemary and Kiwi Seed, and you have one powerful, concentrated infusion of actives enclosed, enriched and locked in with our elite, deeply penetrating, cold-pressed botanical oils full of dense nutrients themselves – Cacay, Pomegranate, Prickly Pear, Sachi Inchi, Jojoba, Hazelnut, Olive Squalane, Watermelon and Oat.
So if you want to give your skin the chance to thrive with the benefits from both worlds in a gentle yet notable way, I recommend giving our Quaintrelle Revival Serum a go.