There are many, many types of beauty products out there, and a ton of them are geared towards skin care and dry skin. Perhaps you’ve seen products in forms such as cleansing milks, serums and salves and wondered, “What’s the difference, and what should I use?”
Wonder no more! The following is a look at some of the different types of skin care products available, with a spotlight on some of our favorite milks, serums and salves from makers like Patyka, Rosebud Salve, and Clarisonic.
Cleansing Milks
First, let’s talk about cleansing milks. Maybe you’re wondering how “cleansing milk” is different from other facial cleansers. The primary difference is in the ingredients and the application process.
Cleansing milks, such as the Absolis Rosewood Dry Skin Cleansing Milk from Patyka, contain natural ingredients but do not contain soaps or other lathering or foaming agents. Because of how gentle cleansing milks typically are, they are often recommended for dry or sensitive skin.
The application is easy: Simply apply, massage into skin and gently wipe off to reveal soft, supple skin.
Salves
Next, we’ll discuss salves, which are basically solidified oil-based moisturizers. Salves tend to have a high concentration of moisturizing and calming ingredients.
For example, the Original Rosebud Salve, which contains a blend of essential oils in a special petrolatum base, is perfect for especially dry areas such as chapped lips, cracked elbows or heels, and even diaper rash.
Serums
A skin serum is usually a concentrated, liquid moisturizer that’s packed full of vitamins, nutrients or both. The thinner consistency of serum allows it to be efficiently absorbed into skin, and it can be used in combination with other daily skin care elements to help deliver impressive results.
A product like the Renewal Serum from Clarisonic can be applied alone or it can be used before you apply moisturizer or sunscreen to help promote skin renewal and thoroughly protect your skin.
Again, because of the concentrated, restorative ingredients of serums, they can often be used not just for your face but on other parts of your skin and hair that need a heavy dose of healing.
A great example is the Absolis Face & Body Serum by Patyka. This super-serum can be used as a makeup primer, a frizz tamer for your hair, a snagged or dry cuticle healer, or even an after-shave soother.