Serums 101

If you don’t know what a serum is then you’re not alone! Only a few years ago serums were pretty non existent in our skincare routines, but now beauty shelves are packed with endless options. So, what is a serum and how can they help target oily skin and blemishes?

SPOTLIGHT ON serum

The basic role of a serum is to deliver a potent shot of concentrated actives to the skin
The texture tends to be quite thin and lightweight so they can be easily added as an extra step to your usual skincare routine e.g after cleansing and before moisturising
They tend to be focused on specific skincare needs so you can customise your skincare routine with ingredients that are right for you
There are serum options out there for ANY skin concern and skin type e.g hydration, brightening or blemish control
They shouldn’t be replacing your usual skincare basics like your cleanser, SPF or moisturiser, which are key for a healthy skin routine. Instead, just think of serums as additional boosters to power up your usual regime.

What sort of serum should you be using if you have oily and blemish prone skin?

Serums can help with each stage of the blemish lifecycle.

The right serum should help target excess oil to help prevent breakouts, help treat spots and blemishes when they happen and also reduce the appearance of post-blemish marks for a more even skin tone. Basically, a good serum for blemish prone skin can help prevent, treat and help skin recover from breakouts.

Look out for key ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide and Retinol to deliver a powerful dose of blemish-fighting ingredients to skin.

Are there any downsides to using a serum?

As the level of actives in serums tend to be used in higher concentrations than other types of skincare products, it's important to introduce these new, potent ingredients (e.g retinol) into your skincare routine gradually. The “how to use” information on your serum packaging will help guide you with how often you should be using it, once you know your skin can tolerate the serum.

We would also recommend being cautious about layering lots of serums, as not all ingredients work well together. If in doubt do your research – lots of brands have plenty of helpful tips on their websites or check with a dermatologist if you want some extra reassurance.

What’s makes the Clear Skin Days Serums so good for oily and blemish prone skin?

We have two serums in our Clear Skin Days range formulated to help with blemishes, and associated skin concerns. Here is why they could be a great addition to your skincare regime:

CLEAR SKIN DAYS CLARIFYING SERUM

Our lightweight serum has been formulated to both moisturise skin while helping to reduce the appearance of blemishes and prevent future outbreaks. This means you can target blemishes, blackheads & whiteheads with an intensive dose of breakout fighting ingredients, while maintaining a healthy, hydrated skin barrier.

Our multi-tasking serum is formulated with:

5% Glycolic Acid helps to remove dead skin cells and brighten skin

2% Salicylic Acid helps to dissolve oil and unblock pores which can lead to breakouts and blackheads

1% Hyaluronic Acid complex helps to hydrate skin for a glowy complexion

Apply to cleansed skin and leave it a minute to fully absorb in. Follow up with our Clear Skin Days Mattifying Barrier Moisturiser. For best results we use our serum in evening on alternative nights to the Retinol Recovery Serum.

CLEAR SKIN DAYS RETINOL RECOVERY SERUM

Our lightweight, yet creamy serum helps reduce hyperpigmentation, such as post blemish marks, as well as clearing up existing blemishes and blackheads. It formulated specifically for night-time use to help accelerate your beauty sleep and expedite the skins rejuvenation process by increasing cell turnover. This helps to restore skin tone and texture by reducing & replacing dull surface cells to make way for a brighter, more even complexion.

5% Retinol is a form of vitamin A that increases cell turnover and helps skin to shed dull surface cells to improve texture and reduce pigmentation. It's rejuvenating properties also help to clear up blemishes & blackheads and prevent them from reforming, whilst also improving skin elasticity

5% White Mulberry Extract is rich in antioxidants and has a brightening effect on skin, helping to fade discolorations and uneven skin tone

5% Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, helps to strengthen the skins protective barrier by supporting the supply of Ceramides within skin to defend against external irritants and moisture loss which could otherwise lead to discolouration, redness & premature skin aging. It also prevents the transfer of melanin within the skin to reduce hyperpigmentation, whilst balancing sebum production, which helps reduce the severity of blemishes and prevents them from forming

Apply to cleansed skin in the PM on alternative nights to the Clarifying Serum

GET IN TOUCH

We hope that you've found this blog helpful - if you have any questions or would like to share your skincare journey with us, we'd love to hear from you. You can get in touch via the form below or by DM on IG.