First of all, let me start with explaining why serums are crucial in anyone’s skincare routine. Serums are beauty products you apply to your skin after cleansing but before moisturizing with the intent of delivering powerful ingredients directly into the skin. They are particularly suited to this task because they are made up of smaller molecules that go deeply into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients. This makes them a great tool for targeting specific skincare concerns.
In this post, I will focus on troubles – excessive sebum, blemishes and large pores – many of us (including me) experience, to show you how I fight them with serums. I wish I started this routine a couple (actually: many) years earlier, it would save me so much time and money.
The Ordinary is an evolving collection of treatments offering active ingredients in aesthetically appealing packaging. This Canadian brand was created to celebrate integrity in its most humble and true form – their products are pure and free of parabens, alcohol, silicone, sulphates and other awful ingredients.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (high-strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula)
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) helps reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and minimize pores. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.
To prevent my combination/oily skin type from shining (WHERE HAS THIS STUFF BEEN ALL MY LIFE – IT ACTUALLY WORKS!) and to ensure that it is enriched with vitamins and minerals during the day, I apply this product to my entire face in the AM before my moisturizer.
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (for blemish-prone skin)
It is a treatment solution with 2% salicylic acid and witch hazel. It targets lackluster tone and helps exfoliate the inside walls of pores to fight the appearance of blemishes.
I use it only in the PM because the product contains a beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) that may increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. When I wake up in the morning, my skin looks clearer and healthier. I usually apply a small amount over the face to maintain visible clarity with continued use, but you can also apply a small dot directly on spots that need some extra love.
The best thing about these serums is their price. Each of them costs around $5, which is a proof that luxurious beauty products can be affordable!
