My skincare routine has always been very simple. A two quid lotion cleanser from boots, a warm flannel and some Aveeno moisturising cream. The likes of Caroline Hirons would probably like to drench me in acid toner and a bucket full of anti-aging serum following a thorough bollocking over the shocking state of my pores.
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I actually have relatively good skin. It’s not perfect and it’s over sensitive but it’s generally clear and thus I rarely use much make-up on my epidermis other than illuminating powder and bronzer. I visited a consultant dermatologist fairly recently due to some irregularities during pregnancy and she said how she could immediately tell how I had avoided the sun and didn’t smoke. “You have excellent skin for your age!”
I will say it again folks: WEAR SUNSCREEN. A (real) tan isn’t cool.
All this is all good and well but I ain’t getting any younger. I often find myself that bit puffier, dehydrated and lack lustre in the mornings and it’s about time I started using effective products. As you might know from previous features, over the years I have experimented with various magic-claiming potions. Some have been more successful than others, but seemingly nothing has made enough of a difference to make me repurchase/remain faithful.
That was until now.
I’m sharing my current favourite serums which have truly made a noticeable improvement to my squinty crumpled sleep deprived self. You’re most welcome.
Amaira Skin Lightening Serum
If your wanting to lighten your skin color even in your most intimate areas then Amaira skin lightening serum is ideal for you. It will allow you to lighten the color of your skin just as effectively as skin bleaching but without the nasty chemicals, it uses natural ingredients that work.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum and Vitamin C Serum
Let’s start with the most eye wateringly expensive shall we? This serum will set you back £135. Yep. SPENDY. But if you are considering making an investment in your future face then I would recommend this in a heart beat. I’ve heard its praises sang loud and clear for years – a favourite with beauty gurus/bloggers/vloggers the world over.
C E Ferulic contains high dose collagen boosting vitamin C (L-absorbic acid) – 15% to be precise. This combined with ferulic acid and vitamin E creates a free radical fighting force that will improve the signs of photo-damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
For me personally it gives excellent glow. I find my pores appear smaller, my skin feels/looks smoother and the overall texture is just…better. Due to my continual adverse reactions to products I started applying this every other morning before moisturiser but now I use it daily without any issues.
I love it.
I would bathe in it if I could.
A bottle lasts me 4/5 months using 4/5 drops applied in the AM only.
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Booster
Hyaluronic Acid, they’re putting it in EVERYTHING it would seem. Naturally occurring in the skin and depleting with age, it’s absolutely necessary to keep your skin hydrated and bouncy.
I’ve tried various different types of serums containing HA, uber luxe right through to a bottle that cost under a tenner. The Vichy Mineral 89 is my favourite and at £25 is mid-range ish if I look at all the varieties I’ve experienced thus far.
It’s a light refreshing gel that doesn’t feel sticky or slippery. I apply it after cleansing and leave it to sink in whilst I clean my teeth before applying moisturiser. It definitely has a plumping effect and makes my skin silky with a pleasant subtle sheen. It doesn’t irritate and doesn’t exacerbate breakouts (I used a cheapy one that I initially thought was really good value until I realised it was causing lots of tiny blocked lumps across my forehead).
I also pat a smidgen onto dry patches during the day – it doesn’t seem to disrupt my make-up.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This sells out ALL the time. But they currently have it on ASOS.Oh, and it’s five pounds. Yep. A fiver.
Niacinamide ie Vitamin B3 is known to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion.
I don’t suffer with spots per se but after my first pregnancy I did suffer with conjestion and the odd under-the-skin bump around my chin. The same has happened after my second pregnancy so I can only put it down to crazy post-baby hormones. I find this serum applied once or twice on effected areas every week keeps things under control – I have also found it very helpful at tackling individual blemishes before they fully “appear”. Vitamin B3 is said to effect the potency of Vitamin C so I only ever apply this at night.
Did I mention it’s just five pounds?
What are your hero serum favourites right now?
FYI I’ve tried a few of The Ordinary Vitamin C serums (there are SO many?!) but haven’t found any to be as effective as the C E Ferulic. Which is a shame as they would be far kinder to my bank balance.