Which Serum is Best for Acne Prone Skin?

Finding a serum that will work well with your acne, prone skin can be a question of luck. There are so many "miracle" bottles that line the shelves which makes it difficult to figure out which one will really clear your skin without causing you to have a massive breakout or give you dry, flaky patches.

The fact of the matter is; there is not one single "best" serum for everyone. The right choice basically depends on your kind of acne, whether you are combating blackheads, inflamed red pimples, or the dark spots resulting from them.

Which Serum is Best for Acne Prone Skin?

Choosing the right product means you have to concentrate on the activities in the formula. Here is a brief outline of the most powerful options for acne, prone skin:

• Salicylic Acid (BHA): The ultimate solution for oily skin. As it is oil soluble, it goes really deep into your pores to break the "glue" that is made of dead skin and oil that is holding the whole thing together.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): It is an absolute "must" for the combination of sensitive and acne, prone skin. The substance does not "heal" acne directly but it helps to regulate oil production and also by soothing the redness that makes the breakout look worse.
• Azelaic Acid: A hidden gem for those who struggle with "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation" (those stubborn red or brown spots left after a pimple heals).

Comparing the Top Acne Fighters

How to Use Your Serum Correctly

No matter how good your serum is if you use it wrongly it won't give you the desired effect. Make sure you always put your serum on a clean, slightly wet skin (apart from Retinol, which should be applied to dry skin in order to avoid irritation).

Don't be too ambitious right away. Using a potent Salicylic Acid serum every night for a week will most probably result in your skin barrier getting damaged. Just start with 23 times a week and slowly increase the frequency as your skin gets used to it.

The Takeaway

Salicylic Acid is the right choice if you have blackheads that are active. If you have sensitive skin that tends to get irritated easily and is oily, then Niacinamide is the one you should rely on. A Retinol or Azelaic Acid serum will help you the most if you want to stop breakouts from happening and gradually fade the old spots.