Struggling with acne that just won’t quit? An acne clearing serum could be just the addition your skin needs to get back on track. But be warned: not all serums are created equal. The right one will work harmoniously with your skin to clear breakouts, diminish lines and improve texture without wreaking havoc on your skin barrier.
Here’s what you need to know about choosing the perfect acne clearing serum for you.
What is an acne clearing serum?
An acne clearing serum is a topical skin treatment that can help you manage active breakouts while targeting acne at its source. These serums are formulated with smaller molecules to penetrate deeper into your skin, delivering potent, acne-fighting ingredients right where they’re needed most.
Not only do acne clearing serums tackle existing breakouts, but they can also target excess sebum, provide gentle exfoliation and prevent clogged pores. The best part? They don’t just clear your skin, they improve its overall texture, tone, radiance and health.
Who needs an acne clearing serum?
If you struggle with persistent acne, oily skin or frequent breakouts, an acne clearing serum can be a game-changer for your skin. These serums contain concentrated active ingredients, making them a perfect routine addition for people who regularly struggle with acne. If your skin feels congested, constantly produces oil, or if you notice clogged pores and blackheads, try adding a serum to your daily habits.
Not someone who battles acne often? An acne clearing serum can still help keep your skin clear and balanced. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to address their acne at any stage proactively.
How to choose the best acne clearing serum
With so many options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right serum for your skin. Here’s some expert advice on how to find your perfect formula:
- Prioritize gentle, effective ingredients: When it comes to treating acne, stronger doesn’t always mean better. You want ingredients that are effective but gentle enough to prevent irritation. Look for a formula that balances potent acne-fighters, like salicylic acid, with calming ingredients, like green tea extract, to avoid over-drying or damaging your skin.
- Know your skin type: If you have oily skin, choose a serum that targets excess sebum production. If you have sensitive skin, look for a serum that calms and soothes your skin while treating acne. For combination skin, find a serum that balances oil production and hydrates without clogging pores.
- Look for a multi-action formula: A good acne clearing serum should do more than just tackle breakouts, it should also help improve your skin’s overall health. If your go-to serum’s sole purpose is to dry out blemishes at the cost of your skin barrier, it’s not the right formula for you.
What ingredients should I look for?
Let’s start with what to avoid: benzoyl peroxide. This common go-to for acne is notorious for over-drying your skin and compromising your skin barrier. It might clear breakouts in the short term, but you’ll be left with redness, tightness, dryness and flakiness, (a.k.a an atmosphere where acne bacteria will thrive). Consider gentler alternatives like these instead:
- Salicylic Acid: This beta hydroxy acid is a go-to for unclogging pores and reducing inflammation. It penetrates deep into the skin to exfoliate and prevent future breakouts.
- Lactic Acid: A product of fermentation of plant-derived sugars, its large molecule size penetrates slowly for gentle, mid-depth exfoliation. This ingredient acts as a humectant and hydrates while smoothing roughness and improving clarity + radiance.
- Niacinamide: A skin-strengthening vitamin B3, this ingredient helps improve the appearance of problem pores while reducing breakout inflammation.
- Camellia Olefera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: A natural antioxidant with polyphenols to help soothe and strengthen skin.
- Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract: Pure, plant-derived botanical that targets excess sebum.
Why Daily Meds?
Think of this formula as your everyday topical skin supplement for clear, smooth radiance. A non-drying, daily-use serum, Daily Meds heals acne as it diminishes lines, uneven skin tone and dullness. It’s formulated with 2% medicinal salicylic acid to eliminate acne bacteria environments and exfoliate pore-clogging skin cells. Multi-level beta + hydroxy acids smooth roughness and diminish lines as niacinamide and a blend of lilac, oregano, thyme and green tea extracts improve the appearance of environmental damage and strengthen the skin barrier.
“This may be the first acne formula on the market that both teenagers and adults alike can use,” says Beth Bialko, esthetician and Bioelements Senior Director of Education. “That’s precisely how we developed it – to work for all stages of acne, and all ages of people who experience breakouts, whether it's due to hormones or environmental stressors. Daily Meds is a healthy habit to maintain clear, smooth radiant skin while treating blemishes.”
See the proof:
89% say it reduces the size of acne and provides relief for acne breakouts in one week.
87% say skin looks clearer and pores look smaller in one week.
89% say it visibly improves the overall appearance of their acne-prone skin.
89% say it reduces the size of acne.
89% say it helps provide relief for acne breakouts.
87% say acne appears less red.
87% said their skin looks clearer after using this formula.
87% say this formula made their pores look smaller.
87% say it absorbs into the skin quickly.
84% say it helps heal their breakouts.
100% say makeup applies easily over this formula.
*based on 2x/day usage in a 7 and 14-day consumer perception study of 36 men and women ages 18-55 of all Fitzpatrick levels. see bioelements.com for full study results.
