Blemish and Age Defense Salicylic Acid Serum

Blemish + Age Defense Serum is an oil-free serum designed for oily skin, blemish-prone skin and ageing skin. Our Blemish + Age serum is formulated with a blend of hydroxy acids: salicylic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) and glycolic acid. These chemical exfoliants help remove built-up dirt, impurities or dead skin cells that would otherwise contribute to clogged pores, dull skin and the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. In addition to its benefits to oily skin and breakouts, the exfoliating benefits of Blemish + Age Defense speed up skin cell turnover to visibly improve signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and enhance skin texture.

Learn more from our guide on chemical exfoliation with AHA & BHA.

Blemish and age defense is formulated to be suitable for oily, blemish-prone and mature skin, but sensitive skin types may find overusing the serum causes irritation and dehydrated skin. For dry or sensitive skin, we recommend starting with a small patch test before regular use, and using only 1-2 times week to avoid over-exfoliating. Chances are your skin will only tolerate using salicylic acid 1-2 times a week.

The salicylic acid serum should also not be used in tandem with other strong exfoliating ingredients and should always be followed with a moisturiser to restore hydration. Lastly, salicylic acid increases sensitivity to sun, so a daily high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential.

Our Salicylic Acid Serum is versatile and suitable for oily, combination and blemish-prone skin. It's also beneficial as an anti-ageing skincare product as an alternative to retinol products.

• Blemish-prone skin:Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells, excess oil and impurities, targeting clogged pores that contribute to acne prone skin and congestion. Our salicylic acid serum is ideal for those looking to address persistent breakouts for clearer, smoother skin.
• Oily and combination skin:The blend of hydroxy-acids helps in managing excess sebum production by penetrating deep into the pores and purifying the skin. This also helps reduce the appearance of pores and remove excess shine common in oily skin types.
• Mature skin:By gently lifting dead skin cells and impurities, Blemish + Age Serum helps support skin cell turnover that can slow down with age. This helps visibly reducing ageing skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin, for firmer, healthier-looking skin.

For dry and sensitive skin types looking for an exfoliating product, the Blemish + Age serum may be too strong for regular use. To gently exfoliate, we recommend the Retexturing Activator Exfoliating Serum.

Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), is great for exfoliating and targeting breakouts. Here are some ingredients that often work well with it, keeping in mind that individual skin reactions can vary:

• Hyaluronic acid:A humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to counter any potential dryness from salicylic acid.
• Niacinamide:Can comfort the skin, reduce visible redness, and regulate excess oil production, complementing salicylic acid's effects. It can also help with the appearance of pores.
• Ceramides:Help to restore and maintain the skin's protective moisture barrier, which can be compromised by exfoliation.
• Glycerin:Another humectant that hydrates and supports the skin moisture barrier.