Every Serum I’m Using in My Skincare Routine Right Now
Jo is a former Adore Beauty staffer and qualified dermal therapist with over decade of experience in the beauty industry.
She co-hosted our award-winning podcast Beauty IQ Uncensored for 4 years, interviewing names like Caroline Hirons, Katie Jane Hughes and Chris Appleton to name a few.
As a skincare junkie and qualified dermal therapist, trying copious amounts of skincare is kind of in my job description (someone’s gotta do it, right?)
So as you’d expect, my bathroom cabinet is overflowing with a plethora of serums, toners, moisturisers and exfoliants at all times.
Not only does this mean I can recommend the most suitable products to my skin consult clients, but it also means I can whittle down which products are right for my own skin and curate the best routine to manage rosacea, fine lines, pigmentation and the occasional hormonal blemish.
But before you keep scrolling and become influenced (I’m rather convincing), please take this from me: if you’re going to purchase any skincare product, make sure it’s a) suitable for your skin type and concerns, and b) that you don’t already have something very similar in your routine.
I see SO many double ups, even triple ups, when I am reviewing my client’s skincare routines - 2024 is the year of not buying skincare you don’t need.
Serums in My AM Routine:
As I mentioned above, I’m quite the skincare junkie and typically jump from product to product (as in, my general routine remains similar but I’ll swap out the asap super B complex 30ml for Viviology Niacinamide + HA Serum 30mL for example because they’re similar).
So when I stick at something, that’s because it’s delivering results and keeping my skin happy.
I was recently humbled under the Wood’s Lamp at James Vivian, discovering some underlying pigment (likely from my former un-sun-safe days) was starting to surface, so I knew I had to pull out the big guns in my topical routine and be as consistent as possible if I wanted to see results.
In the AM, I’m currently using SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum - 30ml and the Cosmedix Affirm Antioxidant Firming Serum.
I don’t think much needs to be said about C E Ferulic given it’s status in the skincare world, but if this is your first time hearing about it, it’s a gold standard vitamin C serum with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, plus vitamin E and ferulic acid.
It offers protection from environmental factors that accelerate ageing, plus it can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and discolouration, while brightening up your complexion.
If you’re happy to pay nearly $250 on a single serum, this is the one I’d direct you to if you have ageing and hyperpigmentation concerns.
Now to the lesser-known Cosmedix Affirm. This contains another 10 antioxidants, accompanied by peptides to (again) protect the skin from free radical damage, while also helping to improve the signs of photodamage, including fine lines and skin laxity.
I also find this serum really hydrating so I can apply my sunscreen straight over the top, and it counteracts the not-so-nice smell of C E Ferulic with a citrusy fragrance.
My AM routine is all about protecting my skin from the effects of the environment, preventing further damage and also treating the photodamage that’s already been done.
Want more of a peek into Jo's skincare collection? We thought so.
Check out her Skincare Shelfie YouTube video below:
Serums in My PM Routine:
Nighttime looks a little less consistent because I’m trying to weave in my acids with my niacinamide, and my peptides with my retinoids, so every night looks slightly different.
I also adjust my PM routine depending on how my skin is looking/feeling, and I’d encourage you to do the same.
If you’re sensitised for example, just because it’s retinol night, doesn’t mean you *have* to do retinol, you can opt for something hydrating and soothing instead.
At the moment, I’ve got the following serums in my evening rotation:
My skin does not take kindly to retinol, despite me trying to explain all the benefits to it, it loves to get flaky and sensitised, so I’ve gotta remain on the gentler side.
A lot of people assume I must use tretinoin, but that just ain’t for me.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 is formulated with encapsulated retinaldehyde (meaning it’s more powerful that retinol), but it’s also made with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerin to offset the sometimes irritating side effects of retinoids.
I use this every second night, depending on how my skin is feeling.
Medik8 Oxy-R Peptides is a really exciting new product for those with pigment concerns and having used it consistently for the last 6 weeks, I am certain it’s made a difference to my skin clarity.
It contains oxyresveratrol and two brightening peptides to reduce the appearance of age spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
It’s a very watery serum that absorbs really quickly into the skin, I like to use this before any other serums are layered on top.
Asap super B complex and radiance serum are tried and true favourites I haven’t parted with since I was about 19 (I’m almost 31).
The combo of B vitamins with the action of AHAs and BHAs helps to improve skin texture, tone and clarity. I love this combo for congested skins, and I often use radiance just as a spot treatment on stubborn blemishes.
Lastly, a product I’m using maybe once a week is the Ole Henriksen Dewtopia 20% Acid Night Treatment.
It’s got 10% AHAs and 10% PHAs in a gel-like formula that refines texture and gives my skin a plump and glowy appearance the next morning.
Other serums like Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex 25ml , La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Serum 20ml and Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser 170ml also often make an appearance throughout the week to hydrate and soothe my skin.
Final Thoughts...
So there you have it - that’s my serum line-up! I have 2 final points to leave you with:
1. Don’t forget, all these expensive serums would be a waste of time if I wasn’t wearing sunscreen daily and using other sun protection measures.
2. The same routine doesn’t mean the same results. Everyone’s skin is different, and what works for me, may not work for you. Choose your skincare based on your own skin type, concerns, budget and commitment level.
Keen to read more of Jo's skincare tips and recommendations? Check out these BIQs:
