Skin Health Magazine Issue #11 / Spring 2019 | Page 19

potent blend of three natural actives: 8% Sugar
Cane Extract (a natural source of Glycolic Acid),
2% Bilberry Fruit and Leaf Extract (natural
sources of Lactic Acid), and 2% Willow Bark
Extract (a natural source of Salicylic Acid), which
work their magic on everything from blocked
pores to sun damage. Originally a formula used
by aestheticians and dermatologists to transform
the skin of their clients, it has since become the
not-so-secret weapon employed by Hollywood’s
elite to keep their skin looking flawless, with
everyone from Jessica Alba to January Jones and
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley professing their
love for this best-selling formula.
The Cult Favourite
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Few serums are talked about with the same enthu-
siasm as this game-changer from SkinCeuticals.
Launched in 2005 and building on the brand’s
already impressive reputation regarding topical
antioxidant formulas, the arrival of the C E
Ferulic was a pivotal moment in the world of
skin care. It’s hard to remember a time before
multi-antioxidant serums, but this potent trio
of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, 1% Alpha-Tocopherol
and 0.5% Ferulic Acid was an unheard of
approach to daily skin defence back in the early
noughties. Initially created to provide unrivalled
protection against UV-induced damage and
inflammation, cell destruction and harmful free
radicals in the atmosphere, this serum also tackles
the appearance of fine lines, dullness and patchy
skin tone.
The New Kid on the Block
Paula’s Choice Defense Antioxidant Pore Purifier
Just when you thought there was a serum to
address every skin concern, at every life stage,
along come Paula’s Choice to wake us all up to
the fact that there is a huge gap in the market.
They launched their Defense line last year, a
range formulated specifically to meet the needs
of millennial skin, providing a middle ground
between lightweight, teen-appropriate formu-
las and rich, anti-aging potions. Until then,
the tricky millennial age bracket (those aged
23-37) was seriously lacking in options. Step
forward the Antioxidant Pore Purifier, a daily
multi-tasker that prioritises barrier repair,
environmental protection, clear pores and even
tone, all in one lightweight yet hydrating
texture that suits this in-between skin type.
Can we get a round of applause?
The One for Nature Lovers
Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum
On paper, this exfoliating serum’s inclusion of
superfruit-derived acids and super-antioxidant
Kakadu Plum (which contains 55 times more
Vitamin C than an orange) ticks all the boxes.
Who doesn’t want smooth, glowing skin? But
the thing that makes it truly revolutionary and
worth its place in the serum hall of fame is key
ingredient, Tomato Carotenoids. Described as
a natural colour corrector, these substances
absorb UVA and UVB rays to stop them from
damaging the cells and, when exposed to sun-
light, these ingredients emit a green light to
make inflamed skin appear calmer and more
radiant. Not only that, turn out the lights and
this serum literally glows in the dark! Truly the
definition of skincaretainment.
The Unsung Hero
VERSO Hydration Serum
While some serums hog all the attention, others
stay out of the limelight, consistently improving
complexions without any fanfare. This is one such
serum. An unsung hero, the VERSO Hydration
Serum might sound simple, but its unique
formula is anything but. Yes, it hydrates the skin
but its main focus is strengthening a weak skin
barrier. Using a blend of oat lipids and oils from
the Nordic countries, Ceramides and skin-iden-
tical fatty acids, this serum helps to combat
dehydration and fight the signs of premature
ageing while soothing and tightening the skin.
By keeping the barrier intact, other issues like
sensitivity and redness are also less likely to occur,
meaning you can use this serum as both a correc-
tive and preventative step in your routine.
ISSUE #11 | 2019 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 19