Which serum is for your skin
Oily skin, visible pores and acne marks: the 10% niacinamide serum. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) controls excess oil, makes pores look smaller and fades the dark marks pimples leave behind, and the hyaluronic acid in it keeps skin hydrated so oil control never feels tight.
Blackheads, whiteheads and breakouts that return in the same spots: the 2% salicylic acid serum. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it clears inside the pore rather than only on the surface; aloe vera soothes while it works.
Dull, tired skin and dark spots: the 10% vitamin C serum, used in the morning under sunscreen. Ferulic acid keeps the vitamin C stable so the serum stays effective for longer.
Rough texture and uneven tone: the 5% glycolic acid serum at night. Glycolic acid loosens the dead cells sitting on the surface, and 5% niacinamide in the same bottle supports the skin barrier while it exfoliates.
How to use a serum, and how to layer two
Apply three to four drops to clean, dry skin, let it absorb for a minute, then follow with moisturiser. In the morning, sunscreen goes on last. Niacinamide can be used morning and night; vitamin C belongs in the morning; salicylic and glycolic acid belong at night, two or three times a week to start.
Never use two exfoliating acids, or an acid and retinol, on the same night. The simplest pairs: vitamin C in the morning with niacinamide at night, or niacinamide in the morning with one acid at night. If you are new to actives, add one product at a time and give it two weeks before adding the next.
What to expect, honestly
Serums work on a timescale of weeks, not days. Oil control and calmer redness from niacinamide usually show within three to four weeks. Texture from glycolic acid improves first, often within two weeks; uneven tone takes six to eight. Dark spots fade slowly, with vitamin C and daily sunscreen doing the work together, and sunscreen is the half most people skip.
A light tingle in the first few uses of an acid is normal. Burning, peeling or persistent redness is not: wash it off, go back to moisturiser only for a few days, and restart at a lower frequency.
