If there’s one thing we all want when it comes to our skin it’s a clear, smooth complexion.
Whether we’re fighting off pesky breakouts or the occasional spot, trying to reduce acne marks, freckles or sunspots, or just want brighter and more glowing skin overall, we’re always on the lookout for skincare must-haves to help us get there.
The secret lies in the ingredients, with a range on offer to help exfoliate, retexturise, resurface and rehydrate for a more even skin tone.
Look for pore-refining ingredients, like Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and lactic acid, to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, fight breakouts and reduce blockages, making skin appear brighter, smoother and more even.
Or brightening, clearing ingredients like niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, strengthens the skin barrier and reduced the appearance of facial pores, as well as sunspots, freckles and acne marks.
No matter your skin type or your preferred product type, here are our picks of the ones to add to your routine to give you clear skin, aid in spot reduction and help smooth and even skin tone.
(Plus, some have the added bonus of giving us glowing skin in the process, too).
Olay Luminous Niacinamide + AHA Moisturiser, $59.99
Suitable for all skin types, this moisturiser (and its serum sister) is the “A-HA” moment your skin has been waiting for.
Targeted at reducing acne marks, freckles, and sunspots, it’s formulated with both Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and Niacinamide, for clearer, smoother, glowing skin.
Typically, the two active ingredients cancel out each other’s benefits, but after ten years of formula development and clinical trials, Olay have developed a Niacinamide and AHA formulation that works synergistically. The outcome? A formula that penetrates 10 layers deep* into the skin’s surface, providing a reduction in marks or discolouration after 8 weeks**.
It’s formulated with a milder, less irritating form of L-Lactic Acid when compared to other AHA products, and 99 per cent pure niacinamide. For best results, use twice daily as part of your regular skincare routine.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, 74g, $99
Want brighter, smoother skin every day? This water-activated powder exfoliator is your new best friend.
Upon contact with water, the rice-based powder releases a combination of papain (an exfoliating enzyme derived from papaya), salicylic acid (a gentle chemical exfoliant) and rice enzymes that polish to perfection.
Plus, skin-brightening ingredients like licorice root, white tea and phytic acid work to brighten hyperpigmentation and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
A little goes a long way with this cleanser, and, with colloidal oatmeal and allantoin that help to calm skin, it’s gentle enough for daily use.
SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, $79
SkinCeuticals has developed a clarifying mask to decongest pores and lift impurities for those with oily, dry and combination skin.
A powerful blend of hydroxy acids (from 2 per cent fruit extracts) works to exfoliate the skin, lifting dead skin cells and reducing blemishes and breakouts. Then, natural earth clays like bentonite and kaolin clear excess oil from the skin’s surface layers, while restoring and balancing moisture and reducing shine.
Chamomile and aloe provide soothing comfort to skin, for a face that is smooth, even and clear with just one use per week.
Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum, 150mL, $40
Part toner, part serum, this two-in-one formula fights enlarged pores and dark spots, while brightening, smoothing and reducing shine.
Suitable for all skin types, it has a unique, thick texture that absorbs instantly into skin (that means no cotton pads, and less waste). Formulated with niacinamide , Barbados cherry that’s packed full of Vitamin C (hello, glowing skin), and cactus flower, it nourishes, brightens and smooths, all in one without leaving skin feeling dry or tight.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser, 120mL, $66
Clear skin that’s softer, more radiant, and smoother looking is just around the corner thanks to this daily exfoliating cleanser.
It removes oil, impurities and makeup, while refining the skin’s texture and reducing the appearance of pores for a more even skin tone.
A blend of papaya, pineapple and pumpkin enzymes naturally exfoliate dead skin cells without drying out the skin, while glycolic and lactic acids remove surface build up and refine the appearance of pores.
Simply massage a small amount onto wet skin for 30 seconds every day for glowing skin.
Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, 50mL, $184
Sometimes, a nightly serum is the extra boost our skin needs to help keep it looking it’s best. Enter: an exfoliating serum designed to help you wake up with clear and smooth skin.
It contains high potency, purified-grade lactic acid that refines and clarifies the skin by gently buffing away dead skin cells, and liquorice, which naturally brightens age spots, discolouration and adds radiance. (And it all happens while you sleep!)
Brought to you by Olay.
* Epidermis layer
** Clinical visual assessment by Dermatologists in Beijing, China, Clinical Study after 8 weeks of usage (from 19/10/2020 to 16/01/2022). Discolouration refers to freckles, sunspots, and melasma.
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