This £7 Serum Transformed My Acneic Skin In Just 7 Days

Even though I've come pretty far on my journey of healing my acne-prone skin, I still have some work to do. I've gotten rid of any major breakouts for the most part, but I still find that my skin looks bumpy. Don't get me wrong: the texture isn't very visible to the naked eye, but I can tell that there's still some congestion hiding beneath the surface from those stubborn pimples that are so difficult to get rid of.

Even as an almost 30-year-old, my oily skin remains akin to a teenager's. It's also a bit sensitive, turning red with even the slightest touch, so I need to be careful with the products I use. When I heard about The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Serum (£7) and saw the transformative results it gave people with all different types of skin, including acneic, I had to try it for myself.

About The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Serum

• The product is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
• It's made without harsh sulphates, formaldehyde, and synthetic fragrance.
• It contains hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring ingredient found in our skin that provides moisture and plumpness.

My Skin Before Using The Ordinary Mandelic Acid Serum

What I Like About The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Serum

What really intrigued me about this product was the star ingredient, mandelic acid. It has antibacterial properties that help to get rid of acne-causing bacteria. At the same time, it's preventative, reducing future breakouts of all types, including hormonal and cystic acne.

It didn't take long for this serum to effectively clear my skin and get rid of the gunk in my pores. Before trying it, no matter how long I cleansed or what toner I used, I couldn't seem to find a way to keep new breakouts from forming under the surface. With this product, I noticed a clearer, bouncier complexion within a few days. And it gets bonus points for fading the appearance of my fine lines and wrinkles (because they're definitely starting to appear).

The serum fit seamlessly into my skin-care regimen and was easily tolerated in conjunction with the items I already use daily. That said, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) like this should not be used with another exfoliant or retinoid as it can cause irritation and damage your skin barrier.

My Skin After 1 Week Using The Ordinary Mandelic Acid Serum

How to Use The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Serum

When you're using an AHA, it's important to find the perfect place in your regimen to slot it in. Placing it too early or late in your lineup may cause irritation or weaken its benefits. I recommend to use it after cleansing and before your moisturiser. For me personal, I found that the hyaluronic acid in the serum kept my skin moisturised enough that I didn't need another treatment on top of it to supplement hydration.

The brand instructs to use it once a day in the evening, so you don't expose your skin to any harmful UVA/UVB rays from the sun. Place a few drops in your hands and pat or massage the serum into the skin before following with the moisturiser of choice. Personally, I used it every other day at first and worked my way up to daily use.

What to Consider Before Trying The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Serum

If you're considering trying The Ordinary's Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Serum, there are a few things to take into consideration. This is a potent, yet gentle AHA so you'll want to be careful not to overdo it. All skin types, but especially those with sensitivities, should do a patch test before putting it all over the face. While you can use this serum every day, make sure not to combine it with other active ingredients to ensure you don't damage the skin.

Where Is The Ordinary's Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Serum Available?

The Ordinary's Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Serum is available at Look Fantastic, Boots, and the brand's website.

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