The world of skincare can be confusing at times, with new lotions and potions being launched all the time it can be hard to know which products your skin really needs. We asked the experts at Pai Skincare to help us figure out what serums do and which one is right for your unique skin needs. What is a serum? Serums contain highly-concentrated active ingredients whose molecules are much smaller than those in a cream or lotion – so the formula can deliver those high-performance ingredients much further into the skin. Serums are amazing for lots of things, from locking in moisture to calming redness or blemishes – but as they’re so powerful – they can feel too scary to try for sensitive skin types. Can I use a serum if I have sensitive skin? Pai needed to develop one which was powerful but could also be used on any skin type. Their serums have been created for sensitive skin prone to dehydration, redness and Rosacea or Acne. When do I use a serum? We suggest using serums at night time to help boost your skin’s natural repair process while you sleep. For an extra hit of hydration, you can also use in the morning, before applying your day cream. An easy way to remember what order to use your products is to always apply them from lightest to heaviest. Step one: Cleanser We recommend cleansing only in the evening, using the Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser and Dual-Effect Sensitive Skin Cloth. Step two: Tonic We do this morning and evening, so if you also skip cleansing in the morning just splash on the Tonic first thing to wake up the skin. Try Pai’s vitamin-rich Lotus & Orange Blossom BioAffinity Tonic. Step three: Serum Massage in a few drops of the Serum on to skin still damp from your Tonic and let it start to sink in. One-to-two drops are plenty. Step four: Facial Oil Massage in just a few drops of Pai’s best-selling skin hero Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil in the evening, or add a couple of drops to your Moisturiser. Choosing the right serum for you If Your Skin Is - Oily/combination/blemish prone You Could Try - The Pai Copaiba & Zinc Perfect Balance Blemish Serum Pai’s ultra-gentle serum is formulated without those common blemish-focused ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, alcohol and salicylic acid, which can dry and irritate the skin further. Instead, they’ve included Copaiba as well as Zinc PCA which, by regulating oil production, helps reduce skin shine, blackheads and congestion. Designed to improve the appearance of persistent blemishes the gentle way and prevent future breakouts, this lightweight hydrating serum helps to reduce visible oiliness for a satin finish. If Your Skin Is - Prone to redness/hypersensitivity You Could Try - The Pai Sea Aster & Wild Oat Instant Calm Redness Serum Created to restore calm and confidence to reactive complexions, this lightweight and hydrating serum is enriched with Sea Aster, a flowering plant that actively calms troubled skin and reduces visible redness and blotchiness. Combined with Wild Oat, a rich source of Oleic and Linoleic fatty acids, it helps to comfort areas of dryness and soothe sensitivity. To reduce flare-ups caused by dehydration and dryness, this ultra-gentle formula is carefully balanced with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid. If Your Skin Is - Dry and/or dehydrated You Could Try - The Pai Back To Life Hydration Serum Specifically formulated for sensitive and Eczema-prone skin, Pai’s Back To Life Hydrating Serum is carefully designed to provide hydration without irritation. While dryness is a skin “type”, dehydration is a skin “state” that affects us all from time to time. Finding a serum to combat dehydration can be a challenge when you have sensitive skin. A blend of three indigenous Australian berries, rich in antioxidants, help support the skin’s natural moisture barrier and protect against moisture loss. The formula also contains low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid. These clever molecules hold 1000 x their weight in water and help bind it to the skin, keeping it healthy and plumped. To help lock in hydration and keep the skin’s surface smooth, they’ve also included coconut extract. After application, skin immediately feels hydrated and settled. With regular use, dry patches are reduced, skin feels less tight and looks more radiant. Shop here for Pai Skincare
