Synergie Skin Exfoliating Serum, Dr. Wu Serum w/ Hyaluronic Acid, Botani Olive Squalene

A while back when I was browsing youtube, I found an interesting video about an exfoliating serum targeted towards cleansing of pores and "dissolving and meting away" of blackheads. Now I have always concerns for blackheads on my nose area, this information sparkled my interests and prompt me to keep reading.

This exfoliating serum contains AHA, BHA, and Azeliac Acid which are all good ingredients to remove excess sebum and is a good thing to clear blackheads and keep our pore clean. Azeliac Acid, in particular, is effective in whitening and removal of dark spots caused by acne scars.

This product, however, has to be used during night time, and MUST NOT be used on inflamed areas or used after long exposure under sun. It has to be used in conjunction with 2 other products, Dr. Wu Intensive Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid (or B3 serum) and Olive Skin Serum Squalene.

For starters, follow the below procedure every other night:

So the order: After cleansing -> toner -> Dr. Wu Serum -> Synergie exfoliating serum -> Botani Olive skin serum squalene

And the amount of exfoliating serum used should be minimal, perhaps half a drop, on places like the nose (blackheads) and above the chin (whiteheads). Avoid eye areas or skin that has been sun burnt/with inflammation.

I have just started this treatment a few days ago, and I will review it again in a few week's time when a before and after picture on my black head concerns around my nose area^^

So as a side note, the below are reviews on the texture/absorption of the products:

Dr. Wu Intensive Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, 35ml:

It's a clear thick serum without significant fragrance noted. It also spreads quite easily, however it has a sticky feeling right after applying:

Luckily, this serum is being absorbed fast enough, or else I will not be able to tolerate the sticky feeling, especially with warm weather coming up in a few months.

I need to use it for a few more weeks to see if this serum does what it claims, but overall, I like the texture so far.

So, now, the Synergie Skin Exfoliating Serum, 10ml. 

It's a small 10ml bottle but a little goes a long way since you only need a little for every application. It's a gluey, thick liquid with a pleasant fruitty smell:

And now,  the Botani Olive Skin Serum, "Squalene," 15ml.

It's an oily liquid that is very similar to Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Complex (but it's a "SqualAne" as opposed to the "SqualEne" discussed here, I heard it's a different chemical structure...)

For those that wants to understand more about the benefits of BHA, AHA, and Azeliac Acid, please read on. Or if you are ok, you can quit her :)

BHA

Salicyclic Acid, is also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

A concentration of 3-6% of salicyclic acid can effectively remove blackheads, a concentration of 6% or higher will be damaging to skin cells, and a concentration below 40% is used to treated corns and other fungal infections.

Salicyclic is known to be effective to enter pores and dissolve oil sebum and blackheads in it, thus keeping the pores "clean and clear" and inhibits the growth of acne bacteria.

It can also act as an oil-control and prevents acne growth and whiteheads. It's basically a good ingredient too keep acne out, remove blackheads and keep pores clean.

AHA

Alpha Hydroxy Acid is effective in clearing pores. In this case, AHA acts as a jar opener that allows BHA to enter the pores and perform its function.

Azeliac Acid

It can inhibits the growth of acne bacteria, block off oil sebum (which is the nutrition for acne bacteria to feed on, hence causing inflammation), eliminates free radicals (therefore, anti-ageing), and also slow down the growth of comedones. The other benefit of azeliac acid is it has whitening properties. It does not contain bleaching additives and non-drug resistant, so it is very safe for those with sensative skin or even pregnant ladies.

A small amount of people will develop allergic reactions towards azeliac acid, ranging from itchiness, burning sensation, or drying up of skin cells, and if allergic reactions prolonged and become unbearable, discontinue the application of azeliac acid.

Other than preventing wrinkles, azeliac acid has 3 major beauty benefits - acne preventation, oil sebum preventation, and whitening! It's a lovely thing!