DR SAM’S AM & PM ACTIVES

 

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Dr Sam Bunting’s skincare range is one of my favourites; I think it truly simplifies skincare and delivers gentle, effective actives that are pretty universal. More recently, the brand has launched what I’d call an ‘upper tier’ of serums that are a little stronger and more geared towards the seasoned skincare user. And today we’re reviewing those products: one is your AM serum and the other your PM treatment. Let’s dive into them…

First up, we have the Vitamin C NAD+ Serum* | £62. This is your AM option and offers an amped-up take on your morning dose of antioxidants. Antioxidant serums are my go-to in the morning because they protect the skin from radicals in the environment and - as a city-dweller - I need that! Plus antioxidants can work synergistically with your sunscreen so both are more effective for your skin. This contains a 15% Vitamin C complex, so there are multiple derivatives in play (pure form Vitamin C can be wonderfully effective but is notoriously unstable and can be irritating) - these gentle forms of Vitamin C have antioxidant benefits but can also help with discolouration in the long term and provide the skin with an immediate glow boost. This formula also contains a form of Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid, which are known to boost the antioxidant power of the overall formula when combined with Vitamin C. NAD+ refers to boosters of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; ingredients that help encourage cell repair in the skin. There’s also ectoin in here, which is one of my favourite newer skincare ingredients, again it assists in skin repair and helps keep your skin barrier healthy and functioning. Other than these key actives, we have moisturising squalane and the product is fragrance-free.

In terms of how I got on with this serum; I really like the lotion-like texture, which feels lightly moisturising but still absorbs easily without excess and works well alongside my other skincare products. I found it incredibly gentle; likely because it uses Vitamin C derivatives and it works well without causing irritation. Antioxidant benefits are hard to assess in a normal product testing timeframe, but this left my skin unified, radiant, hydrated and healthy. That’s pretty much everything I want from a morning serum, and I love that it contains multiple actives that I enjoy rather than just being a Vitamin C.

To use as part of an evening routine, we have the Flawless Nightly Pro 5% Retinoid Serum* | £62. I’m sure if you’re a regular, you’ll know that I use a retinoid pretty much every single evening since it’s the #1 well-studied active ingredients to not only help prevent future signs of ageing by boosting up collagen production in the skin, but also to help with existing signs of photo ageing by targeting discolouration and fine lines. This is a Granactive Retinoid formula; this ingredient is one I tend to recommend if you don’t feel like you’re ready for something really strong or you have sensitive skin. It’s not your beginner retinoid, nor is it the strongest cosmetic optio, but I think it’s your intermediate option. This formula contains a 5% concentration of this ingredient which promises to maximise your visible results with minimal irritation. The formula is boosted by two other key actives: Bakuchiol and niacinamide. Bakuchiol is often touted as a natural retinoid alternative, and it’s definitely worth a go if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (in which case, retinoids aren’t recommended). However, for the rest of us, this ingredient is actually a retinoid-booster; it can help your retinoid to be more effective without being any more irritating. It also has antioxidant benefits and can help with discolouration. Niacinamide is a great all-rounder; it helps boost ceramide production in the skin, so can improve skin barrier function, it prevents the spread of discolouration through the skin and it also helps to regulate oil production. Again, this is a simple, fragrance-free formula, and it does also contain glycerin to help boost skin hydration.

This product has a formula that’s somewhere between a gel and a paste; it doesn’t pill up or leave any particular excess on the skin. I experienced no irritation with this formula, though bear in mind that my skin is very used to retinoids. I saw visible improvements in fine lines and how clear and even my skin tone looked during the weeks I was using this formula. Whilst I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I do retinal, I still think this is a wonderful intermediate retinoid option that’s unlikely to be irritating to the skin. 

You can get 10% off at Dr Sam’s website with code JASMINETALKSBEAUTY (affiliate).

Have you tried anything from Dr Sam’s skincare line?

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