What is an acne serum?

What ingredients are in acne serums?

Look for an active ingredient with an acne use, not just the word acne on the front. Different ingredients target different acne concerns, so the right choice depends on the kind of breakouts you have.3

Who should use an acne serum?

A topical acne product can be enough for some mild acne, such as blackheads, whiteheads or small pimples. Large, painful pimples deep in the skin, acne that leaves scars, widespread breakouts, or acne that is not clearing with topical products call for medical advice; store bought products are unlikely to treat deep or scarring acne effectively. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, ask a dermatologist before treating acne on your own because some over the counter acne products are not safe in pregnancy. Benzoyl peroxide has separate guidance: it can usually be used during pregnancy, but check with a clinician first.124

How should I use an acne serum?

1. 1Choose one product with an active ingredient suited to your breakouts instead of choosing by the word serum.
2. 2Follow the directions for that exact formula. When a serum is being used as an acne medication, general guidance is to apply a thin layer over the acne prone area rather than only on visible spots, unless its label says otherwise.
3. 3Use the product as directed for 6 to 8 weeks before adding another acne product. Do not change or stop a prescribed treatment to make room for a serum.
4. 4For a topical retinoid, evening use and sun protection are often advised. Use sunscreen and follow the directions for your specific retinoid.

Benzoyl peroxide is usually used once or twice a day, but start with the lowest strength and once daily at first to see how your skin reacts. For its cream or gel, wash and gently dry the skin, then apply a small amount. Those directions are specific to benzoyl peroxide, not a universal schedule for every acne serum.45

How long does an acne serum take to work?

Expect progress over weeks, not overnight: acne treatment can take 6 to 8 weeks before fewer breakouts appear. Benzoyl peroxide can start to work within about 4 weeks, though its effects can take 4 to 6 weeks to show. If acne worsens or is not improving after the timeframe on the product leaflet, ask a pharmacist or doctor. Acne treatment runs on a weeks long clock, an awkward scheduling choice for a face with a calendar.345

What should I stop for?

Retinoids can cause dryness and peeling. If a retinoid irritates your skin, tell a dermatologist before changing the amount or how often you use it. Benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, peeling, redness, warmth, itch or pain; these effects often ease after a few days or with less frequent use. For a first use of benzoyl peroxide, test one or two small areas for 3 days, then follow the package directions if there is no reaction or discomfort.1345

If the active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, keep it off broken or infected skin and away from your eyes and mouth. It can bleach hair or fabric and make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so use sun protection. Stop using it and get urgent medical help for hives, swelling of the face or tongue, throat tightness or trouble breathing.45

Can an acne serum replace acne treatment?

Sometimes. A serum that contains a suitable acne active can count as a topical acne treatment, and topical products can be enough for mild acne. Moderate or severe acne, widespread breakouts, scarring, or acne that does not clear with topical treatment may need a clinician's plan, which can include prescription combinations or medicine taken by mouth. A serum is a product format, not a substitute for treatment already prescribed for you.13