Give skin a brightening boost with the 4-in-one actives daytime serum – Dr. Sam’s Flawless Brightly Serum

I’ve tried a few Dr. Sam’s skincare products over the years since she launched her line, and I have to say that I have rather enjoyed most of them. I’m currently using the Flawless Cleanser and still loving it (and planning to get backups/refills) because it’s such a simple cleanser that just works.

I recently picked up the Dr. Sam’s Flawless Brightly serum, because I’m a bit of a sucker for trying new things, and anything that promises to brighten my skin is worth a shot! 😀

The thing is that the Flawless Brightly serum promises to do so much more!

Dr. Sam’s Flawless Brightly Serum

The Flawless Brightly serum is made to be worn in the day. This is because they have a Nightly Serum (which I have yet to try) that contains retinoids, that work best at night.

What makes the Flawless Brightly serum special is that it contains 4 actives, that are tailored to even out skin tone, clear and resurface pores, and make skin look more radiant. This is done with the following active ingredients:

• 10% Azelaic Acid –  Azelaic acid works to reduce pigmentation and redness, clears clogged pores, and reduces the appearance of blemishes. It is supposed to be very effective at reducing dark spots and uneven skin tone, which is comparable to Vitamin C in skincare. I’m definitely curious about this ingredient and will be looking more into it – brighter skin is always an ongoing goal for me!
• 5% Niacinamide – Niacinamide is an ingredient that is found in most of Dr. Sam’s skincare range as is she’s a great advocate of this ingredient. It helps repair the skin barrier and unclog pores so skin looks more refined and healthier
• 2% Ascorbyl Glucoside – This is a water soluble form of Vitamin C that is less potent than other forms. It is fairly stable and provides antioxidant benefits, while brightening skin and boosting collagen.  
• 1% Bakuchiol – Bakuchiol is touted as a plant based retinoid that is less irritating to skin while offering anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, while reducing wrinkles, increasing skin firmness and reducing the appearance of pores. It is often found in anti-aging skincare but is not an ingredient that I have personally dabbled a lot into, so I don’t have a lot of experience with it. My personal preference thus far as been using retinoids because I see significant results and benefits, and I try not to rock the boat – at my age you can’t afford to LOL! 😛

With these amplified actives, Flawless Brightly Serum promises skin that is brighter, more even-toned, glowing and smoother skin. Now, tell me that you don’t want to have a go too, after seeing that glorious cocktail of ingredients! 😛

A lightweight lotion texture

Most serums tend to be lightweight liquid or gel in texture, but Flawless Brightly Serum pumps out as a lightweight lotion, which might seem heavy for some people who aren’t used to it. That said, it does absorb quite easily and quickly into the skin without any greasy after feel.

Dr. Sam’s recommends that you start out with just half a pump every other day, until you achieve 1 pump daily. I dove straight into the deep end and started off with 1 pump daily right away.

I didn’t experience any adverse reactions however, but it could just be me. If you aren’t used to using active ingredients or impactful products like this, I recommend following the directions and not being a hero like me LOL 😛

At first impression, it might seem enough to use on its own, for those with oilier skin, but I wouldn’t recommend it, for it is a serum after all. Apply Flawless Brightly serum, allow it to absorb (which it does, quickly) and then apply moisturiser and sunscreen over.

Skin tone is improved and more even, skin looks more radiant

I’d preface this to say that I have been an ardent user of Vitamin C serums in the day for the longest time, so I will not report any significant results.

That said, while I was not expecting very much, I can safely say that I did notice some improvements in my skin, which is noticeable for me, because I had to put on some makeup recently, and realised that I did not need as much concealer as I thought I did, and that I barely needed any foundation.

What I noticed is that my skin texture was improved – the pores did look less apparent, and my skin tone was more even. Any redness I used to have around my nose or cheeks were no more. I can’t do much about my dark spots, which have been with me for the longest time, and could well be genetic and/or hormonal, but they looked to be under control.

I was using it for about 2 months before I would even share any thoughts about this serum, and I was using it following the Medik8 Tetra-C serum, and still noticed a brightening result! I must say that I’m pretty impressed by it.

I have noticed that despite the hot weather we’re having, and the rather hectic lifestyle I’m currently living, my skin actually looks pretty decent even when bare, and I’m bare-faced a lot lately.

Might it be the only daytime serum you need?

To be honest, if these are concerns you face – redness, open pores, minor blemishes, uneven skin tone – then this might be a good all-in-one serum to use for the day. While I never used to like all-in-one products, this one is an exception, because it just works!

On a personal basis, I must admit to being curious about Azelaic Acid as a skin brightening ingredient, as I have been using Vitamin C for this purpose all this time. It is most certainly something I’m interested to look into.

If my hectic lifestyle continues (which it will, because such is life), and I have just enough time to put on the most basic of daytime skincare, then this will certainly be a daytime serum I’ll turn to, simply because there’s so much in there, doing so much good for my skin! 😀

IN A NUTSHELL

The Dr. Sam’s Flawless Brightly Serum is a serum tailored for daytime use. It contains 4 key actives – Azelaic Acid, Niacinaninde, Ascorbyl Glycoside and Bakuchiol, all of which are tailored to smoothing skin and reducing the appearance of pores, boosting collagen, and making skin look brighter and more radiant. It has a texture of a lotion, but is lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin. It is suggested for daytime use as it also has antioxidants that help protect your skin from daytime aggressions. I personally noticed results, smoother, more even toned skin. This is despite my using Vitamin C serums regularly. If you don’t regularly use it, then you may notice more significant results. I personally like this as an all-in-one daytime serum that is very effective.

PROS:
Lightweight lotion texture
Compact packaging dispenses the right amount each time
Product absorbs quickly into skin without any residue
With regular use, skin is brighter, more even toned, smoother and looks healthier
No scent

CONS:
Only available online

WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who has uneven skin tone or noticeable pores or dull skin, Anyone who wants a well formulated all-in-one daytime serum that is great for skin

PRICE: £46 for 30ml

WHERE TO BUY: Dr. Sam’s Website (Ships internationally – use code PARISBMWS to receive 10% off your order)

Here’s the ingredients list for the Dr. Sam’s Flawless Brightly Serum.

Aqua (Water), Azelaic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Cetearyl Olivate, Bakuchiol, Sorbitan Olivate, Benzyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid.

Have you tried the Flawless Brightly Serum? Any other product from Dr. Sam’s I should try?

I plan to try the Flawless Nightly Pro serum next. Maybe when I place my order for another Flawless Cleanser 😀

Paris B