Which Bielenda Skin Clinic Professional serum should you choose?

Bielenda’s Skin Clinic Professional serums all look alike at first glance: the same clean bottles, each one named after its star ingredient. That is actually good news. Once you know which ingredient matches your skin, choosing one takes about thirty seconds.

Here is how the range works, which bottle suits which kind of skin, and how to fit one or two into the routine you already have.

A quick introduction to the range

Bielenda is a Polish skincare brand, and Skin Clinic Professional is its professional-style line. Most of the serums pair a main ingredient with two supporting ones: vitamin C with ferulic acid and turmeric, for example, or niacinamide with alpha-arbutin and lactobionic acid.

So rather than reading every label, start with the one thing that bothers you most about your skin right now, and go straight to that bottle.

Start with what your skin needs

If your skin looks dull or tired

This is the morning serum of the range. Use it after cleansing and follow with your moisturiser.

If you’re dealing with shine or visible pores

Niacinamide is the easy-going one in the range. It can go into a morning or an evening routine, so it is simple to pair with the others.

If your skin feels tight, dry or rough

Two options here. The Ceramides serum is for skin that feels rough and dehydrated, while the Hyaluronic Acid serum is the one Bielenda suggests for dry, sensitive skin.

If you’re starting to notice fine lines

The Active Rejuvenating Night Serum contains retinol and is meant for evenings only. If you would rather skip retinol for now, the Actively Hydrating Serum combines hyaluronic acid with biomimetic peptides and can be used morning and evening.

New to retinol? Ease in slowly

• Use it in the evening only, on cleansed face, neck and décolleté. Keep it away from the eyes.

• Start with two evenings a week, then build up once your skin feels comfortable.

• Wear a high SPF every day while you are using it.

• Don’t use other acids or a second retinol product on the same night.

• Many people find autumn and winter, when the sun is gentler, an easier time to start.

Finishing with a cream from the same line

Two 50 ml creams in the range sit nicely on top of the serums, and both can also be used as a make-up base.

A simple morning and evening routine

Morning: cleanser, Vitamin C (or Niacinamide) serum, Actively Hydrating Day/Night Cream, then sunscreen as the last step.

Evening: cleanser, Ceramides or retinol serum, then the Active Rejuvenating Day/Night Cream.

Give each serum a moment to sink in before your cream goes on. For the Ceramides serum, Bielenda suggests waiting about two minutes.

What not to layer

• Keeping vitamin C for the morning and retinol for the evening separates them without any extra effort.

• While you are using retinol, leave out other acids and any second retinol product.

• If you also use Bielenda’s sponge-spicule serums, the brand says not to combine them with vitamin C, retinol or exfoliants.

• Bring in new serums one at a time, a week or two apart.

Trying something new? Test it on a small patch behind the ear or along the jaw first.

Questions we often get

Can I use niacinamide and vitamin C together?

Bielenda suggests vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide morning or evening. The easiest way to use both is vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.

Does the retinol serum have to be used at night?

Yes. It is an evening-only serum.

Which one is best for sensitive skin?

The brand positions the Hyaluronic Acid serum for dry and sensitive skin, and the Actively Hydrating Day/Night Cream also lists sensitive skin.

Can I use more than one serum?

Yes, but give each routine one goal. Vitamin C in the morning and Ceramides at night works better than layering three or four serums at once.

Product details are based on Bielenda’s official website and packaging. The packaging always has the final say.