Serums are, in essence, the heavy lifters of your skincare routine. 

Once you have the basics of your skincare routine mastered, your serums will allow you to truly tailor your skincare to your own needs, concerns and overall skin goals.

Learning to listen to and understand your skin is what makes serums such an important skincare step. When you take a moment each morning and evening to really look at your skin and notice how it’s feeling, you’ll learn to reach for specific serums to cater to those needs.

Building a simple, effective serum wardrobe will give you the ability to adapt your basic skincare routine to your skin. Here’s how to ensure your serums are really working for you.

Nothing, other than SPF is truly a “must” when it comes to skincare- however, if you are using skincare with hope of seeing visible change and addressing specific skin concerns (as opposed to using skincare for very basic skin health maintenance, in which case a great cleanser and moisturiser may just do the trick), serums are the step that will take you there.

Why should you seriously consider working a serum into your skincare routine? Serums deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients to the skin and, depending on which actives and hero ingredients your chosen serum contains, they can target even the most specific of skin concerns.

While it’s true that your cleanser and moisturiser can address those concerns too, the concentration of actives in those products is significantly lower and therefore the results may be less noticeable and will take longer to physically see.

One of the benefits of building up a serum wardrobe of sorts is that it allows you to keep your moisturiser nice and simple. If you’re using your serum step to address specific skin concerns, then your moisturiser only really needs to do what it’s designed to do: moisturise!

Your Guide To Actives: Which Serum is For You?

If you are new to serums and are looking to learn more about what your skin does and doesn’t like, we recommend beginning with a serum with a single active or hero ingredient. There are many incredible serums available with multiple benefits that combine several active ingredients, however while you are still learning to listen to and read your skin, choosing a single ingredient serum will allow you to isolate any changes you see in your skin. 

Not sure where to begin? Here are some of the most common active ingredients found in serums and what they can potentially do for your skin.

Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, is a bit of a skincare all-rounder. It generally doesn’t cause any sensitivity or irritation in more sensitive skin types, it addresses multiple skin concerns, it plays well with other ingredients and it can be applied both morning and night. 

The most widely documented benefits of niacinamide are its ability to hydrate the skin, even out the overall tone of the skin and reduce the appearance of pores. However more recent research has shown that niacinamide is also an effective ingredient for acne-prone skin. 

Consider B your “booster,” working to increase and boost the abilities of the rest of your skincare.

Panthenol, the stable form of vitamin B5, is celebrated for its ability to heal irritated skin and increase the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture. Vitamin B5 is loved by those with sensitive skin, rosacea, or anyone who is dealing with sensitised skin as a result of acidic skincare, laser treatments or peels given its ability to calm and soothe irritations and reduce redness.


A great B5 serum is always worth having on hand in case the skin requires intense soothing and healing, and fast. Medik8’s Intense option is wonderful for those with skin that is particularly prone to irritation, while the original formula is a great all-rounder.

Retinol is another skincare all-rounder, however it is a particularly potent ingredient so it’s important to add it into your routine slowly to avoid over-sensitising the skin, drying it out or causing excessive purging (more on that shortly). 

Retinol is touted as an anti-ageing powerhouse due its ability to increase cell turnover, therefore evening out the skin tone, plumping up fine lines and firming the skin, boosting collagen production and smoothing the surface of the skin.  Retinol has also been shown to reduce the appearance of acne.

Ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C, is known for its brightening properties. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which makes it great for protecting the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors, however its most noticeable benefit comes in the form of its skin-brightening, complexion-evening, pigmentation fading properties. 

If you suffer from sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or are just longing for a brighter complexion, a vitamin C serum may be the right choice for you.

Hyaluronic acid, available in multiple molecular weights, is the hydrator of the serum spectrum. Hyaluronic acid boasts the ability to hold up to 1000 times its own weight in moisture and, when applied topically, can increase the skin’s ability to lock in hydration too. Low molecular weight hyaluronic acids work to penetrate the skin, while high molecular weights work on the skin barrier.

If you have multiple skin concerns that you wish to address, you have a couple of options. 

The first is to choose a serum with multiple active ingredients. A multi-benefit serum takes the majority of the guesswork out of the application process. On that note, your other option is to pick and choose your serums depending on your skin’s needs each day, layering them or using them at different times of day to address multiple concerns at once. 

The benefit of the latter option is that you can really, deeply tailor your routine to suit your skin’s needs, as our skin often wants different things from day to day!

This approach, however, requires a little bit of practise, as there are a few serum rules of thumb that should be adhered to in order to see lasting results and to ensure you don’t sensitise the skin. To simplify things, here are a few serum guidelines we recommend following.

Most skincare professionals recommend avoiding topical vitamin A while pregnant, as there is simply not enough evidence surrounding its safety for pregnant women- which is, of course, an area that should not be left to chance! As per anything related to pregnancy, it is worth speaking to a medical professional if you have any questions surrounding the suitability of your skincare products throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Given how powerful an active vitamin A is, it’s worth starting small. Where a hyaluronic acid serum, for example, can be applied morning and evening without hesitation, it’s a good idea to begin using your retinol serum once or twice a week at first to allow your skin time to adjust - gradually working up to every second evening and, if you wish, nightly use. 

Purging (acne lingering beneath the skin’s surface becoming visible) and dry, flakey skin are both common side effects when strong retinol is first worked into a routine, but “buffering” is a technique that you can use to help your skin build up a tolerance.  Buffering involves applying a basic moisturiser around 20 minutes before applying your retinol, creating a slight barrier between your skin and the actives. 

If you are also using an exfoliant, be it physical or chemical, it’s recommended that you do not use your retinol on the same night as both products are working to increase skin cell turnover and can leave the skin feeling irritated and sensitive.

Whether or not your serum should be applied morning or evening depends entirely on the

formula itself and the concentration of active ingredients, however as a general rule of thumb, it’s worth only using your vitamin A serums in the evening, due to their photosensitising properties (meaning you are left more susceptible to sun damage, even with your daily SPF50+ use). 

Many people insist that vitamin C serums should be reserved for the morning, this is a myth. Vitamin C can be applied in the morning or the evening (or, depending on the particular serum, both!) and the results won’t change. Many people do prefer to use their vitamin C in the morning as it can protect the skin from environmental stressors, while others prefer to use it in the evening as it’s acidic.

As a rule of thumb, it’s best to never cocktail your serums together and to layer them instead, as cocktailing them will lower their potency and, in turn, their efficacy. You’ll often read of ingredients that shouldn’t be applied in quick succession or layered, however the reality is that this comes down entirely to skin type and the formulas themselves. 

A lot of the “rules” surrounding what can and cannot be combined is the result of outdated research that doesn’t take a formula’s stability into account. The idea that vitamin C and A should not be used together, for example, is a misconception.

This actually depends entirely on your skin type and the formulas themselves. Some people will find this particular combination too irritating for the skin, which is why so many people choose vitamin A in the evening and C in the morning, however many people love the brightening properties of vitamin A and C when used in unison.

This in mind, ease into your new products and always undergo a patch test when trying a new combination.

Youtime’s beauty expert Gemma Watts delivers your ultimate guide to serums: A glossary of ingredients, what to use and when, and how to layer actives to achieve your skin goals.

Everything You Need to Know About Actives  

Hi, I’m Nadia Fairfax, I am an Aries and I love to host dinner parties. 

Youtime for me is all about, doing what you want to do. You know it’s just making that time to do exactly what pleases you, and that can be anything, there are no right or wrong answers so, that’s what youtime is to me. 
I’m really into you know, staying home and, being in the kitchen, and reading in front of the fire and, endless movies, lying in bed. 


 
Is my youtime about doing more or doing less? Sometime’s it’s about doing more and then other times it’s just about blocking out the world and just lounging around and not having a care in the world."

WATCH | #MYyoutime with Nadia Fairfax-Wayne 

"Hi, I’m Montana Farrah-Seaton I am a strength and conditioning coach who also enjoys her running. 

Youtime to me looks like my mornings, you know. I get up early and train before I have a full day of work it really puts me in a great mindset so that I am the best trainer that I can be, the best person I can be throughout the day. 

One word to describe my youtime would be, variety. 

I love to try a little bit of everything, no two days look the same and I guess that’s what I love about my job and my day to day life. 

I’m definitely a summer baby, always have been, loved being outside. I would say my youtime is spent in a mixture of good company and solitude. Less is more. I think that covid’s definitely bringing that mindset to a lot more people, that I don’t need to be go, go go all the time. 

If I start my morning the right way then the rest of the day just follows on from there."

Bala Bangles add a constant but comfortable 1lb (450g) resistance to your workout. Wildly versatile, they can be worn on wrists or ankles for training and recreational activities alike.
Fold laundry, shred your biceps, go for a walk or train your core. The world just became your gym.
Each set includes two bangles and a black carry case. 
Bala Bangles are made of the highest quality fitness materials – recycled stainless steel wrapped in baby-soft silicone.
EDITORS NOTES START
Fitness accessories can be functional and beautiful. Bala was founded on the belief that ‘design alone can inspire movement.’
The brand’s hero product, Bala Bangles weighted bands, enhance the results of just about any workout - and look gorgeous as they do so. 
EDITORS NOTES END

Colour

Weighted Bangles - 1Lb Sage

Sage

A day and night face cream for all skin types that utilises <meta charset="utf-8">hyaluronic acid for optimal hydration.
The 24 H Face Cream harnesses the power of Clotholine, a nutrient that stimulates skin cell <meta charset="utf-8">longevity and maintains the synthesis of collagen and elastin. 
It <meta charset="utf-8">preserves the dermal matrix, reduces redness, harmonising skin tone and increasing radiance.
Suitable for sensitive skin, it layers beautifully over all N.C.P serums for a bespoke skincare routine.
HOW TO USE START
Apply to a cleansed face and neck after serum application. HOW TO USE END
INGREDIENTS START
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isohexadecane, PEG-8, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Jojoba Esters, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Behenyl Alcohol, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Methylpropanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol INGREDIENTS END
EDITORS NOTES START
Youtime is the exclusive distributor of Swedish award-winning N.C.P fragrance and skincare in Australia.
<meta charset="utf-8"> 
N.C.P Essentials is a multi-award winning skincare range that is unisex, fragrance free and vegan, offering smart multifunctional products for an efficient and effective skincare routine.
 
The considered selection of unique essential products can be easily combined via zoning, layering or mixing to personalise your skincare routine for your own needs. All combinations of NCP Essentials products have been dermatologically tested.
EDITORS NOTES END

Title

24 H Face Cream 50ml

Default Title

Enjoy yoga, bikram, hot yoga, sweaty practice, pilates and general exercise on a beautifully printed mat with enhanced grip technology.
 Natural reversible rubber base with joint protection and unmatched support.
 Zero odour. No toxic smell.
 Free from silicone, toxic glue, and phthalates.
 Eco-friendly, biodegradable, recyclable and naturally antimicrobial.
 Water-based inks.
 Passed RoHS and Colour Fastness Testing.
 Machine washable (according to our care instructions), then hang to dry.
 Dimensions: 1780mm x 610mm, 3.5mm thick
 Weight: 2.5kg
 HOW TO USE START
 Before you use your Maat, spritz a touch of water across the surface to enhance grip.
 After use, wipe down with water or a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Alternatively, you can place it in a delicate machine wash in cold water.
 To ensure the longevity of your Maat, we recommend avoiding bleach and softeners and excessive heat or direct sunlight. 
 Air dry before rolling.
 HOW TO USE END
 MATERIAL START
 Natural tree rubber base + Recycled PET suede top
 MATERIAL END
 EDITORS NOTES START
 Australian owned and sustainably produced with natural tree rubber, Maat World yoga mats are both beautiful and consciously made.
 Maat refers to the ancient Egyptian concepts of truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality and justice, and the goddess who personified them. Striving for a balanced life is the essence of youtime, and coming to the mat - whether it be in meditation, yoga, or higher intensity practice - is a vital element of this purpose.
 For every purchase, a tree is planted via non-profit reforestation charity One Tree Planted.
 Eco-friendly, biodegradable, recyclable and naturally antimicrobial, you can rest easy in this knowledge on your Maat World mat.
 EDITORS NOTES END

Le Dance Yoga Mat

Olfactive facet 707 is complex, deep and enticing in its composition. 
Oriental tones of Cardamom and Saffron reside harmoniously through deep notes of patchouli, oud woods and musky amber.
<meta charset="utf-8">OLFACTIVE FAMILY: Oriental
<meta charset="utf-8">TOP: Cardamom, Wood, Saffron HEART: Patchouli, Sandalwood BASE: Amber, Musk, Oud wood
Investing in a new fragrance is a commitment. N.C.P and youtime send you a 1ml sample with every 50ml perfume so that you can test the new scent on your skin before opening your full size purchase. If it’s not for you, you can return the unopened perfume.
INGREDIENTS START
Alcohol Denat., Parfum, Aqua, Linalool, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Limonene, Cinnamyl Alcohol INGREDIENTS END
EDITORS NOTES START
Youtime is the exclusive distributor of Swedish award-winning N.C.P fragrance and skincare in Australia.
N.C.P Olfactives fragrances are designed for self expression. Signature standalone scents that can be layered beautifully in any combination, to create a perfume that is uniquely you. 
Who are you today? Play by combining new notes, layering and tweaking your signature scent based on your mood, the moment, the season.
The numbers 1-7 stand for all Olfactory Families. When worn alone a fragrance can be woody, fresh, crisp, deep, warm or floral. When layered, it can transform into a completely new experience.
N.C.P have worked with the world’s most prestigious perfume house in Paris to develop sophisticated fragrances that appeal to all genders, ages and ethnicities, and are amenable to tweaking and combing to make it your own.
EDITORS NOTES END

Oud & Patchouly Eau De Parfum 50ml

WATCH | #MYyoutime with Montana Farrah-Seaton

Immerse yourself in a world of self love, self care, and self expression. 

We seek out  like-minded brands - big and small - and carefully select the products  from their offering which will best serve you. The result is a  considered curation of what we believe to be the best tools to nourish  your inner and outer self, and enrich your world.

Free standard shipping on Swedish orders over *

Sweden standard shipping / Post Nord Varubrev, 49 kr for orders under 500 kr


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Immerse yourself in a world where you will be enlightened, delighted and inspired. Discover something new to you, learn from the experts, join the conversation.

Youtime is grounded in community, and we are on a mission to elevate the voices of creatives, experts, tastemakers and thought leaders who can open up our world to their unique experience and wisdom. We call them Youtimers.

Beauty Expert

Hi, I’m Gemma Watts and I’m a beauty writer. 


For me, youtime is just keeping the phone away. It’s about setting boundaries around my time and then I feel like I can give 100% to whatever it is I’m doing whomever I’m with. 

"One word to describe my youtime would be... fun." 



I’m an extrovert by nature, and I get pretty restless, so my favourite way to recharge is to be around people. 

I think my youtime does change with the season. In the summer, I do tend to go out more, whereas in the winter, it’s all about good food, good wine. 

My youtime is usually spent in good company, for me, I so value my friends and my family. I think my youtime is probably about doing less, which does sound counterintuitive given that I love spending time doing things, it’s more about the energy I’m putting into it. I can take things at my own pace when it’s my youtime. 

I think the time of day doing which youtime means the most to me, is just whatever time that I can find to be mindful and take the time for myself 

Beauty Expert Gemma Watts shares an intimate glimpse into how she spends her youtime. 

A 5-in-1, advanced, full-spectrum collagen and vitamin powder, scientifically formulated for radiant skin, strong hair and nails, improved gut health and overall wellness.
 The Advanced Skin + Gut Health Collagen Elixir is a blend of bioavailable and bioactive ingredients, each of which have been carefully selected for their clinically proven abilities to enhance wellbeing, skin radiance and optimal nutrition. 
 Each Advanced Skin + Gut Health Collagen Elixir serve contains 10,000mg of bioavailable Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides I &amp; III with a low molecular weight for maximum absorption and containing 18 essential and non-essential amino acids. Every serve of Advanced Skin + Gut Health Collagen Elixir is additionally fortified with a proprietary blend of 22 bioactive ingredients.
 A scientifically formulated combination of Vitamins, Minerals, Digestive Enzymes, Pre, Pro &amp; Post biotics, fibre and more to further enhance results and overall well being.
 With daily, consistent consumption, this innovative science-backed formulation is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boost skin hydration, improve skin elasticity and increase skin firmness from within.
 HOW TO USE START
 The Advanced Skin + Gut Health Collagen Elixir can be consumed daily, morning or evening.
 
 Mix one sachet into your beverage of choice. The Collagen Elixir can also be used in porridge, chia puddings and baked goods.
 
 Formulated to be taken once daily. Do not exceed more than two servings per day.
 HOW TO USE END
 INGREDIENTS START Grass Fed Bovine Collagen Peptides (Inulin (From Chicory Root), Prebiotic Tapioca Fibre, Erythritol, Natural Flavours, Food Acid (Citric Acid) Vitamin &amp; Mineral Skin Optimix [Minerals (Manganese, Magnesium, Bamboo Silica, Zinc, Selenium), Vitamins (Co Enzyme Q10, Vitamin C, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin, Vitamin E, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D), Digestive Enzyme Blend (Amylase, Protease, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase)Vegetable Gum (Xanthan Gum), Natural Colour (Vegetable Extracts), Probiotics (Bacillus Coagulans), Omega 6 (Linoleic Acid), Omega 3 (Alpha Linolenic Acid) INGREDIENTS END
 EDITORS NOTES START
 Habitual Beauty is on a mission to shift the lens on what we view as beautiful. With a focus on both gut and skin health, scientifically formulated clean skincare and supplements work together to transform skin from within.
 Clean formulations harnessing Australian native botanicals and clinical actives work in harmony with the body’s natural systems, in high dosages that deliver real, proven results.
 EDITORS NOTES END

Advanced Skin + Gut Health Collagen Elixir - Blood Orange 30 Sachets x 28g

Olfactive facet 301, is wildly popular for and appealing for being both sensual and light.
The notes of jasmine petals and white flowers create an alluring and shimmering ensemble.
<meta charset="utf-8">OLFACTIVE FAMILY: Floral 
TOP: Jasmine HEART: White flowers BASE: Creamy sandalwood
Investing in a new fragrance is a commitment. N.C.P and youtime send you a 1ml sample with every 50ml perfume so that you can test the new scent on your skin before opening your full size purchase. If it’s not for you, you can return the unopened perfume.
INGREDIENTS START
Alcohol Denat., Aqua (Water), Parfum (Fragrance), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol INGREDIENTS END
EDITORS NOTES START
Youtime is the exclusive distributor of Swedish award-winning N.C.P fragrance and skincare in Australia.
N.C.P Olfactives fragrances are designed for self expression. Signature standalone scents that can be layered beautifully in any combination, to create a perfume that is uniquely you. 
Who are you today? Play by combining new notes, layering and tweaking your signature scent based on your mood, the moment, the season.
The numbers 1-7 stand for all Olfactory Families. When worn alone a fragrance can be woody, fresh, crisp, deep, warm or floral. When layered, it can transform into a completely new experience.
N.C.P have worked with the world’s most prestigious perfume house in Paris to develop sophisticated fragrances that appeal to all genders, ages and ethnicities, and are amenable to tweaking and combing to make it your own.
EDITORS NOTES END

Jasmine & Sandalwood Eau De Parfum 50ml

Enjoy yoga, bikram, hot yoga, sweaty practice, pilates and general exercise on a beautifully printed mat with enhanced grip technology.
 Natural reversible rubber base with joint protection and unmatched support.
 Zero odour. No toxic smell.
 Free from silicone, toxic glue, and phthalates.
 Eco-friendly, biodegradable, recyclable and naturally antimicrobial.
 Water-based inks.
 Passed RoHS and Colour Fastness Testing.
 Machine washable (according to our care instructions), then hang to dry.
 Dimensions: 1780mm x 610mm, 3.5mm thick
 Weight: 2.5kg
 HOW TO USE STARTBefore you use your Maat, spritz a touch of water across the surface to enhance grip.
 After use, wipe down with water or a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Alternatively, you can place it in a delicate machine wash in cold water.
 To ensure the longevity of your Maat, we recommend avoiding bleach and softeners and excessive heat or direct sunlight. Air dry before rolling.HOW TO USE END
 MATERIAL START Natural tree rubber base + Recycled PET suede top
 MATERIAL END
 EDITORS NOTES START
 Australian owned and sustainably produced with natural tree rubber, Maat World yoga mats are both beautiful and consciously made.
 Maat refers to the ancient Egyptian concepts of truth, balance, order, harmony, law, morality and justice, and the goddess who personified them. Striving for a balanced life is the essence of youtime, and coming to the mat - whether it be in meditation, yoga, or higher intensity practice - is a vital element of this purpose.
 For every purchase, a tree is planted via non-profit reforestation charity One Tree Planted.
 Eco-friendly, biodegradable, recyclable and naturally antimicrobial, you can rest easy in this knowledge on your Maat World mat.
 EDITORS NOTES END

Moons Yoga Mat

Bala Bangles add a constant but comfortable 1lb (450g) resistance to your workout. Wildly versatile, they can be worn on wrists or ankles for training and recreational activities alike.
Fold laundry, shred your biceps, go for a walk or train your core. The world just became your gym.
Each set includes two bangles and a black carry case. 
Bala Bangles are made of the highest quality fitness materials – recycled stainless steel wrapped in baby-soft silicone.
EDITORS NOTES START
Fitness accessories can be functional and beautiful. Bala was founded on the belief that ‘design alone can inspire movement.’
The brand’s hero product, Bala Bangles weighted bands, enhance the results of just about any workout - and look gorgeous as they do so. 
EDITORS NOTES END

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WATCH | #MYyoutime with Gemma Watts

"One word to describe my youtime would be... fun."

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