Vitamin C serums can help smooth out fine lines by plumping and hydrating the under-eye area. Although vitamin C is more effective at reducing overall redness, some people say it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under-eye circles.
Yes! In fact, so long as it is properly formulated for the face, Vitamin C ranks among the best nutrients to use around the sensitive eye area. This naturally sourced antioxidant has shown to balance uneven skin tone, boost collagen production, and increase hydration.
Evens out skin tone - Vitamin C is effective in treating pigmentation as it contains ascorbic acid one of the potent ingredients to help reduce dark circles. It aids in reducing the appearance of dark spots, dark circle and gradually improves the under-eye area by providing an even-toned, bright skin.
Well, here's the good news: if your dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation, then vitamin C can do the trick. But even if it's not, there are still other solutions.
Yes, serums, creams and other products can be used around the eyes, but it's important to ensure that whatever you use is safe for that area. Some items have ingredients that may be too harsh to use around the eyes, especially for those with sensitive skin or certain conditions.
“If the dark circles are due to pigmentation, then you want to look for ingredients with brightening effects. Products containing vitamin C, hydroquinone, and kojic acid work best. Also, look for products with retinol in them because retinol can help a person even out pigmentation over time.
According to Rouleau, the hero ingredient, vitamin C, works to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Vitamin C is also known as Ascorbic Acid, is one of the best and most effective remedies in treating dark circles.
However, vitamin C serums can help reduce premature aging by protecting the skin from the untimely skin wrinkles that sun exposure can cause. Vitamin C also helps reduce premature wrinkling by stimulating the growth of collagen.
Dr. Chiu warns that because vitamin C is a skin-care “active”—meaning it's particularly potent—applying too much of it on your face can potentially lead to more breakouts or irritation. Keep it to a max of two applications a day when a formula that has no more than 10% vitamin C each time.
There's also moderate evidence that topical vitamin C helps to inhibit and repair wrinkles. “It's a potent antioxidant,” Dr. Rahman said, which means vitamin C neutralizes harmful molecules called free radicals that can damage the skin. It also helps with collagen production, she said.
Never combine Vitamin C serum with AHAs, BHAs, retinol, niacinamide, and benzol peroxide in the same routine. It can lead to skin flaking, drying, and irritation. Dermatologists instead recommend choosing serums with 2 or more antioxidants.
If you're wondering when to apply a vitamin C serum, the answer is both morning and night, after cleansing and toning. One study even recommends applying a vitamin C serum every eight hours, or twice daily for the pinnacle of protection.
Vitamin C plays a critical role in consuming oxygen and maintaining low levels of oxygen within the eye, suggesting that replenishing vitamin C in the lens and vitreous is a viable strategy for minimizing oxidative stress and reducing the risk of cataract formation.
Vitamin C should go on the skin first before any other serum. Eye Cream: I use DEJ Eye Cream as my eye cream at night. If you're looking for additional benefits try this eye cream trick! If you don't want to spend money on an eye cream, either Vaseline or Aquaphor are great hydrating night options.
Vitamin K: This vitamin increases blood coagulation and improves circulation. When combined with caffeine in a base of emu oil, vitamin K was shown to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles.
AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
“Vitamin C is a tough ingredient to formulate with because it's most effective in an acidic pH environment. Retinol works in a higher (more alkaline) pH. If using them together, they won't work optimally,” says Sikora.
There's no problem with using both retinol and vitamin C as part of your skincare routine, dermatologists say. In fact, Shirazi calls this combo a "power couple" when it comes to aging well.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
"With repeated use, retinol can stimulate the production of collagen, making the skin less thin and improving the dark circles. They are easy to find at the drugstore," says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.