A good Vitamin C serum can help fade discolorations, even out skin tone, shrink pores, and make dull skin more bouncy and radiant.
As for serums made to minimize enlarged pores, the best ones will work by increasing cell turnover. Antioxidants like vitamin C, retinols, and exfoliating acids are all key ingredients in pore-minimizing serums because they can unclog congested pores, clear dead skin, and reduce excess sebum.
Vitamin C : On topical application, Vitamin C helps in reducing large pores & nourishes the skin. It also helps in firming the skin & reducing the appearance of fine lines.
The bad news is that pore size is genetically determined, so you can't actually shrink pores. However, some products and treatments can minimize the appearance of pores, but none of them are permanent solutions. Pore-minimizing products work by stimulating and plumping the collagen that surrounds pores.
Studies show that applying retinol cream reduces pore size and keeps them cleaner, emptying the impurities that otherwise give an oversized appearance. Retinol is most effective when used as night cream. While there are plenty of over-the-counter products available, a dermatologist-prescribed retinol is most effective.
It adds a layer of protection. Toners can help close pores and tighten cell gaps after cleansing, reducing the penetration of impurities and environmental contaminants into the skin. It can even protect and remove chlorine and minerals present in tap water. It acts like a moisturizer.
For those with sensitive, reactive skin, certain forms of vitamin C can be shockingly irritating, leading to dryness, peeling, and redness. But you shouldn't bin your vitamin C serums or moisturizers right after reading that.
Using it in the morning? Twist open a capsule and add a shot under your treatment serums, moisture lotions and sunscreens, before foundation and makeup. In the evening, just add a Vitamin C dose into your favourite moisturizer, or layer it on underneath, for the best anti-aging, brightening, firming boost around.
This incredible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory nutrient is known to improve skin tone and texture, hydrate the skin, and reduce signs of aging. Adding vitamin C to your skin care routine can not only brighten your complexion but also protect against skin damage caused by sun exposure and harmful free radicals.
According to dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad, ice cannot affect the opening or closing of skin pores.
The main cause of enlarged pores is excessive sebum production. Each pore contains a sebaceous (oil) gland that secretes sebum. And when sebaceous glands produce excess oil, it leads to oily skin. Although sebum acts as a natural moisturiser for the skin; excess production is a big problem.
In Korea, skin is always first. They value skin as being more important than makeup or fashion. Their skin secret is that they are using alternative, animal and natural ingredients that a lot of popular skincare brands hadn't really considered using in the past.
“Moisturising creams are a must for Korean celebrities, and you'll generally find them favouring hydrating formulas from Chanel, Hera Skincare and Lagom,” she shares.
"Your pore size is largely determined by genetics, but pores don't usually become visible until adolescence, as it's often hormones that drive the skin to produce more oil and in turn, clog the pores," confirmed Dr Hextall. "Dead skin and oil build-up can make the pores far more apparent by stretching them somewhat."
Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. The results are more pronounced when you use the vitamin topically. It, therefore, helps improve the appearance of acne wounds.
“Vitamin C is essential for skin health. The addition of vitamin E makes it even better.” This power-packed serum features not one, not two, but THREE sources of vitamin C. Pure vitamin C + vitamin E support skin's natural repair process.
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.
You can still use it if you want, but it won't do as much for your skin and, “very rarely, oxidized vitamin C products can even cause slight yellow discoloration of the skin,” Dr. Hogan says. So consider getting rid of any vitamin C products that have dramatically changed color since you bought them.
So if you used a vitamin C serum and it gave you acne, redness or any other skin issue, it is because the serum took away your body's ability to fight off bacteria, and weakened it, inviting pathogens to infect your skin.