For a more affordable option, two of our dermatologists recommended Drunk Elephant's C-Firma Day Serum. Because it contains a similar formula to the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, you get all the skin-brightening benefits at “half the cost,” according to Dr.
Dermatologists and beauty bloggers rave about vitamin C serums, and it's no wonder they're so popular. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates collagen production and helps to reduce signs of aging by repairing the damage done by free radicals and the sun.
The most common side effects of using a vitamin C serum include skin irritation like tingling upon application, redness, and itching, but this mostly happens to “sensitive or reactive skin,” Dr. Chiu says. Always patch test an area of skin before you try any new product, especially a potent one like a serum.
"Packed with antioxidants, vitamin C has shown to improve dull skin texture and tone, fight free radical damage, reduce signs of aging, dark spots and hyperpigmentation, hydrate, increase collagen production, brighten and provide anti-inflammatory effects," says Geeta Yadav, M.D., a board certified dermatologist and ...
Topical vitamin C is a science-backed, dermatologist-favorite ingredient that may help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.
Vitamin C serum benefits
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.
If you are applying a Vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid separately, it's suggested that you apply the Vitamin C first, and then add the hyaluronic acid afterward in order to help fortify the skin barrier and lock in the moisture.
1. It's safe for most skin types. Vitamin C has an excellent safety profile . Most people can use topical vitamin C for an extended period of time without experiencing any adverse reactions.
Potential Side Effects of Vitamin C Serum
This will show how your skin is likely to react to the serum. If you have sensitive skin, it's best to avoid products with L-ascorbic acid. The product can cause redness and make your skin dry out. Instead, go for those with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together? Not all powerful skincare ingredients can be mixed, but hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are two that become even stronger when paired with one another. These ingredients can provide both immediate and lasting results when used together in anti-aging formulations.
The main difference between Vitamin C Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Serum is the basic functionality of the compounds. Vitamin C shall protect you from skin damage, while Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps your skin retain moisture. For effective results, these both are combined to give desired results for your skin.
Can Vitamin C Serums Cause Acne? No, vitamin C serums cannot cause acne. One of the main arguments leveled against vitamin C is that it acts as a pro-oxidant. This means that instead of neutralizing free radicals, it will act as a free radical itself and begin to damage skin cells.
Research suggests that vitamin C may help protect the skin from many issues, including sunburn, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging, dryness, and an uneven skin tone. Anyone dealing with these skin issues may want to consider adding a vitamin C serum to their skin-care regimen.
“I definitely recommend serums for anyone who is concerned about aging. It's a really good way to get extra anti-aging effects, more than your typical moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Dr. Waldman.
On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.
No, you can start using Vitamin C serum once you are 20.
Even if you don't have sensitive skin, we recommend that all skin types use their vitamin C serum before bed. Your body undergoes its natural repair process while you're asleep, and the vitamin C will make its strongest impact on your skin during this time.
Vitamin C skincare products, especially concentrated vitamin C serums instantly brighten up your skin tone and add a natural luminance to your complexion, making your skin look and feel fresh. The brightening properties of vitamin C also extend to fading dark spots and lightening hyperpigmentation.
The vitamin c serum that seems to last as a forever essential is SkinCeuticals' C E Ferulic serum. There's a full celebrity lineup for this famous serum, including Ashley Graham, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tracee Ellis Ross, Hailey Bieber, and Sienna Miller, per US Weekly and WhoWhatWear.
Most of the skincare experts we spoke with recommend adding a Vitamin C serum to your skincare routine slowly before building up a daily or twice-daily tolerance. “I recommend every other day to daily use in the morning, typically three to five drops for the entire face,” Palm says.
Both vitamin C and niacinamide increase the natural production of ceramides in your skin which helps to strengthen your skin barrier, keep your skin hydrated, and reduce irritation. However, niacinamide is probably the better option for sensitive skin as it's usually gentler than vitamin C.