The time it takes to see results from using a vitamin C serum can vary depending on various factors, including the individual's skin type, the concentration and formulation of the serum, and the consistency of use. Generally, most people start noticing improvements in their skin after a few weeks of regular use.
Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient in many anti-aging products. Some studies show that it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles when you use it for at least 12 weeks.
A few clinical studies have demonstrated that vitamin C can improve wrinkles. One study showed that daily use of a vitamin C formulation for at least three months improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles of the face and neck, as well as improved overall skin texture and appearance.
You may see results from as little time as 2 weeks to 4 months. These results could be brighter more luminous skin, less hyperpigmentation and more hydrated skin, or a decrease in wrinkles and fine lines (or both).
In some people, oral vitamin C supplements can cause kidney stones, especially when taken in high doses. Long-term use of oral vitamin C supplements over 2,000 milligrams a day increases the risk of significant side effects. Tell your doctor that you're taking vitamin C supplements before having any medical tests.
However, the best way to know, according to Dr Kiran, is to notice the difference in your skin. “If you use the serum for a month and find your skin to be bright, clear, less sensitive to the sun, and you are feeling fresher, then vitamin C is definitely working,” she said.
While Vitamin C serum is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience skin irritation, especially if they have sensitive skin. Symptoms of irritation can include redness, itching, and a burning sensation.
While you can work your vitamin C serum into either your morning or evening skincare routine, most dermatologists recommend the morning [2]. This keeps your skin protected from free radicals as you go about your day, and can work especially well with your sunscreen to keep you safe from UV radiation.
What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin? A deficiency in Vitamin C can accelerate skin ageing, resulting in premature skin sagging and wrinkling. This is because Vitamin C enhances the production of the protein collagen, which is vital to providing the firmness and vibrancy that counteracts skin sagging.
Consumption of high-dose vitamin C (1250 mg per day) enhances functional and structural properties of serum lipoprotein to improve anti-oxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, and anti-aging effects via regulation of anti-inflammatory microRNA.
If you have dull and dry skin then you should try Vitamin C first. If your problem is fine lines and wrinkles then you should start incorporating Retinol into your daily skincare routine. Using both of these products together can work significantly fast in improving your skin and its texture.
Sagging skin is common as we age, and is another symptom of lessening collagen. Our skin loses elasticity and firmness and you may see skin sag under your eyes, on your cheeks, on your neck and elsewhere. Using Vitamin C can help tighten skin anywhere the serum is applied.
✔️ Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: This lipid-soluble form of vitamin C is highly stable and penetrates the skin easily. It is often used in anti-aging formulations to promote collagen production, reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
The skin changes seen with Vitamin C do not occur quickly. Vitamin C serum can take 12- 16 weeks to work on dark spots and 6 - 12 months to work on wrinkles. But it is a very good skin care ingredient and is worth the wait in most skin types.
You'll want to apply your vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin. “As far as active ingredients go, vitamin C is quite unstable, and it's easily affected by outside elements such as air, light and moisture,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
Skincare ingredients not to mix with vitamin C
Vitamin C, AHAs (glycolic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid) are acidic in nature. Layering them together can lower the skin's pH, making it more acidic. When skin pH goes off balance, it becomes a recipe for skin irritation, redness, and peeling.
Vitamin C serum (leave to absorb for 1-2 minutes)
Every expert we spoke to agreed that vitamin C should ideally be left from a little while before going in with the next step, but the recommended times varied dramatically. The average time suggested was somewhere between 1-2 minutes.
While vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can be used separately for impressive outcomes, they are also a power duo when applied in tandem. In fact, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are often mixed - either in one serum formula, or layered in a skincare regime.
Too much vitamin C serum can cause skin irritation and too little may not provide the desired results. It's best to follow the instructions on the product label and start with a small amount of serum, gradually increasing the amount based on your skin's needs.
Vitamin C supplements can also lead to high aluminum levels if you take them with antacids that contain aluminum. They may also interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and medications that contain estrogen.
Signs of vitamin C deficiency include a tendency to bruise or bleed easily, bleeding gums, wobbly teeth, poor wound healing, tiredness, anaemia, and small red spots on the skin. Severe vitamin C deficiency is called scurvy.
It supports the production of neurotransmitters that influence mood, protects the brain from oxidative stress, and helps regulate the body's stress response. Think of it as a multitasking nutrient—one that not only keeps your immune system strong but also keeps your mind feeling balanced and resilient.
Our favorite drugstore vitamin C serum is the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Vitamin C Face Serum, thanks to the nongreasy texture and how well it smooths and brightens the skin. If you have acne-prone skin, we recommend the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum since it helps lighten post-acne marks.
You will usually notice a reduction in dark spots within two weeks of using this product. After one month of usage, your skin will experience increased collagen production and also stay protected against sun damage. Also read: Does Vitamin C Serum Cause Acne?