Yes, vitamin C face serum is good for oily skin because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help loads with the treatment of acne and damaged skin.
What vitamin C is best for oily skin? Vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid may be the best option for oily skin, because it's both lightweight and water-soluble.
A water-based vitamin C serum is more absorbent, so you know it'll give you instant results. At the same time, it's much lighter than its oil-based counterpart, and won't sit heavy on your face or make your skin overly greasy.
Choose the Right Concentration
For oily or normal skin, L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of vitamin C and can be the most beneficial, while for dry and sensitive skin, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a water-soluble vitamin C, is less irritating.
It is still important to read the rest of the ingredients in your products. “If vitamin C is found in an oil-based vehicle instead of a water-based vehicle, it may be the oil clogging your pores and contributing to breakouts,” explains Lian Mack, M.D., NYC-based dermatologist at GlamDerm.
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.
Acids, vitamin C serums and retinoids can all cause purging. Purging is an initial acne breakout that can occur when you're starting a new active skincare product—one that causes your skin cells to turn over more quickly.
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.
Hyaluronic acid is great for all skin types, including oily skin. It helps to regulate sebum production and keep the skin hydrated. When oily skin is deprived of moisture, it responds by producing even more oil in order to hydrate the skin.
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.
Retinol. This vitamin A derivative is commonly found in anti-aging formulations that target problems like wrinkling and hyperpigmentation, yet it's just as effective for oily skin.
For example, if you have oily skin, Vitamin C may be a better choice than hyaluronic acid, as it's less likely to make your skin greasy. If you're concerned about wrinkles, spots, or other signs of aging, you can use both of these ingredients in your daily skincare routine.
A tell-tale sign of vitamin C overuse is increased blackheads or the development of blackheads. General skin irritation and breakouts can also occur if you use your vitamin C serum too often. We recommend using your serum 1-2 times a day and 2-4 drops at a time.
Hyaluronic Acid can quench even the driest of complexions and works equally well for people with oily and combination skin types. Unlike some skincare products, hyaluronic acid gets quickly absorbed into the skin, meaning you lose less product.
Also, we consulted with scientists who told us that if you wear vitamin C without sunscreen, your vitamin C can actually be photo-incinerated (i.e. totally burned away) by the sun.
Generally speaking, the best time to apply vitamin C serum is in the morning, after cleansing and toning your complexion, and before moisturizer and SPF. If you want to maximize the perks, and don't have overly sensitive skin, you can apply it in the morning and evening.
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.
Certain supplements — like vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iodine, testosterone, whey protein, and branched-chain amino acids — can cause acne or worsen an existing condition. If supplements cause your breakouts, stopping use can usually clear your skin up within a few weeks.
While not a direct cure for hormonal acne, Vitamin C supplements can help with the immune component to acne. Aside from oral supplements, good sources of Vitamin C in foods include citrus fruits (oranges), peppers, strawberries, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and potatoes.
If you have oily skin, we recommend incorporating a lightweight, antioxidant-rich serum into your skincare routine, like Powerful-Strength Vitamin C Serum. This hydrating formula, which stars hyaluronic acid and 12.5% vitamin C, instantly boosts radiance while helping improve skin texture over time.
If you have oily skin and don't already use a serum, then your skin is missing out on great benefits. Many actives in serums are perfect for curtailing the symptoms of oily skin.
Ans. Yes, a face serum containing active ingredients such as salicylic acid, niacinamide, etc., is excellent for oily skin as it helps in sebum control.