Most vitamin C serums are considered safe for all skin types, including both acne-prone and oily skin. You can use them daily on a long-term basis [2]. You might also want to consider adding other acne-fighting products into your routine, like Software's Salicylic Acid Foaming Wash, to reduce oil production [1].
Yes, vitamin C serum can be beneficial for oily, acne-prone skin. It helps brighten the skin, reduce acne scars, and protect against free radical damage. Look for a lightweight, water-based formula with L-ascorbic acid.
So while taking vitamin C orally could theoretically cause acne, you'd have to be taking a lot of it. And you'd likely see other physical symptoms first. If you do experience acne from taking vitamin C, it's likely a detox reaction. But always check with your doctor if you have concerns.
It's not always perfect: Pure vitamin C won't clog pores, but the wrong product might do the opposite. Common mistakes can backfire: Overusing it or pairing it with harsh ingredients (like retinol) could leave your skin dry or even break you out—especially if you're curious about how vitamin C benefits sensitive skin.
Rashel Aloe Vera Face Serum and Dr. Rashel White Skin Face Serum is the best serum for acne prone skin. Enriched with gentle yet effective ingredients like aloe vera extract niacinamide, this helps to reduce the inflammation and heal acne.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution uses alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids to penetrate deeper into clogged pores. The formula gently exfoliates and decongests pores to support natural cell turnover. This is an excellent face serum for acne.
Absolutely! Salicylic Acid is designed by dermatologists and is a form of BHA that is widely used in skincare to remove excess oil from clogging the pores, thus controlling acne. It's extremely safe to use and doesn't have any side effects. What are the Side Effects of 2% Salicylic Acid Serum?
"While vitamin C is generally considered safe for most skin types, using it with other active ingredients may increase the risk of irritation or reduce its effectiveness," says Ordovás.
Vitamin C + Niacinamide
However, when you combine niacinamide with Vitamin C, they'll cancel each other out chemically, making both formulas ineffective on your skin. Niacinamide takes out all the good properties of Vitamin C and makes it into a substance that can cause redness and trigger breakouts.
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.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP)
It is the most stable form of vitamin C, meaning it does not oxidize. Once you apply sodium ascorbyl phosphate to your skin, it converts into ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C. The conversion process makes it less active and unlikely to irritate the oily/acne-prone skin.
High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.
Vitamin C
A vitamin that has the ability to slow down your metabolism, vitamin C can help you gain weight. It's a necessary vitamin to help protect your body, but also to help you gain some weight. While you can gain some weight from the slower metabolism, vitamin C can also help keep you from overeating.
“Ingredients like retinoids, AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) and some types of vitamin C can trigger purging by bringing hidden pimples to the surface of the skin faster than usual.”
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. It may help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Skin purging can show itself as red bumps, whiteheads and blackheads on the face. In addition, it causes dead skin cells to surface, which results in flakiness and dryness. These signs can also indicate your skin is getting accustomed to a product.
Schlessinger says people with very sensitive skin should consult with a dermatologist before use, since potent forms of vitamin C can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Vitamin C serum may result in yellowing of the skin or clothes, stinging, or dryness, though those effects are rare.
Both ingredients can fade hyperpigmentation and increase collagen production. Vitamin C (depending on the percentage) can be more harsh for sensitive skin types. Or, you might want to use niacinamide if you have acne-prone skin, and leverage Vitamin C for fading post-acne marks and dark spots.
Vitamin C can be destroyed by heat and light. High-heat cooking temperatures or prolonged cook times can break down the vitamin. Because it is water-soluble, the vitamin can also seep into cooking liquid and be lost if the liquids are not eaten.
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.
Generally, Hyaluronic acid is not known to cause acne. It is non-comedogenic, lightweight, and non-greasy. But some people may experience breakouts after using products that contain it. This may be due to the increased moisture in the skin, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Skin purging is an informal term for a temporary increase in acne that some people observe when they begin using a new skin care product. Due to a lack of research on the topic, it is unclear if this is a common side effect or why it occurs.
While the uses of vitamin C for ageing and dull skin are often put front and centre, those with oily and acne-prone skin might be questioning whether vitamin C is a good option for you. If you've been wondering 'is vitamin C good for acne-prone skin? ', the answer is yes.
The Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment is packed with 1.5% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lipohydroxy acid, and niacinamide to unclog pores, rev up surface cell turnover, and fade discoloration—all encompassed in a lightweight, quick-absorbing formula that's a delight to apply.
If you notice you're breaking out from, say, a new hyaluronic acid serum or face oil, you're likely reacting to comedogenic, or pore-clogging, ingredients, Dr. Zeichner says. That's because only certain ingredients, specifically those that promote skin-cell turnover, can cause purging.