Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps defend against free radicals. When used consistently, a face serum with vitamin C can play a powerful role in your anti-aging skincare regimen by delivering skin-brightening benefits and improving the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
Most experts recommend using vitamin C serum every other day, but it is safe to use it daily. Apply it as a moisturizer in the morning, but don't use it before bedtime.
Yes, vitamin C serums are known for their effectiveness in skincare. They can provide numerous benefits, such as brightening the skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, boosting collagen production, and protecting against environmental damage.
Vitamin C for skin can make the skin dry, so follow up with a moisturizer. Some people may face some allergic reaction to the ingredients present in the serum. If you have acne-prone skin you may experience breakouts after using Vitamin C serum. Always do a patch test before use.
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.
Using vitamin C serum at night reduces dark spots and blemishes, fades hyperpigmentation, and brightens your skin tone. Want a glowing and spot-free complexion? Try the vitamin C overnight serum to limit dark spot reappearance, repair, and relax your skin while you slumber.
Should you use vitamin C serum before or after moisturiser and sunscreen? Dermatologists recommend you apply vitamin C serum before you apply moisturiser and sunscreen. The steps for application are [2]: Use a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup or free radicals from your skin.
Beta Hydroxy Acids
So that salicylic acid of yours should not be mixed with your vitamin C serum. It won't be able to help you with discoloration, collagen production, or protect you from UV rays. Additionally, combining the two can cause irritation and dryness.
Vitamin C serum up to 20% concentration can be applied twice daily both morning (AM) and night (PM) right after cleansing and hydration or toning. Take 2-3 drops of Vitamin C serum on your fingertips and gently apply them in your face and neck in circular motions.
3. Using too much or too little: Too much vitamin C serum can cause skin irritation and too little may not provide the desired results.
When you stop using Vitamin C, your skin's natural defenses may weaken, making it more susceptible to environmental damage. Over time, this can accelerate signs of aging and cause an overall decline in skin health and appearance.
What Is The Best Vitamin C Serum, According To A Dermatologist? Engelman recommends two vitamin C serums in particular: the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and the SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex.
what does toner do for your face? It removes any dirt or grime that remains after cleansing, but does so gently. And toners help prep your skin for those products you're putting on after — think serums, moisturizers, night creams, etc. The outer layer of your skin is a mixture of oils and proteins.
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.
Nearly across the board, dermatologists recommend incorporating vitamin C serum into your morning routine as opposed to using it at night.
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.
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.
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.
Between 5-20% concentration of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) is common, with 10-15% being a good middle ground for most people. Focus on your skin's sensitivity and choose a product formulated for your needs. Consulting a dermatologist can help you determine the right amount for you.
In other cases, mixing can destabilize or cancel out the benefits of the antioxidant. Here are some ingredients to never mix with vitamin C: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid.
Skin benefits of vitamin C
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.
Incorrect layering: You should always use vitamin C with sunscreen to avoid the adverse effects of photosensitivity and at the right point in the skincare routine – after cleansing and before moisturising. Mixing other ingredients : Avoid mixing vitamin C with certain ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide and retinol.
How do I use vitamin C serum on my face? After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops of vitamin C serum directly to your face, massaging it evenly over your skin. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for it to absorb before applying moisturiser to seal in the serum.