How To Choose The Best Vitamin C Serum For You
Whats the best way to apply my vitamin C serum?
Apply the serum to your face and neck after cleansing, but before moisturising, to allow the product to penetrate the skin. As vitamin C contains a mild acid, you might experience a tingling or mild stinging sensation when applying your serum.
The discomfort should be mild and temporary to avoid more painful stinging, apply a thin layer every other day at first until your skin becomes used to the product. Go especially easy on sensitive skin. Its wise to start with a lower concentration at first and avoid applying vitamin C on broken skin.
Vitamin C can feel a little gritty or sticky on the skin at first, but this stickiness should disappear once the product is absorbed. If your skincare regime also includes retinol, its best to not use these at the same time as they can each cause mild irritation apply your vitamin C in the morning and your retinol at night.
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What are the benefits of vitamin C and what do the different concentrations do?
Vitamin C at any concentration will help to freshen up, plump and repair skin. Higher concentrations of vitamin C boost the products brightening and pigment-reducing effects so if you especially want to target dark spots and discolouration, youll want to work up to a stronger serum containing a higher percentage of the active ingredient. Always note our advice above about skin sensitivity when using higher concentrations of vitamin C, though.
Is Aha Or Bha Better For Hyperpigmentation
If you have surface-level skin concerns like red marks from past acne, this constant sloughing off of dead, dull skin cells is helpful for hyperpigmentation. AHA is also good for dry skin. … Beta Hydroxy Acid is best for acne-prone skin and those with deeper skin concerns since BHA penetrates further into the skin.
Should You Use Vitamin C Every Day
Vitamin C can be used every day, as long as it is tolerated well and not irritating the skin or causing an adverse reaction, says Pritzker. However, if youre new to the vitamin C serum scene, it may be best to start at a lower concentration or apply it less frequently because it can cause irritation.
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How To Choose The Right Vitamin C Serum For Your Skin Type
If youre looking to add a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine, its important to choose one thats right for your skin type. Those with dry or sensitive skin should look for a serum with a low concentration of vitamin C, while those with oily or acne-prone skin can opt for a higher concentration.
If you have sensitive skin, its also important to choose a serum thats free of fragrances and other potential irritants.
Why is it important to know your skin type when deciding on a Vitamin C Serum?
There are many reasons why knowing your skin type is important. For starters, it can help you choose the right Vitamin C Serum for your skin. If you use a Vitamin C Serum that is too harsh for your skin type, you could end up causing irritation or other problems. Conversely, if you use products that are too gentle for your skin type, they may not be effective.
In addition, knowing your skin type can help you better understand how your skin responds to various treatments and Vitamin C Serum. If you know that you have sensitive skin, for example, you may be more careful about using certain products or ingredients.
knowing your skin type can help you better understand how your skin responds to various treatments and Vitamin C Serums
Similarly, if you have oily skin, you may need to pay closer attention to your skincare routine to ensure that youre not overloading your skin with products.
The different skin types
A breakdown of skin types:
What is oily skin?
What is dry skin?
Best For Sensitive Skin: Vichy Liftactiv Vitamin C Serum
Vichy
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15% pure vitamin C formulation
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Easy to apply, absorbs quickly
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Some users dislike scent
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to be particularly careful when it comes to choosing a vitamin C serum.
Its important to find a formulation that works for your sensitive skin type not all vitamin C serums are created equal and many formulations range from five to 30 percent , Dr. Palm explains.
Dr. Saedi suggests avoiding more potentially irritating vitamin C serums, so starting with one like Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C might be less likely to cause a reaction than most other effective products it contains a high level of pure vitamin C, but she points out that its a more hydrating form with a lower percentage of ascorbic acid. Because its formula is only made of 11 ingredients, there’s less of a chance for an irritating ingredient to trigger a reaction.
That means its less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin, and since the Vichy serum also includes hyaluronic acid, is made with clean ingredients, and is paraben-, fragrance-, and oil-free, its worth giving it a try if youve got sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: 15% vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E | Usage: Apply four drops each morning after cleansing and drying face | Scent: Has a scent
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What Can Vitamin C Do For Your Skin
In skin care a great vitamin C tip is that it can do a few really helpful things if you know its use. First, vitamin C can actually inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment in skin, which makes it a crucial ingredient for managing hyperpigmentation and generally evening out skin tone.
Second, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, which means it can help neutralize free radicals. These are unstable atoms that form as a result of exposure to environmental stressors like U.V. rays and pollution. Over time, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can harm skin and cause premature signs of aging. Using sunscreen daily along with a potent antioxidant like vitamin C is the best way to protect yourself from damage due to free radicals.
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Best Splurge: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
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Ferulic acid and vitamin E boost vitamin Cs efficacy and stability
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Antioxidant blend further attacks free radical damage
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Hyaluronic acid helps plump and hydrate
Our home tester rated SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic a 4.8 out of 5 stars for its velvety skin-feel and antioxidant-rich formula. Madfes says this product is worth the splurge and delivers a noticeable improvement in the texture, evenness, and elasticity of skin.
Benefits: Hydrating, smoothing, radiance-boosting | Skin Type: Dry, balanced, sensitive, mature | Dosage: A few drops daily | Size: 1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | No
Price at time of publish: $169
What Our Editors Say
“If I had to pick one skincare product to rave about, this is the one. The combination of ferulic acid and vitamin C and E works to protect against environmental damage caused by free radicals, improves signs of aging and photodamage, reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and brightens my complexion each time I use it. It’s a thin, watery serum, and it doesn’t smell greatbut it works better than any vitamin C product I’ve ever used. Over the years, I’ve noticed an immediate and long-term result.” Hallie Gould, Editorial Director
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Best Budget: Truskin Naturals Vitamin C Serum
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Includes vitamin E, organic aloe vera, and jojoba oil
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Plumps and hydrates skin
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Lower percentage of vitamin C than other options on our list
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is plant-based and is a fraction of the price of most vitamin C serums, but we chose this product because its just as high quality compared to other options. In addition to vitamin C, it includes botanical hyaluronic acid and vitamin E and is designed to target skin aging issues, such as brightness, firmness, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sun spots.
Because of its plant-based ingredients, this formula is free of GMOs, sulfates, and fragrances, so you can take solace in the fact that this addition to your skin care regimen is all-natural. With aloe vera and jojoba oil, it should leave your skin looking supple and hydrated.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E | Usage: Apply three to five drops each morning after cleansing and drying face | Scent: None
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Murtela Glopetra Vitamin C+ E Serum
Murtela is one of the fastest-growing brands in India that helps in providing the best and flawless skin like never before. This product by Murtela Cosmetics is loaded with beneficial and effective ingredients that work in favor of your skin. As the name says, this serum has all the goodness of Vitamin C in it which makes your skin clearer and brighter like never before. Below is the list of the top advantages of using this serum.
The cost of a product Rs 480/-
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Best Splurge: Revision Skincare C+ Correcting Complex
Overstock
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High concentration of ascorbic acid
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Contains probiotics
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Supports naturally healthy skin pH
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Consistency is more like a lotion than a serum
Though it sits at a similarly high price point to SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, Dr. Saedi explains that many of her clients gravitate toward Revision C+ Correcting Complex because it is fragrance free and is more of a lotion in consistency, making it less irritating.
It also contains an extremely potent variety of vitamin C called THD ascorbate: A truly pH neutral and highly-absorbed form of vitamin C, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate has superior absorption through skin and better bioavailability, says Dr. Palm, adding that its extremely well tolerated and has been shown in clinical studies to decrease inflammation, roughness, and redness of the skin in addition to its skin brightening qualities.
Together with vitamin E, this serum is the perfect weapon for free radical damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and dark spots for all skin tones. It is also paraben and sulfate free.
Key Ingredients: THD Ascorbate 30% | Usage: Apply one pump evenly to the face, morning and night, after cleansing | Scent: None
Type And Concentration Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C comes in many forms, but the most common is L-ascorbic acid. If this is the active ingredient, the serum should contain 10 to 20 percent L-ascorbic acid and have an acidic pH of 2 to 2.5 for optimal absorption and results, Dr. Alam says.
If you have more sensitive skin and tend to react to skincare products, then it might be best to pick up a serum with a lower concentration of L-ascorbic acid, about 10 percent, or a product that contains a derivative of vitamin C that is gentler than L-ascorbic acid, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl-6-palmitate, which have a neutral pH of 7, Dr. Alam says.
The takeaway? Its not always the percentage of vitamin C but the formof vitamin C thats most important for tolerance and effect, says Dr. Palm. If the specific serum youve been using seems to be causing a reaction or, on the flip side, not having much effect at all, ask your dermatologist if the particular form of vitamin C in your serum has been tested in published clinical trials: This is the true mark of a well-thought out, tested, and formulated vitamin C preparation, she advises.
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Sunday Riley Ceo 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
BEST FOR DULL SKIN
The Good Housekeeping Institute rated this pick as the best for dull skin, thanks to its ultra-potent serum that contains15% vitamin C to treat the look of dullness, dark spots, and discolorations all over the face. The key ingredient is its unique form of vitamin C called THD Ascorbate, which is a highly stable ingredient that rapidly absorbs into the skin, according to the brand. The benefits also include improving firmness in the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines. The formula is also packed with Saccharide Isomerate extract, an ingredient that helps to make pores appear smaller and strengthens the skins barrier.
SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex
- Can Irritate Some Skin Types
Yes To Grapefruit Daily Brightening Serum
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Ideal for all skin types, Yes Tos brightening treatment serum is formulated with grapefruit , vitamin C, and 5% of polyhydroxy acids to help exfoliate and smooth the skin. The Good Housekeeping Institute rated this pick the best for beginners thanks to its ingredient list. The serum works to improve your skin tone and texture, while also leaving it super moisturized. Customers love that the product absorbs quickly into the skin and dries down with no sticky residue. The best part? It also works as the perfect base for layering on moisturizer and makeup.
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Anti-Aging Face Serum
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Accessories To Apply Vitamin C Serum
There are a number of tools you can use to apply vitamin c serum:
- Gua sha tool. This ancient Chinese technique is used to stimulate the facial fascia to increase skin circulation, remove blockages, and increase blood flow. Gua sha tools can be paired with any serum to help the tool glide more effectively over the skin and make absorption more effective.
- Jade roller. Like gua sha tools, jade rollers can help increase circulation, depuff skin, reduce inflammation, and expedite product absorption.
- Ionic wand for face. Using ionic technology, an ionic wand opens up the pores to help push active ingredients within a serum deep into the skin for better penetration and absorption.
How To Prevent Hyperpigmentation
The best way to prevent the onset of hyperpigmentation is sun protection. This means wearing an SPF of 30 or higher each day even when its cloudy outside and reapplying it every two hours and after swimming or excessive sweating. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that, even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the suns harmful ultraviolet rays can penetrate the skin.
If youre wearing makeup, opt for mineral powders, sprays, or foundation to make the reapplication process easier. To help keep you on top of your game heres some food for thought: A single day of excessive sun exposure can undo months of treatment.
Remember, no sunscreen can completely protect your skin, so the best way to avoid the sun is to stay out of it especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the suns rays are the strongest. Sunbeds are also off-limits if you want to prevent hyperpigmentation along with premature aging and a risk of skin cancer.
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Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Is Infused With 15% Pure Vitamin C To Brighten Skin
Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women’s Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.
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Topical vitamin C can seriously benefit your skin. According to Nazanin Saedi, MD, director of Jefferson Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Center in Philadelphia, vitamin C is a key ingredient in many skin care products because of its reputation for reducing acne scarring, erasing fine lines, and evening out skin tone. And with a good vitamin C serum, you can improve your skin complexion, minimize hyperpigmentation, and help improve skin texture.
Considerations By Skin Type
safe to use for most skin types, but its still a good idea to do a patch test before applying serum all over your face.
To do this, apply a small amount of product on the inside of your wrist. Wait 24 hours for any signs of irritation before using broadly.
Sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, like rosacea, you might want to stick to serums with lower concentrations of vitamin C. Thats because concentrations higher than may cause irritation.
Oily skin
For oily or acne-prone skin, look for serums labeled noncomedogenic so they wont clog your pores.
Dry skin
If your skin tends to be on the dryer side, look for serums with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid.
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Best Vitamin C For Hyperpigmentation
There are many different forms of vitamin c out there, and it can be hard to know which one is best for hyperpigmentation. However, ascorbic acid is generally considered to be the most effective form of vitamin c for this purpose. If you are looking for a product that contains ascorbic acid, be sure to check the label carefully to make sure that it is included as an ingredient.
Vit C As A Depigmenting Agent
When choosing a depigmenting agent, it is important to differentiate between substances that are toxic to the melanocyte and substances that interrupt the key steps of melanogenesis. Vit. C falls into the latter category of depigmenting agents. Vit. C interacts with copper ions at the tyrosinase-active site and inhibits action of the enzyme tyrosinase, thereby decreasing the melanin formation. Vit. C also acts on the perifollicular pigment. However, Vit. C is an unstable compound. It is therefore often combined with other depigmenting agents such as soy and liquorice for better depigmenting effect.
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