Can I Use Vitamin C Serum Daily
For optimal results, it is best to use vitamin C serum on a daily basis. This allows the vitamin C to build up in the skin and provides continuous protection against free radicals and environmental stressors. When used consistently, vitamin C serum can help to brighten the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Although giving a break to your skin from a skincare product after a prolonged usage is considered healthy. So, vitamin C serum can be used every other day or every third day to avoid any irritation. Just make sure that youre using a broad-spectrum sunscreen when youre not using vitamin C serum so that your skin is still protected from the suns harmful rays.
Vitamin C Vs Free Radicals
Vitamin C skincare products are some of the most popular on the market.
According to board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, thats because vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect skin against free radical damage.
Not sure what free radicals are to begin with? According to Dr. Engelman, free radicals are destructive, unstable compounds that cause skin damage and contribute to signs of aging. Think:
- fine lines
- hyperpigmentation
- uneven skin tone
More specifically, free radicals are the result ofamong other thingsenvironmental aggressors like the suns rays and environmental pollution.
Free radicals are missing an electron and search for other molecules that they can steal electrons from to complete themselves, Dr. Engelman explains. Once they do, it leaves those molecules unstable, and those molecules then search for missing electrons from other sources. This causes a domino effect that weakens the skin barrier and can lead to premature aging.
Vitamin C Benefits Include Brightening Your Day And Your Complexion
Apparently, consistency is a challenge even for our skin. While not everyone deals with the frustration of blotchy skin, or random dark spots, its a considerable concern for many people.
Vitamin C benefits include helping hyperpigmentation fade away so that your skins tone and coloration becomes more even over time. Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin production goes into hyperdrive and is overproduced in certain areas. Sunspots, age spots, and melasma all come under that category of Hyperpigmentation.
You may have also heard the term chloasma, or pregnancy mask, which is when Melasma occurs in pregnant women. There may also be hyperpigmentation on areas of the face that were previously prone to acne and just when you thought youd be in the clear!
Vitamin C serums can start to address some of these issues caused by excess or erratic melanin production. The application of a topical Vitamin C formula in some subjects has been shown to slow melanin production. One medically reviewed publication suggests that vitamin Cs inhibition of melanin production may be due to the vitamins ability to reduce the ortho-quinones generated by tyrosinase. So if you want to get real specific and scientific about it, that is one assessment of the inner workings of the skin. And if youve already forgotten the words you just read, you can rest assured that The C and its benefits will still work its magic for you, whether or not you aced Chemistry class.
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How To Use A Vitamin C Serum
Natalie tells us: Vitamin C is essential in everyones routine. Your body doesnt make this vitamin, so the only way to obtain its benefits is to apply it topically. One of the best delivery vehicles for Vitamin C to the skin is a serum. Heres how to use a Vitamin C serum in your skin care routine. Perform A Patch TestIf you have sensitive skin, we recommend performing a patch test before adding a new ingredient to your skin care routine. Follow these steps with a licensed esthetician at SkincareButik:
Add A Vitamin C Serum To Your Skin Care RoutineAdding a Vitamin C serum to your skin care routine is simple. Vitamin C is typically formulated in a fast-absorbing formula, suitable for all skin types that can be used both morning and night. Skin care experts recommend applying 1-2 drops of serum to cleansed and toned skin. Use your fingers to spread a thin layer of serum over your face and neck, then wait for it to completely absorb before applying your favorite facial oil and/or moisturizer.
Watch this video to learn from Natalie about how you can add Vitamin C into your skin care routine:
What To Look For In A Vitamin C SerumWhen choosing a Vitamin C serum, there are a few things to keep in mind. Pick a serum with:
It Promotes Collagen Production
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that depletes over time. Lower levels of collagen can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C is well known for through the process of collagen synthesis. In fact, collagen synthesis cant happen without vitamin C.
This is because vitamin C is the essential cofactor for the two enzymes required for collagen synthesis:
- prolyl hydroxylase, which stabilizes the collagen molecule
- lysyl hydroxylase, which provides structural strength
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Expert Tips For Choosing A High
Youll find vitamin C in a few different forms, including L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl-6-palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, according to a 2017 study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. L-ascorbic acid is the most researched and the most biologically active, according to the study authors.
The price of these serums can vary greatly, from about $10 to $250 for 1 ounce. How do you choose? Pay attention to the vitamin C concentration levels . Some may have 10 percent, while others may have 15 or 20 percent. Look for one with a concentration higher than 8 percent, which The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology study says is the minimum amount thats shown to be biologically significant. The higher the concentration, the stronger the serum, though the benefits taper off at 20 percent, according to a study published in April-June 2013 in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal. Twenty percent is where it maxes out youre not going to get anything more powerful than that, Saedi says.
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Do I Need To Refrigerate My Vitamin C Serum
It is not necessary to refrigerate vitamin C serum, but some people prefer to do so as it can help extend the shelf life of the product. If you choose to refrigerate your vitamin C serum, be sure to store it in a dark, cool place away from light exposure as this can degrade the quality of the vitamin C. When stored properly, vitamin C serum can last for up to six months before it needs to be replaced.
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When Vitamin C Has Oxidised On Your Skin
When you apply a layer of Vitamin C, it is exposed to air and light, leading to oxidation on the surface of your skin. The process will be the same, wherein L-Ascorbic Acid will oxidise and turn into erythrulose and release free radicals on your skin leading to ageing of your skin and DNA damage. Just like your skin, Vitamin C on your skin also needs protection and this is where we stress the importance of sunscreen to make sure you get your moneys worth from that Vitamin C product.
To know more about free radicals, read here.
Does Vitamin C Serum Dry Out Your Skin
When youre looking for beauty and good skin care products for smoother and brighter face, vitamin C serum could be the true workhorses of any product line. But as with most skin care products, it also has a few drawbacks, which some could be quite serious if not properly used! Does it dry out the skin can it burn your skin?
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Why Should Use Vitamin C Serum
Your good skin care is dependent on several factors. But overall, it is pretty simple. Using the right moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen are probably enough for a clear complexion.
However, sometimes you may need something that gives some extra TLC. Here skin care serum could be one of your best bets.
Serum is a light, quick-absorbing solution used as an alternative or a complementary choice to lotions and creams. It is loaded with high concentration of skin-health boosters. Typically it is water based, making it more easily to be absorbed into the skin and eliminating oils together. When most of the fluid is eliminated, what youre left with is essential active ingredients.
It is an effective way to deal with numerous skin problems such as acne, dryness, or wrinkles. Bonus, it is free of harmful, heavy ingredients and low in thickening and lubricating agents.
So the appeal of using serum is hard to resist, even though its one of the costliest skin care products. Nowadays its a top pick among many skin care pros. Depending on your skins needs it could be your best bet for the most potent dose of skin brighteners, anti-aging properties, peptides, or antioxidants! It could deliver the most powerful results.
Vitamin C Benefits For Skin
The benefits of Vitamin C for the skin are seemingly endless. One of its most important features is that it is able to mitigate skin problems before they occur. According to Natalie: One of the great things about Vitamin C is it both helps prevent and repair damage caused by our environment. During the day, Vitamin C can provide additional protection against the aging effects of environmental stressors such as pollution, blue light and UV rays at night, its rejuvenating properties can minimize the look of damage caused by free radical exposure. Heres a closer look at Vitamin Cs many skin care benefits.
Fights Free Radicals
Heidi Waldorf, MD describes free radicals as anti-oxygen bombs that trigger inflammation and cascades of damage. These highly unstable molecules are missing an electron and, in an attempt to stabilize, steal electrons from otherwise healthy cells. This type of attack changes cell composition and triggers oxidative damage that presents as dryness, irritation and premature aging.
As an antioxidant, Vitamin C helps stave off the visible signs of aging caused by free radical damage. In fact, a 2007 study by the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition found that women aged 40-74 who consumed high levels of Vitamin C appeared to have fewer fine lines and wrinkles and less overall dryness in their skin.
Watch this In The Mix where Natalie outlines how Vitamin C may reverse the visible signs of aging:
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It Protects Your Skin From Damage
The ingredient is a very strong antioxidant, which is good news for your skin. âAntioxidants work by preventing the sun and pollution from causing damage to your skin,â says Chi. In more scientific terms, the antioxidants in vitamin C target free radicals and environmental stressors, which are outer elements that wreak havoc on the complexion and quicken signs of aging, explains Stephens.
Reasons Why Vitamin C Is Good For Your Skin
Vitamin C is legendary for its magical work! Enhance immunity, protection against cancer, great for skin you just name it and vitamin C will show its magic over it.
Vitamin C is loaded with antioxidants that are known to make your skin radiant and youthful. It helps to destroy the free radicles and enhance the tissue repairment and collagen synthesis for healthy skin.
Vitamin C normally presents in skin layers named dermis and epidermis where these nutrients are transported from the bloodstream. Aging, pollution, or exposure to UV rays may lower the vitamin availability mainly from the epidermis. Oral intake of vitamin C is very effective for the skin but less than topical application.
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Side Effects Of Vitamin C
Generally, vitamin C is safe for daily use. However, in high concentrations, it can be irritating, especially if mixed with other acids. Herrmann says those with extremely sensitive skin may not be able to tolerate it, and in which case, should avoid it. Many vitamin C products are also oily, which can be problematic for those with oily skin, so Herrmann recommends consulting your board-certified dermatologist to find a brand or product that is best suited for your skin type.
Liz DeSousa for Byrdie
When Vitamin C Has Been Oxidised In The Bottle Itself
Oxidation takes place in the presence of heat, light, and air. If your Vitamin C bottle is not amber, it can easily contact light and lead to oxidation. In this process, L-Ascorbic Acid in the serum is oxidised into erythrulose, which is a substance that is used in fake tanning products. In this whole process, it releases free radicals that can fasten ageing. When you apply an already oxidised Vitamin C product, it will change the color of your skin and may even cause skin damage due to the presence of free radicals. Did we mention that an oxidised Vitamin C product will not do the job that Vitamin C is known to do?
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Its Safe For Most Skin Types
Vitamin C has an excellent . Most people can use topical vitamin C for an extended period of time without experiencing any adverse reactions.
In rare cases , people who have hypersensitive skin may experience minor irritation.
Vitamin C is also safe to use with other skin care actives, including alpha hydroxy acids, retinols, and SPF.
Uv Light Reactive Oxygen Species And Skin Damage
As mentioned above, the exposure of skin to UV light generates ROS. These radicals have a potential to start chain or cascade reactions that damage the cells. The harmful effects of ROS occur as direct chemical alterations of the cellular DNA, the cell membrane and the cellular proteins, including collagen.
Oxidative stress also triggers certain cellular events mediated by transcription factors such as ROS upgrade transcription factor activator protien-1 that increases matrix metalloprotienase production, leading to collagen breakdown. Oxidative stress induces nuclear transcription factor kappa B . This produces a number of mediators that contribute to inflammation and skin ageing. ROS also increase the elastin mRNA level in dermal fibroblasts. This may explain the elastotic changes observed in photoaged skin.
Although Vit. C alone can provide photoprotection, it works best in conjunction with Vitamin E , which potentiates the action of Vit. C four-fold. Hydrophilic Vit. C helps regenerate Vit. E, a liphophilic antioxidant. Thus, Vit. C and Vit. E together protect the hydrophilic and lipophilic compartments of the cell, respectively. Vit. C and Vit. E synergistically limit chronic UV damage by significantly reducing both cell apoptosis and thymine dimer formation.
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Dont Use Vitamin C With Certain Other Ingredients
Vitamin C is generally pretty safe and well tolerated, but if you have sensitive skin, it might sting a little bitespecially if you use it in the same part of your routine as exfoliating scrubs or acids.
The one ingredient you should steer clear of when using vitamin C is benzoyl peroxide, which can oxidize the vitamin C and, therefore, make it less potent, Dr. Hogan says. You can still use your benzoyl peroxide products, just not in the same part of your routine as the vitamin C. Try using vitamin C in the morning and benzoyl peroxide in the evenings, or use them on different days.
There Are So Many Vitamin C Products Out There How Do I Choose The Best One
As for specific things to look out for in your serum, youll likely come across L-ascorbic acid in your shopping journey. Historically, this was considered to be the best form of vitamin C. It certainly has the most data behind it and has been around the longest, which explains its prevalence. However, I describe L-ascorbic acid as a diva ingredient because its extremely challenging to formulate with. Its very finicky in many ways. It tends to break down easily, its highly unstable, and it sits at a lower pH level, which can cause stinging or burning for people with sensitive skin. Newer science thats beginning to emerge shows that there are vitamin C derivatives that are more stable, easier to formulate with and are better tolerated, says Bowe.
And if thats too much to remember , Bowe says to look for language on the packaging that refers to its stability and lists other forms of vitamin C aside from just l-ascorbic acid.
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Modulation Of Epigenetic Pathways
In addition to the gene regulatory activities listed above, vitamin C has a role in epigenetic regulation of gene expression by functioning as a co-factor for the ten-eleven translocation family of enzymes, which catalyse the removal of methylated cytosine through its hydroxylation to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine . As well as being a DNA demethylation intermediate, it appears that 5 hmC is an epigenetic mark in its own right, with transcriptional regulatory activity . Aberrant epigenetic alterations are thought to have a role in cancer progression, and there is data to suggest that a loss of 5 hmC occurs during the early development and progression of melanoma . Interestingly, vitamin C treatment has been shown to increase 5 hmC content in melanoma cell lines, also causing a consequent alteration in the transcriptome and a decrease in malignant phenotype . Because TETs have a specific requirement for vitamin C to maintain enzyme activity , this provides a further mechanism by which the vitamin may affect gene expression and cell function. For example, Lin and co-workers showed that vitamin C protected against UV-induced apoptosis of an epidermal cell line via a TET-dependent mechanism, which involved increases in p21 and p16 gene expression .
