Who Should Use Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum is an excellent product for almost everyone. Even if you dont see signs of aging, adding vitamin C serum to your skincare regimen is a good idea for prevention.
Vitamin C serum is also for anyone who wants to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles and fine lines and to help establish an even complexion. Dr. Sharkar and Dr. Suchitra Badvey, consultant dermatologists, recommends that anyone who wants to take a proactive approach should start using vitamin C Serum from their mid-20s and onwards.
Factors To Consider Before Using Vitamin C Serum
Before you apply a vitamin C serum, remember to follow the instructions given on the products label.
Its vital to check the products expiry date. You also want to ensure the bottle is opaque and airtight, and that the products formulation is water-free. Why? No water means no bacteria, so no preservatives, hence a better product.
If the product has a dark color or a different color, its likely oxidized. And though harmless, oxidized vitamin C no longer carries the same benefits.
Also keep in mind that the best way to use vitamin C serum is to apply it once or twice a day. And a good skincare process starts with cleansing, followed by toning, applying vitamin C serum, and then moisturizing.
Its safe to use it alongside other active ingredients except for niacinamide, which reduces vitamin C effects.
When Should You Use Vitamin C Serum
Though dermatologists recommended a few different Vitamin C serums, they do agree on a few things, like when you should apply Vitamin C serum in your skincare routine. Apply your Vitamin C before your moisturizer for the best results, says Annie Tevelin, green beauty expert and founder of SkinOwl. Let it dry for one minute before applying a moisturizer with SPF.
If the serum has turned brown, return it and cease any use of it. Absolutely do not use if it has turned brown.
– Susie Wang, cofounder of 100% PURE
Theres no real consensus among skincare experts on whether youre better off wearing your serum in the morning or at night. Think of it in the daytime as another layer to protect your skin again free radicals and UV, and at night as a way to undo oxidative damage from the day, says dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse of Rapaport Dermatology. Whenever you wear your serum, Wang recommends beginning with a lemon water rise to prep the skin with a light dosage of Vitamin C to start.
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How Do You Know If Retinol Is Working
You will be able to tell that your retinol serum is working when you start to notice changes in your skin.
Retinol helps to reduce aging signs such as wrinkles and fine lines and it also helps to smoothen the skin by promoting cell reproduction. If you have been using your retinol for a while, your skin should reflect the benefits.
Should You Use Vitamin C With Hyaluronic Acid
The simple answer is yes. Its okay to layer the two products but ensure you leave enough time for each of them to dry before applying the next one.
And if youre wondering which one you should apply first, remember the rule of thumb to go from the thinnest to the thickest. So if your HA serum is slightly thicker like mine is, then start with the vitamin C.
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When Should You Use Retinol Serum
You can use your retinol serum in your morning or night skincare routine. However, you might want to use your retinol at night because retinol increases your skins sensitivity to the sun. This makes your skin vulnerable to photoaging and sunburn.
Using your retinol serum in the morning requires you to apply a sunscreen of SPF-30 or higher for protection against sun damages.
Can I Apply Moisturizer After Vitamin C Serum
Well, it is pointless if you directly use moisturizer after applying vitamin C serum as it will not absorb into your skin. However, you can definitely use moisturizer after washing off vitamin C serum from the face in the morning.
We suggest you apply an SPF-contained moisturizer as it helps protect you from UV rays and reduces the risk of irritation.
Also, if your skin reddens while applying serum, you can use fragrance moisturizer after directly applying serum.
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S To Use Vitamin C Serum On Face At Night
At night, you should use Vitamin C serum with your skincare routine in little quantity so that it absorbs quickly in your skin. Here are the steps to use Vitamin C serum.
And its done! It is that easy to get perfect skin using Vitamin C serum. But how much and how many times a week or month should we use Vitamin C serum at night? Lets see.
How To Apply Vitamin C Serum
Follow these steps for vitamin C serum application:
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How Can Vitamin C Retinol And Hyaluronic Acid Benefit Your Skin
Vitamin C: When used in skincare formulations, vitamin C can make a major difference in your skin tone and hyperpigmentation. According to Dr. Gilbert, vitamin C has been shown to brighten the appearance of skin and help neutralize the damage from free radicals. A vitamin C serum will be most effective in delivering to the cellular level, says Dr. Engelman. Serums have the highest concentration of active ingredients, and they have smaller molecules, which allows these actives to penetrate further.
Retinol:Retinol is a key anti-aging ingredient. Retinol causes the top layer of skin to turn over faster, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and gives your skin a fantastic glow, says Dr. Gilbert. If youre not concerned about anti-aging yet, you can still benefit from using a retinol. This multi-tasking ingredient also addresses acne and uneven skin tone. Retinol can deliver increased collagen production at prescription strength, improve tone and even skins texture, adds Dr. Lain.
Hyaluronic Acid:Hyaluronic acid is a star in the skincare scene, and for good reason. Hyaluronic acid binds 1,000 times its weight in water, shares Dr. Gilbert. It provides your skin with fabulous moisture, making it feel hydrated and look dewy. Hyaluronic acid is gentle and can be used on all skin types, including sensitive.
How Often Should You Use A Vitamin C Serum
Using vitamin C serum two times a day enough to get significant outcomes. One in the morning while going out and second before sleeping. One time religious application of vitamin C serum is sufficient to protect the skin for the whole day. You can apply the vitamin C serum at night to heal the damaged skin. However, more than that is not needed.
Frequency to use a vitamin C serum also depends upon the percentage of vitamin C present in the serum. Generally, serum from 5 to 15 % of concentration is best, but it should not be extended beyond 20%.
A serum with 10-15% vitamin C concentration is enough to use one time a day. But serum with lower concentration can be used twice a day.
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Get The Lowdown On The Age
Is this the actual riddle of the Sphinx? It might as well be, with how many people it befuddles on a daily basis. This question has been circulated more widely as of late, as vitamin C serums continue to trend in the skin care market.
Theres a reason why vitamin C serums have become so popular: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with incredible benefits for skin health. It can boost your circulation, brighten your skin, help to heal surface damage, stimulate collagen production, and even scavenge free radicals to prevent the onset of fine lines and wrinkles. The best news is that many dermatologists recommend vitamin C serum for all skin types.
Though a natural vitamin C serum could undoubtedly take your skin care routine to the next level, theres some confusion surrounding the correct use of these serums. Specifically, theres a bit of controversy in the skin care world over whether vitamin C serum should be used in the morning, in the evening, or both. Lets discuss!
Vitamin C Serum: Using It A.M. Vs. P.M.
A.M. The light texture and fast-absorbing properties of serums make them ideal for layering underneath moisturizer, makeup, and other products. This, along with the benefits of vitamin C for skin, is probably why many of us are tempted to use our vitamin C serums during the day.
If your skin tends to be reactive to products that contain retinol and similar ingredients, we recommend using your vitamin C serum as a PM-only product.
How To Use Vitamin C Serum
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do
Vitamin C serum is touted to be one of the best anti-ageing ingredients. Safe for all skin types, Vitamin C serum has several benefits. It hydrates the skin, brightens the complexion, treats inflammatory skin conditions, fades hyperpigmentation, reduces the appearance of dark circles, promotes collagen production, prevents the skin from sagging, protects it against sun damage, soothes sunburns and heals wounds. Phew! Now thats a long list of benefits.
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Store In A Cool Dry Space
Similar to the reality show that Denise Richards had a while back, when it comes to the chemistry of Vitamin C: Its Complicated. And like more than a few of us, vitamin C is unstable. In this case it means that vitamin C can interact with other oxidizing agents and break down, potentially rendering it useless, or worse, damaging to the skin. Similar to how a nail rusts when exposed to damp air, vitamin C also changes its chemistry and degrades when exposed to certain elements. Its important to first find a quality product formulated by experts, and then its up to you to minimize exposure to excessive heat, light, or oxygen.
What Is Vitamin C Serum
In short, vitamin C serum is a skin product that is full of vitamin C. Were exposed to free radicals daily from air pollution to fried foods, tobacco smoke, pesticides, and more and vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help fight against free radicals.
When Vitamin C serum is applied topically to the skin, it can help protect your skin from inflammation caused by these free radicals. Further, it can help with breakouts, the breakdown of collagen, as well as dark spots. For these reasons, Vitamin C serum can be a great product to include in your skincare regimen.
- Related
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How Often Should You Use Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum can be used twice daily–once in the morning and once at night. However, if you experience irritation or redness after using vitamin C serum, it can be beneficial to reduce your usage.
If you suspect that your skin may not react well to vitamin C serum, it can be helpful to perform a patch test before you use the serum on your face. To perform a patch test, apply a small amount of the serum to the skin on your arm and wait 24 hours. If you do not experience any redness or irritation after 24 hours have passed, your skin can handle vitamin C serum well.
Am Or Pmwhen Is The Right Time
Vitamin C protects the skin from sun damage and free radicals that attack the skin throughout the day. This might be the reason why many choose to apply it in the daytime. However, it doesnt fare well with the harsh sun rays and might leave your skin irritated, especially if you have sensitive skin.
You can layer it with an SPF to reduce skin sensitivity, but it is still recommended to use it at night. Vitamin C is used for its anti-ageing benefits as it boosts collagen, improves elasticity and repairs damaged cells. Using it before bed is safer and has far more beauty benefits and thus, we totally recommend you to use it in the night, before hitting the sack.
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What To Look For
You can maximize the benefits of vitamin C by combining it with other antioxidants. This works best with vitamin E and ferulic acid, says Chapas. Together, they have optimal absorption benefits when it comes to anti-aging, skin brightening, and protection against free radical damage.
It also plays well with vitamin B and hyaluronic acid. However, do not mix vitamin C with a retinol or niacinamide, because the pH levels are incompatible, says Wexler. If you want to use both, she suggests waiting half an hour between applications.
Also worth noting: Vitamin C is notoriously prone to oxidizing. It can break down when its exposed to light or air, says Chapas. Always check expiration dates on your products, and if you notice a sour smell or discoloration, its most likely breaking down.
Here are some of our favorite products for getting vitamin C into your skin care routine.
BeautyRx Skincare Triple Vitamin C Serum
With three different forms of vitamin C, the formula delivers major brightening and anti-aging benefits. Plus, it feels weightless on skin.
InstaNatural Vitamin C Serum
One of the most affordable serums on the market, this formula includes vitamins C and E, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid offering you the most brightness for your buck.
Farmacy Very Cherry Bright 15% Clean Vitamin C Serum
This lightweight, natural serum delivers vitamin C derived from cherries, sinks in fast, and even smells like its namesake fruit.
Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum
Do You Put Moisturizer After Vitamin C Serum
Yes! You should always use a moisturizer after you have applied your vitamin C serum. In fact, you should use a moisturizer that contains a high SPF, or even a separate facial SPF for extra protection. We recommend using at least SPF 30, but preferably an even higher SPF, such as 50.
The reason for this is because vitamin C serum can actually make your face more sensitive to UV rays from the sun. With this in mind, you need to ensure you are adequately protected from these harmful rays so that you do not get sun damage or sunburn.
As well as this, vitamin C serum has the ability to dry out your skin, especially if you are prone to sensitivity and dryness anyway.
Using a hydrating moisturizer after you apply the vitamin C serum reduces the risk of your skin drying out and keeps it feeling smooth and hydrated, as well as helping it to look healthy and glowy.
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Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid And Go In The Sun
Yes, you can, although hyaluronic acid has the word acid in its name, it does not perform the same way as other chemical exfoliants do, such as the very popular glycolic acid and salicylic acid. What I mean by this is hyaluronic acid does not perform exfoliation to the skin when the layer of dead skin cells is sloughed off the surface revealing fresh skin underneath. This new skin is glowing and healthy, but also highly sensitive to sun exposure so any UVB or UVA rays that encounter it will cause deep rooted damage in the lower layers of the skin.
I would still strongly recommend that after you apply your hyaluronic acid enriched product you follow that with a daily SPF of factor 30 and above to ensure you are fully protecting the skin from further sun exposure and potential damage.
Finish Up With Your Sunscreen
If you are using your retinol in your morning skincare routine, you have to apply a sunscreen of SPF-30 or higher to your skin after moisturizing. Applying sunscreen to your skin will help you to protect your skin from the suns ultraviolet radiation.
Going out into the sun without using sunscreen may cause sun damage to your skin because retinol increases the skins sensitivity to the sun. You do not need to apply sunscreen separately if your moisturizer contains an SPF of 30 and above.
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