How Vitamin C Works
Scars form as part of the healing response to a wound in the skin. Collagen is an integral part of this process as its a necessary component in the new tissue required to heal a wound. And vitamin C is a key player when it comes to creating collagen. Even though collagen and wounds are usually discussed in the context of repairing fresh injuries, since collagen helps make healthy tissue, it can impact older scars as well and improve their appearance. And since scientists already know that topical vitamin C can help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation , it stands to reason that vitamin C could also help minimize the discoloration of acne scars.
That said, while you dont necessarily want to apply topical vitamin C directly into an open sore, you also shouldnt wait for a rainy day to begin treating your acne scars. While studies have shown the effectiveness of a combination of topical vitamin C and hyaluronic acid on scars more than four weeks old, theres not a lot of data demonstrating how well vitamin C works at reducing long-ago acne scars. The takeaway here is: Dont wait to start treatment.
Main Benefits Of Using A Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C delivers a wide range of benefits to any skincare routine.
Vitamin C For Inflammation And Redness
One of the hardest things to deal with when it comes to spots is the bright red marks that litter your face, Initially the redness appears as an inflamed spot before it often develops into post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation which can hang around on your skin for up to a year! Getting plenty of vitamin C can dramatically reduce redness and inflammation in acne by calming down inflammatory responses this also means some of the pain and discomfort from deep pimples may also be reduce when taking extra vitamin C.
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Types Of Acne Scarring
There are two main types of acne scarring, hypertrophic or keloid scarring and atrophic and depressed scarring.
Hypertrophic or keloid scarring is often the result of excess collagen production as the acne begins to heal. This often results in the form of raised tissue on the affected pores. Often, Retin A is a useful regimen for acne scar treatment.
Atrophic and depressed scarring is often the result of significant tissue loss. Atrophic scarring types include icepick scars, deep holes in the skins surface, and boxcar scars that are usually circular and angled down to the sides.
Acne scars can be devastating because they affect people both mentally and emotionally. Lets check out some of the best treatments on the market today to reduce or eliminate the look of acne scars.
How Does It Feel
This is where things get interesting! Like most serums and liquids, you would assume it would feel watery, hydrating, or tacky. To my surprise, it doesnt at all!
It feels like a dry oil!
The serum glides smoothly over the skin, feeling just like a dry oil texture. On that note, I did notice that the product feels as if it is getting warm once it has been applied. This sensation only last several seconds. Apparently, this is normal for the product.
If applied after physically exfoliating the skin, I did notice is can tingle or sting a bit, however, this is normal for any ascorbic acid product. Aside from texture and feeling, the serum absorbs fairly quickly into the skin, generally within half a minute which is pretty good.
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Can You Layer A Vitamin C Serum With Other Skin Care Products
Dermatologists love layering products! Klein says. I generally advise going from lowest to highest pH, like using either an alpha or beta hydroxy acid cleanser in the morning followed by the vitamin C serum.
A vitamin C serum will not lose its potency if applied in an incorrect order, but applying lowest to highest pH when layering skin products will increase absorptionand therefore efficacy, according to Klein. Feel free to add peptides, hyaluronic acids, and B5 after the Vitamin C serum. One exception is products with niacinamide. Niacinamide turns into niacin when mixed with Vitamin C, cautions Jaliman. Niacin, although not harmful, can cause short-term skin redness and tingling in people with sensitive skin.
Generally speaking, youll want to use your Vitamin C serum after you cleanse and tone, but before you use moisturizer. Take a few drops in the palm of your hand and massage gently into the skin of your face and neck with your fingertips. This can be done once or twice a day.
About My Skin: Prone To Breakouts And Pigmentation
While Im prone to breakouts, my biggest problem comes after they heal and linger on as pigmented red spots. Ive used dark spot correctors in the past, including a vitamin serum from Cosrx that helped , but this serum from Mad Hippie intrigued me because its full of good-for-the-skin ingredientsnot just vitamin C.
While there are some ingredients I cant use , my skin isnt very sensitive, so I can use most products safely without irritation. I mention this because vitamin C sometimes causes tingling and sensitivity, so depending on your skin, you may have to work up to using it twice a day.
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Does Vitamin E Help Acne Scars
There are two types of acne, severe acne and mild acne this depends on the outbreak that occurred. When the acne occurs they tend to dry up your skin leaving it scaly and make your scars conspicuous. Vitamin E on the other hand repairs damaged tissues and moisturizes the skin leaving it smooth, glowing and spotless.
Vitamin E is very much recommended when your acne is mild but for those with severe acne scars mostly are those with sensitive skin. If they consider using vitamin E should first seek advice from their dermatologist if it will be safe and effective to use it. Since collagen is responsible for scar formation, vitamin E penetrates deeper to help in the arrangement of the fibers. Hence decreasing the chances of the scar formation or eliminating the one that had already formed
What Is Vitamin C
This powerful antioxidant has a variety of uses in the field of skincare and dermatology. Studies show that topical vitamin C can prevent the issues that come with hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and dark spots. The healing properties of vitamin C promote tissue regeneration. Because of these properties, vitamin C lessens the appearance of skin imperfections and blemishes. L-Ascorbic acid is the chemically active form of the vitamin, with the two terms often used interchangeably.
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Apply It In The Morning
First thing first you must use Vitamin C every morning to see the desired results.
We say every morning because the antioxidants present in it will help protect your sensitive skin from pollution and sunlight. It is best to give the serum a while to be completely absorbed in your skin before you head out.
Here is the skincare routine that we personally find the most effective and harmless:
And thats about it. If you have a hard time remembering the order, keep the thinnest to thickest rule in mind. Start with the products with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest.
How To Use Scar Cream
You can’t use scar creams once in a while and expect to see significant results. To be effective, you must be dedicated to massaging your scar every morning and evening, or as your scar cream instructs. You also need to think long-term to get the best results. For example, silicone gels should be used continuously for at least three months.
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What A Nutritionist Says:
There are a couple of reasons that taking biotin can cause acne, confirms Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, co-founder and formulator of Mija. First, we have to consider if there is an actual biotin deficiency. There is only a small group of people who are biotin deficient, and if you take biotin when youâre not deficient, the bodys equilibrium is disturbed, and chemical processes are altered. Biotin and vitamin B5 are absorbed by the same receptors, and if there is too much biotin, the vitamin B5 wonât be adequately absorbed. Vitamin B5 helps to regulate the skinâs barrier function , so when excessive biotin is introduced, the vitamin B5 cannot be properly metabolized, the environment of your skin barrier is compromised, and youll become more prone to breaking out.
While Koszyk says there is no consensus or recommended daily allowance/upper limit on how much biotin to take, the most common dose is 2.5 milligrams daily of biotin. However, since there is no regulation within the supplement industry, itâs always best to follow protocol and check with a dietitian or health professional to determine whether you need to take a specific supplement and what the best dosage would be.
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Lisa’s Acne Before And After And Journey
Submitted By myjourney3212 Used Banish Starter Kit
“I remember trying so many products trying and trying to find something to help my skin. Spending so much money on products that guaranteed to help my skin. I honestly was just giving up at one point and thought this was just gonna be my skin forever honestly. I came across @banishacnescars and decided Ive give one more shot and that was honestly the best shot that I ever did take. The banish kit is what DID THIS. Literally AT HOME, in my own comfort! Amazing if you ask me.”
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Can Vitamin C Serum Make Your Skin More Sensitive
Yes, it can. Vitamin C serum can make your skin more sensitive and dry if you apply too much or if you use it during the day without sunscreen.
To prevent this, always use sunscreen and reduce the frequency of your vitamin C serum application. If your symptoms do not improve after these adjustments, consult your doctor or dermatologist.
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Given its potency, I limited my use of vitamin C-infused serums to three times a week, and skipped it altogether when using anything with glycolic acid since that would reduce its effectiveness.
Another product that gave me impressive results was Murad’s Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum, which has 2 percent hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is the gold standard of lightening ingredients as it aids in cell turnover, which reduces the appearance of the discoloration over time, says Kwan. “It is much more potent in inhibiting ,” he says. “By inhibiting this pigment formation, dark marks get lighter.”
While hydroquinone is currently banned in Europe due to its skin-lightening properties, dermatologists are OK with it as long as it’s used topically as a hyperpigmentation treatment. That said, tread with caution, as the ingredient may not be best for those with sensitive skin. “You never want irritation from a lightening cream, so discontinue immediately if the area starts getting red,” Elizabeth Tanzi, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C., previously toldAllure.
As soon as my serums sink in, I always reach for my trusted black-girl-friendly Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 to protect against any sun damage.
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Can Vitamin E Cream Remove Scars
Vitamin E is often used as a moisturiser to treat dry skin and minor irritations, such as itchiness and rashes. This has led to some people using it on their scars.
“Vitamin E is often regarded as a good ingredient to apply topically, says Dr Zokaie. “However, studies are inconclusive as to whether or not it actually helps to reduce or treat scars.”
One study6 not only found this ingredient to be ineffective at reducing scar visibility, but also that it can make some scars appear worse or be a trigger for eczema in some people. For this reason, using a vitamin E based scar cream on surgical scar wounds is discouraged.
Other Benefits Of Vitamin C Serums
In addition to promoting the healing of acne scars and other skin wounds, vitamin C serums provide a host of other benefits when incorporated into a daily skincare routine. Read on for ten additional benefits of this wonder drug.
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Paula’s Choice Boost C15 Super Booster 15% Vitamin C
Best for: hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone
This skin booster combines a concentration of vitamin C with vitamin E and ferulic acid to provide a nourishing treatment. You can use this booster as a standalone product or mix it into your preferred moisturizer. The lightweight booster boasts the ideal mix of antioxidants to reduce acne scarring on the surface of the skin.
Does Silicone Cream Work On Scars
Many experts regard silicone as the most effective when it comes to scar cream ingredients. While really deep scars tend to respond better to alternative therapies like laser, dermabrasion, and chemical peels, silicone gels are the best scar cream option for punctures that penetrate several skin layers – such as ice pick scars.
‘Silicone gels can help to reduce scarring by increasing the hydration of the top layer of the dermis – your second layer of skin. Some studies1 have suggested that they can also help to regulate the fibroblast production of collagen, which results in softer, flatter skin,” Dr Zokaie explains.
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How To Get Rid Of Acne Scars For Good
Put down the colour correcting concealer, this is how to get rid of acne scars for real.
Whether youve tackled your acne once and for all, or you’re still going through the long-winded battle, there is one thing thats inevitable: acne scarring. It doesnt matter if youre a picker or leave them well enough alone, theres still a dark mark left behind every spot.
‘One common mistake I have seen acne patients make is to start treating the acne scarring while still suffering with active breakouts. Before even thinking about treating potential acne scarring, all active acne lesions must be completely cleared’, explains Dr Stefanie Williams, dermatologist and medical director of EUDELO Dermatology & Skin Wellbeing.
Weve all been through the trials and tribulations of experimenting with what works to get skin clear and even. A natural reaction may be to reach for a rough scrub to brush the spots away but an abrasive take often leaves skin angry and red – not ideal. Dont even get us started on the toothpaste myth.
How Does Vitamin C Help Your Skin
Vitamin C is an ingredient in many skincare products because of its antioxidant properties. Known for helping to replenish the skin, by promoting two essential elements our skin requires. Elastin and collagen which work to generate new skin.
Our skin needs to be fed and looked after just like the rest of our body. When these proteins are not produced in high enough amounts, the skin suffers.
If there is a lack of vitamin C, the proteins are weakened, and our skin becomes more vulnerable to acne scars. Consequently, existing scars may take longer to heal.
Our Soothing Serum contains Aloe vera is the best choice for your skin to protect it against the damaging effect of free radical while boosting important proteins.
Taking Vitamin C supplements is worth considering too, as it helps boost the immune system. The bacteria in your pores is destroyed as opposed to attacking your healthy skin.
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Topical Formulations Of Vitamin C
Vit. C is available in the market as a variety of creams, serum and transdermal patches. Of these, only the serum contains active Vit. C in an almost colorless form. It is unstable and, on exposure to light, gets oxidized to Dehydro Ascorbic Acid , which imparts a yellow color. The stability of Vit. C is controlled by maintaining a pH of less than 3.5. At this pH, the ionic charge on the molecule is removed and it is transported well across the stratum corneum.
From a clinical point of view, it is important to note that the efficacy of the Vit. C serum is proportional to the concentration, but only up to 20%. The half-life in the skin after achieving maximum concentration is 4 days. A persistent reservoir of Vit. C is important for adequate photoprotection, and can be achieved by regular 8-hourly applications. As UV light lowers tissue Vit. C levels, topical Vit. C is best used after exposure to UV light and not prior. A combination of tyrosine, zinc and Vit. C has been shown to increase the bioavailability of Vit. C 20-times vis-à-vis using just Vit. C.
A variety of creams with Vit. C derivatives are available in the market. As a dermatologist, it is important to know that not all preparations are physiologically effective. Some are not delivered into the dermis in an adequate quantity, while others do not chemically convert to the biologically active form of Vit. C in the skin.