Vitamin C Serum For Acne

Beauty Stat Universal C Skin Refiner

Founded by cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, this serum contains vitamin C in its purest form, with a unique patented formula of stable 20% pure vitamin C and stable epigallocatechin gallate, which is a skin-aiding ingredient found in green tea. The two ingredients work well together to prevent signs of aging, alongside squalane for moisture and tartaric acid which helps the skin absorb product more easily. New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss is a fan of the formula too because it is a patented version of stabilized 20% L Ascorbic Acid that does not oxidize, though she recommends approaching it with caution because of the high concentration.

Best For Hyperpigmentation: Cerave Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum

• Contains the purest form of vitamin C

• Includes ceramides to restore your skin barrier

• Some say serum may oxidize shortly after use

CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is an effective yet affordable option for hyperpigmentation. Not only is it packed with 10% L-ascorbic acid, it also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and ceramides to protect your skins natural barrier. Unlike any other serum on this list, it also includes vitamin B5, which can soothe and hydrate as well as potentially fight acne, according to one 2014 study.

Thanks to its tube-shaped packaging, this vitamin C serum allows you to use it more as a spot treatment, in case you don’t want to apply it to your entire face. The manufacturer recommends avoiding the eye area when applying to prevent irritation.

Key Ingredients: 10% L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid | Usage: Apply evenly to face and neck once per day | Scent: None

It Prevents Future Breakouts

Just because your acne and your acne scars are taken care of doesn’t always mean that you’ll never get breakouts again and we’re not promising that either! What we will say, though, is that if you’re scared of major breakouts in the future, you can be assured that vitamin C serum will take care of it. Since it’s slightly acidic, vitamin C manages to kill acne-causing bacteria that may settle in the pores, thus preventing bacteria-induced breakouts.

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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.

A Closer Look At Antioxidants And Skin Health

The beauty world loves antioxidants, and its easy to see why. Each and every day, your skin experiences oxidative stress caused by free radicals, also known as reactive oxygen species .

These free radicals are unstable molecules that form in the skin due to a number of different factors everything from UV rays to pollution to certain cosmetic ingredients can lead to free radical formation.

Once in your skin, these free radicals cause some serious damage. They attack healthy skin cells, destroying everything from collagen and elastin to cell DNA.

As a result, the more free radicals you have in your skin, the more likely you are to experience wrinkles, dark spots, skin cancer, and other forms of skin damage.

The only way to neutralize these reactive oxygen species is with the use of antioxidants. With this in mind, youd be forgiven for thinking that when it comes to the health of your skin, the more antioxidants the better!

However, new research shows that things may not actually be quite so simple

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Vitamin C Serum For Acne Scars

Jake Agneweditorial policyhow we make moneyIn this articleFAQ

As one of nature’s wonder nutrients, vitamin C boasts an abundance of uses in everyday life. In recent years, its benefits as a tool to fight acne scars have become more widely known. Here is everything that you need to know about this naturally occurring antioxidant and how it can help to reduce the scars left behind by acne.

Best Overall: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

• Contains vitamin C-boosting ferulic acid

• Encourages production of collagen for firmer skin

• Some users dislike the texture

We picked this vitamin C serum as our best overall because this antioxidant-rich formula checks off a lot of vitamin C serum boxes: it contains 15% pure vitamin C and 1% vitamin E , which means the Skinceuticals serum can brighten your complexion at the same time as it protects your skin against free radicals .

It also contains 0.5% ferulic acid, an ingredient that Melanie Palm, MD, dermatologist at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California, says increases the absorption of vitamin C by nearly 90 percentso youll know its reallyworking. This serum is a bit pricier than others on our list, but its a bestseller for a reason its suitable for all skin types and can last you a pretty long time, since you only need a few drops per use.

Key Ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, 1% alpha tocopherol, 0.5% ferulic acid | Usage: Apply four to five drops each morning after cleansing and drying face | Scent: Has a scent

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Our Best Overall Pick Is Drunk Elephant C

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When it comes to over-the-counter topicals, theres often a limit to just how much of a difference you can see from products without a prescription. Serums containing vitamin C are the exception, according to board-certified dermatologist, Diane Madfes, MD. “They work to stimulate collagen, lighten dark spots, and protect against sun damage,” Madfes tells Byrdie. “They’re also great for fine lines, melasma, and rosacea.” Vitamin C in serum form is so effective because it attacks free radicals that can damage skin DNA.

Our best overall pick is Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Vitamin C Day Serum, which contains ferulic acid and vitamin E to boost vitamin Cs efficacy and stability, and glides on without a sticky finish. For a more affordable pick, consider CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, a drugstore favorite that contains l-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, plus ceramides and hyaluronic acid to create a silky skin-feel.

Ahead, find the best vitamin C serums to brighten your complexion.

Plantkos Phyto Triple C Serum

According to King, the Plantkos Phyto Triple C Serum contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, as well as three forms of vitamin C: amla, a plant-based form of vitamin C tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil-soluble form of vitamin C and 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid. also contains sunflower seed oil and shea butter to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

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Innbeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer

Innbeautys Slushy is vegan and contains hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol and vitamin C. The texture is super funslushy is a perfect description, says King, who thinks highly of the retinol-alternative. Bakuchiol seems to be activating the genes that regulate collagen and elastin productionthe same ones retinol activates. And it doesnt seem to irritate and redden skin the way retinol often does, so it appears to be a gentler option.

Best Natural: Instanatural Vitamin C Serum

• Ferulic acid and vitamin E boost vitamin Cs efficacy and stability

• Licorice root extract and argan oil brighten and hydrate

• Strong smell

InstaNatural’s wallet-friendly Vitamin C Serum flaunts an all-natural formula with hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn oil, ferulic acid, and plant stem cells. In addition, radiance-boosting licorice root extract, argan oil, and cica deliver collagen boosting properties that help to repair cellular damage.

Benefits: Hydrating, radiance-boosting, reparative, rejuvenating | Skin Type: All | Dosage: Dime-sized amount twice daily | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Yes

Price at time of publish: $18

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Similar Products: Youve Got Options

SkinCeutcals C E Ferulic :I had the opportunity to test one of the most popular picks in the vitamin C serum worldSkinCeuticals C E Ferulicfor Byrdie, and to this day, its my absolute favorite. Its definitely an investment, especially when compared to The Ordinarys budget-friendly price tag, but truly nothing beats this one. This is my secret to good skin, and if I could drink it, I would.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic containsyou guessed itvitamin E and ferulic acid in addition to pure vitamin C. According to the brand, all three ingredients work synergistically to neutralize free radicals and provide potent anti-aging benefits while leaving you with smooth, radiant, and glowing skin. While The Ordinarys C product definitely kept my skin smooth and glowy, in no way does it compare to the results I saw from SkinCeuticals.

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner :More similar to The Ordinarys formula is BeautyStats Universal C Skin Refiner, another serum I reviewed for Byrdie. Like The Ordinary, BeautyStats unique gel-cream serum is innovative in how it delivers pure L-ascorbic acid to the skin: It uses a patented encapsulation system, where each particle is protected against oxidation until it hits the skin. Its also formulated with EGCG, squalane, and tartaric acid meant to help protect against aging, hydrate, and even out skin texture and tone.

Lets Talk Does Vitamin C Help Acne

First up, lets explain what Vitamin C is and how you should use it.

Vitamin C, or L-Ascorbic acid as it is known in its most common form, has multiple benefits for the skin. It has antioxidant properties, helps to boost collagen and cell turnover, improves hydration and the overall brightness of your skins appearance.

Vitamin C serums are best used in the morning after cleansing and before moisturiser and SPF for an extra glow and added protection from sun damage .

But, is Vitamin C good for acne? Vitamin C can help protect the skin from further free radical damage, help its regenerative process and contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Plus, a Vitamin C serum for face acne scars can work a treat, as it’s one of the best ingredients for fading dark spots and pigmentation.

So, what are the cons to using Vitamin C for acne? Well, overusing high levels of L-Ascorbic acid can cause skin purging, which can become particularly irritating if you have a fragile barrier. Many people have this experience and decide the ingredient is just not for them.

In this case its really important to use a formula designed to be compatible with oily or sensitive skin, and use it as directed. If you do experience irritation, cut down regularity of use.

Now that you know what Vitamin C does for acne, keep reading to find the best Vitamin C serums for acne that range from luxe to less.

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Does Vitamin C Serum Help With Acne Scars Does It Really Work

Does vitamin C serum help with acne scars?

Weve all been there at least once in our lives, weve had a severe breakout that left us with acne scars. Sometimes the spots fade away, but other times they can leave us with dark spots or pimple marks that are hard to get rid of.

Thats where vitamin C serum comes in. This skincare product can help to even out complexion, brighten skin and help reduce the appearance of acne scars.

This article will help you know whether or not vitamin C serum can help you get rid of your acne scars. Keep reading.

Potential Side Effects Of Vitamin C Serum

Most vitamin C serums are relatively safe to use. Irritation is unlikely. But itâs always ideal to do a patch test before a full application. This will show how your skin is likely to react to the serum.

If you have sensitive skin, itâs best to avoid products with L-ascorbic acid. The product can cause redness and make your skin dry out. Instead, go for those with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Theyâre less likely to irritate your skin. Besides that, your best bet would be to consult with a certified dermatologist.

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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.

So Can Vitamin C Cause Acne Breakouts

When you consider the fact that a concentrated vitamin C product can leave your skin more susceptible to bacteria and inflammation, its easy to see why vitamin C serums are being blamed for making acne worse.

Acne vulgaris is caused by both bacteria and inflammation, and if using a vitamin C serum leads to this, then yes, its definitely possible for the ingredient to trigger breakouts. However, it isnt the cause it has simply weakened your skins microbiome, allowing acne-causing bacteria to invade.

Its also worth noting that vitamin C can lead to skin purging. This happens with any ingredient that stimulates cell turnover it simply brings all of those low-lying pimples to the surface of the skin, which increases breakouts.

However, all of this doesnt mean that those with oily skin should avoid vitamin C altogether. When used correctly, the ingredient can actually help to reduce breakouts and prevent/fade acne scars.

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Skinceuticals Ce Ferulic Acid Serum

One of the best things about this serum is that it is long-lasting since it is effective for up to 72 hours. It contains 15% pure Vitamin C, which is combined with other skin-loving ingredients, which include ferulic acid and Vitamin E. It will neutralize the free radicals present on the skin to avoid the damages they can cause.

Does Vitamin C Serum Help With Wrinkles

Yes, it does. When you apply it topically, vitamin C serum can make your skin appear years younger by reducing fine lines and wrinkles and evening out pigmentation.

Vitamin C serum is a vital part of the skins defenses against free radicals and ultraviolet radiation. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to aging, while ultraviolet radiation can cause burns, DNA damage, and skin cancer.

Besides protecting skin from free radicals and sun damage, vitamin C serum can also help fade hyperpigmentation caused by acne scarring and other factors.

This type of serum also encourages collagen production, which helps fill out the skin and makes it appear more youthful.

If you want to reduce aging signs on your skin, you can pair vitamin C serum with other products, such as retinol and hyaluronic acid.

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Is Vitamin C Good For Oily Skin

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that oily acne-prone skin can benefit from majorly. It helps treat inflammation associated with acne, treats damaged skin and brightens skin while improving skin texture and health. … Vitamin C serums are your best bet if you have oily skin, you can’t go wrong with them.

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.

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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.

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Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Best for: hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone

This innovative serum relies on vitamin C, konjac root, hyaluronic acid, and ferulic acid to deliver visible results. The unique combination of ingredients reduces skin discolorations and scarring left behind by acne. The stabilized form of vitamin C ensures that oxidation does not occur in the product. This product is all natural, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Why Do I Need Vitamin C Serum

There are many reasons why you might want to use a vitamin C serum. Here are just a few of the benefits that vitamin C serums can offer:

• Brighten skin tone Vitamin C is a natural lightening agent that can help to brighten the complexion.
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Even out skin tone Vitamin C helps to even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation.
• Boost collagen production Collagen is responsible for keeping skin looking young and elastic. vitamin C boosts collagen production, which leads to firmer, smoother skin.

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