Vitamin C Serum For Dry Skin

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.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, while also helping to boost collagen production. Vitamin C serum can help to brighten the skin, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C serum is generally considered safe for most people. However, some people may experience skin irritation, redness, or dryness. If you experience any of these side effects, stop using the serum and consult your doctor.

What Can Serums Do For Dry Skin

The benefits go more than skin deep, so to speak. Any dermatologist will tell you that hydration is the foundation of a youthful and healthy complexion. Your skin is 64 percent water after all.

Dr. Malini Fowler, a board certified dermatologist in San Antonio, Texas, says serums are great for delivering nutrients to the skin.

According to Fowler, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are commonly found in serums and work great as an addition to your moisturizer. Serums often have a specific target result: brightening, hydrating, or delivering nutrients like bakuchiol, AHAs, hyaluronic acids, and tranexamic acid, she says.

Keeping your skin well hydrated reduces the appearance of wrinkles and increases softness.

Your skin is also your bodys line of defense against all kinds of environmental aggressors, like pollution and UV rays, and it cant protect you if its parched. Seriously dry skin thats prone to cracking and blistering is also more susceptible to infections.

Also Check: Is Vitamin C Good For Kids

It Reduces The Appearance Of Under

Vitamin C serums can help smooth out fine lines by plumping and hydrating the under-eye area.

Although vitamin C is more effective at reducing overall redness, some people say it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under-eye circles.

According to a small 2019 study on three treatments for dark circles, vitamin C mesotherapy resulted in a significant improvement in the pigmentation of under-eye circles. However, some participants also reported a burning feeling.

Some other ways to help get rid of under-eye bags include using a cold compress and adding retinol to your skin care routine.

The skin under your eyes is thin and sensitive, so its best to stick to products specifically designed for the under-eye area.

What Is Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an important part of daily function. In your body, Vitamin C helps to build bones and blood vessels. In your skin, Vitamin C contributes to collagen production and protects against free radicals.

While you can get your daily recommended amount of Vitamin C from supplements and foods such as citrus, broccoli, strawberries, and bell peppers, the only way to ensure that Vitamin C goes straight to your skin is to apply it topically.

We recommend making Vitamin C a part of your daily routine because this nutrient is water-soluble, meaning it dissolves in water. Once your body has used up all of the Vitamin C it needs for the day, itll flush out any excess Vitamin C. This means that you essentially start over every single day.

Also Check: What Is Vitamin Zinc For

Is It Safe To Use Vitamin C With Retinol

In the past, it was thought that you should avoid using vitamin C products with retinoidsvitamin A derivatives that encourage skin cell turnoverat all costs. And thats still sort of true. While theyre both powerful, science-backed skin-care ingredients, they work best in different skin environments, so using them at the same time may make both less effective. And because they both promote cell turnover, experts do still advise against using these two ingredients together, Dr. Hogan says.

But its generally okay to use them on the same day at different times. Experts typically recommend using vitamin C products in the morning and retinoids at night. This route often ends up working out best since retinol products can increase the skins sensitivity to UV rays, which is why its better to save them for p.m. use.

How Do You Use Vitamin C Serum In Your Skin

The right moment to use vitamin C in your skin-care routine depends on what kind of product it is, Dr. Hogan explains. Serums are the most popular pick, but you can also get vitamin C in cleansers, moisturizers, masks, and even sunscreens, Dr. Hogan says. Of course, a product that stays on your skin for hours is going to work longer and harder, but the type of vitamin C used in the formulation matters too.

The effectiveness will vary depending on which form of vitamin C is used, as well as the concentration and the other ingredients in the product, Dr. Chiu says. As we mentioned, youll want to look for a research-backed form of vitamin C like L-ascorbic acid on the ingredient list, somewhere between 5% to 20% , and bonus points if its paired with other antioxidants like vitamin E or ferulic acid.

However, if you want the most potent effects, youll want to reach for a serum, as the topical skin-care benefits of vitamin C have been studied most extensively in this type of formulation. Not sure how to add it to your routine? Heres the best way to apply a vitamin C serum:

Don’t Miss: What Hair Vitamins Actually Work

How Often Should People Use Vitamin C Serum

A person can use a vitamin C serum every day, after cleansing and before moisturizing their skin. However, some companies also suggest using the product once every other day.

The AAD states that individuals should avoid trying a new product every week to treat acne. It may take some time until they see improvements, so they may have to use a product for 6-8 weeks.

How Should A Person Use Vitamin C

People should test a few drops of a new vitamin C serum on their inner arm for a few days to see if the serum causes any irritation.

Vitamin C serum is concentrated, which means a few drops or one pump from the container is usually enough to cover the whole face and neck. People should use caution when applying vitamin C around the eyes.

A facial serum is not a moisturizer. Serum should be applied after cleansing and allowed to dry completely. After it has dried, apply moisturizer.

Recommended Reading: How To Sell Vitamins Online

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 And Skin Health

Also called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is essential vitamin for numerous body functions. Its required to form cartilage, collagen in bones, blood vessels, and muscle. What else? It plays a key role for supporting the body healing process. Furthermore, it is an important antioxidant to protect the body from free radicals. And it helps the body absorb and store minerals .

Since the body is not able to make vitamin C, you need to continuously get it from diet. Spinach, Brussels sprouts, peppers, broccoli, cabbage, sweet potatoes, berries, and citrus fruits are healthy foods high in vitamin C. It is also available as capsules or chewable tablets . People with certain conditions may need these oral supplements, though supplements might not provide the same health benefits as naturally occurring antioxidants /nutrients in food.

How about its effect on skin health? Are there any scientific evidences to prove the benefit on the skin? Numerous studies have confirmed that topical skin care with vitamin C may help improve various skin problems, such as rough skin, fine wrinkles, sallowness, and laxity. It is a good way to improve overall skin texture. The same goes for vitamin C serum, though it doesnt work for everyone!

Donât Miss: Which Vitamin Is Good For Face

Recommended Reading: What Is The Vitamin Zinc

Are All Vitamin C Serums Created Equal

No, not all vitamin C serums are on the same level of efficacy. This is because vitamin C is labeled as an unstable ingredient, with serums containing L-ascorbic acid being the most active form of the vitamin.

L ascorbic acid is the water-soluble form , Dr. Patel explains. Its most easily absorbed by the skin, unstable in sunlight and air and is tricky in formulation this results in the different qualities of vitamin C serums.

Dr. Patel adds that esterified vitamin C is much more stable in air and sunlight and not as irritating, but not as strong as L ascorbic acid. That said, the difference in serum qualities depends on concentration, formulation and packaging, according to Dr. Patel.

The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum

Maelove Vitamin C Serum for Brightening and Anti-Aging

Maelove The Glow Maker Antioxidant Serum

This lightweight and oil-free vitamin C serum from Maelove combines vitamin C with other powerful ingredients to fight signs of aging, brighten, and hydrate the skin.

This affordable vitamin C serum contains a 15% concentration of l-ascorbic acid , which works to minimize signs of aging, promote a more even skin tone, and brighten the complexion. It also contains vitamin E and ferulic acid, two antioxidant-rich ingredients that have been proven to increase the efficacy of vitamin C. The Glow Maker also features hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate the skin.

• Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

• Some reviewers complain that the serum oxidizes easily

This lightweight serum contains a botanical blend that helps soothe and nourish the skin. It includes aloe, magnolia, and vitis vinifera.

Water , Ascorbic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ferulic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Callus Culture Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol

You May Like: Where Can I Buy Vitamin B3

Vitamin C Treatment Regimen

For the best outcome, use vitamin C serum daily. And because a primary benefit of using vitamin C is it helps protect skin by shielding it from pollution, radicals, and ultraviolet light, you want to use it in the morning rather than the evening.

After applying vitamin C, give your face 90 seconds to absorb and follow with a moisturizer. The moisturizer seals the benefits of your serum and boosts your skins protective lipid barrier.

To get the most out of a vitamin C serum:

• Apply it and also sunscreen to bolster protection as SPF absorbs UVA and UVB rays. Teaming up vitamin C serum with sunscreen can also reduce signs of premature aging.
• Use it after cleansing and toning, then apply moisturizer and SPF.
• Vitamin C serum works best on exfoliated skin. Otherwise, when you dont exfoliate, and theres a build-up of dead skin cells, it makes it difficult for the product to penetrate. However, especially chemical exfoliates can irritate your skin, therefore avoid using them at the same time. Instead, apply one in the morning and the other at night.

Keep an eye on the products ingredients list and percentages to get an idea of its effect on your skin, more so after exposure to sunlight. We understand these lists can sometimes seem like a foreign language, so if youre unsure how strong a percentage is, contact the company.

How We Tested Vitamin C Serums

Ive been testing 26 vitamin C serums for months on my dry to sensitive skin. Though and confirmed by Dr. Patel using a vitamin C-infused moisturizer is a less irritating formulation than a serum, I found 18 of the best serums that didnt irritate my skin, highlighted pros and cons to help guide your decision and a list of some serums we tested that didnt make the cut.

That said, my skin has never been brighter.

Aside from switching off from one vitamin C serum to the next, I didnt use any new cleansers, moisturizers or face masks. Ive used my two favorite products, as of late, with each test: Alpyn Beautys Creamy Bubbling Cleanser with Fruit Enzymes and AHAs and the brands PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer.

Here are some helpful things to note before reading our tried-and-true favorites:

Everyone has different skin types: As highlighted by Dr. Patel above, skincare ingredients depend on the skin type itself. This review is based on my skin though, using Dr. Patels expertise as a compass, we grouped some of our favorites into other skin types.

You dont have to splurge to confer benefits: The best vitamin C serum isnt necessarily the most expensive, per Dr. Patel. A lot of times the extra cost of a skincare product has to do with exorbitant or fancy packaging, with packaging not being a good indicator of the quality of product inside.

Here are our 18 favorite vitamin C serums we tested

Read Also: How Important Is Vitamin D To Your Body

Not All Vitamin C Serums Are Created Equal

Whether youve been looking to simplify your skin care routine or amp it up, a vitamin C serum might be your golden ticket. Topical vitamin C is a multipurpose workhorse that can protect, repair, and enhance your skin.

But, as with any products, not all serums are created equal. Components like the type and concentration of vitamin C, the ingredient list, and even the kind of bottle or dispenser make or break your serums benefits and your skin.

But dont worry, decoding which serum to buy isnt that hard. Weve got the facts on C serum benefits, how to choose one , and tips on how to make the most use of them.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it halts or holds off environmental and sun damage to cells. And while you can count your morning OJ as a good defense for your bod, the best way to achieve vitamin Cs protection and benefits is to apply it directly onto your skin.

But theres also a reason why you dont want to just be placing citrus slices on your cheeks. When you DIY, theres no control over the quality and sometimes its not even safe. Its also just not efficient.

Thats because when we eat, drink, or supplement vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, our skin only gets a of the benefits. However, pressing vitamin C in serum form, after its been chemically altered, actually lets our skin absorb more of it in an efficient way.

It Generally Helps Boost Wound Healing

Given its effects on sunburn, it should be no surprise that topical vitamin C application can speed up overall wound healing. Healthy wound healing reduces your risk of inflammation, infection, and scarring.

In fact, having a deficiency in this key vitamin can make wounds take longer to heal.

A found that taking vitamin C supplements had a positive effect on skin healing and growth by boosting antioxidant levels in the body and the skin.

This is partly because wound healing is associated with collagen formation, and vitamin C boosts collagen production.

Although topical vitamin C is generally well tolerated, all skin products have the potential to cause side effects.

You should always do a patch test to assess your risk of allergic reaction. Heres how:

When its time for a full application, follow the instructions on the products label.

Its possible to have a skin reaction after repeat exposure, so its best to introduce new products one at a time, spaced out by a few weeks.

Vitamin C serum is typically applied once or twice per day. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturize. Be sure to apply skin care products with clean hands.

Read Also: Where To Buy 21st Century Vitamins