Creating An Even Skin Tone
Some people apply topical vitamin C to treat hyperpigmentation. These are areas of skin that appear darker than the surrounding area. Sun exposure or hormonal changes linked with aging usually cause these darker areas.
Researchers theorize that vitamin C may help reduce melanin production, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Melanin is a pigment responsible for the darker appearance of hyperpigmented areas. By reducing its production, a person may help reduce the appearance of darker areas.
Manufacturers face some challenges when creating topical vitamin C applications because vitamin C can break down in the presence of factors such as air, heat, and light.
Some preparations contain ascorbic acid, which is the natural form of vitamin C. The skin absorbs ascorbic acid well, but it does not always work well when mixed with certain solutions. Ascorbyl palmitate has more stability when mixed with other solutions, but the skin absorbs it less effectively.
Skin care manufacturers package vitamin C into serums because it allows them to deliver higher vitamin C concentrations that the skin absorbs quickly.
Manufacturers traditionally formulate serums as water- or oil-based products that the skin can quickly absorb. Some manufacturers will encapsulate vitamin C so that it does not become exposed to the air until a person rubs it on their skin. This minimizes the time the vitamin C has to break down.
Begin Your New Skincare Routine Today
If you look in the mirror and see skin concerns youd like to address on your face, pimple, wrinkle, pigment, or just need a little skin TLC, then we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our skin health experts at The Skin Center By CPS. Everyones skin is a bit different and will respond differently to varying products. We all have those drawers full of products that promised much and delivered little? It can quickly become expensive to constantly test out different products to find just the right one. Instead, let our professional skin health staff at The Skin Center By CPS help guide you.
We will work with you in determining the kind of skin you have and what products you will likely respond best to, including a vitamin C serum . If youre ready to begin seeing improvement, give The Skin Center By CPS a call today.
Potential Side Effects And Risks Of Vitamin C Serums
Vitamin C is a safe and generally well-tolerated ingredient. The only risk is some of these serums have so many different ingredients in them, Saedi says, adding that these extra ingredients may result in an allergic reaction for some.
Most of the studies mentioned above reported that study subjects had no irritation or negative reactions. The only exception is those with sensitive skin. The 2015 study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that 6 percent of study participants experienced itchiness, which the researchers said was likely due to the acidity of vitamin C. Schlessinger says people with very sensitive skin should consult with a dermatologist before use since potent forms of vitamin C can sometimes irritate sensitive skin.
According to the Indian Dermatology Online Journal study, a vitamin C serum may result in yellowing of the skin or clothes, stinging, or dryness, though those effects are rare. The researchers advise people take caution when applying around the eyes.
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First Off What Is Vitamin C
As far as your skin is concerned, vitamin C is “a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals,” explains board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, M.D. “Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in your skin’s natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells.”
So, in the same way that consuming antioxidant-rich foods aids your body in fighting off free radicals, topical antioxidants do the same for your skin by helping to offset daily aggressors like UV damage and exposure to air pollution. Quick refresher course on antioxidants: They prevent or reduce damage to our cells by neutralizing the production of highly reactive molecules called free radicals. In other words, antioxidants help keep our body and our skin cells healthy.
This free-radical-fighting power isn’t just important for helping to keep signs of premature aging at bay. In neutralizing these free radicals, vitamin C may also help protect skin from precancerous changes caused by UV exposure, Joshua Zeichner, M.D., the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told Allure.
Is Vitamin C Serum Good For Acne
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that promotes the formation of collagen and elastin, both of which help create more resilient skin. It also helps to strengthen the skin barrier which protects skin from acne-causing bacteria.
For those with acne-prone skin, consistent use of vitamin C serum can work to reduce inflammations and scars associated with acne, Dr. Shari Machbein, a New-York based dermatologist, explains.
While its not recommended as a standalone treatment for acne, it does work incredibly well when paired with acne-fighting serums like niacinamide and retinol.
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How To Use A Vitamin C Serum And Reap Its Benefits
Saedi says to apply a few drops of serum to your face after you wash and dry it. A little bit goes a really long way, she says. She recommends putting it on every morning, all year round. It has some benefits with sun exposure so it helps to apply in the morning as the first layer of protection, she says. She says to then layer on your moisturizer and sunscreen. Serums are better than adding drops of vitamin C boosters to your moisturizer, Saedi says. They may not be as potent as serums themselves and mixing them with moisturizer may dilute the effects.
Store your bottle in a cool, dark place away from extreme heat, such as a bathroom cabinet as opposed to on your counter. Storing a vitamin C serum correctly is integral to its success, Schlessinger says. A good rule of thumb is to toss the serum six months after its been opened and to keep the serum in a cool, dark place. If youre using it according to the instructions, itll likely be gone before the six months is up. If not, youll want to throw it out. When vitamin C is used past its shelf life, it can actually have negative effects, Schlessinger says. More on that next.
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The Power Of Vitamin C
Before digging deeper into the serum itself, it is important to know what all the vitamin does in general. It is an essential vitamin that is found in a number of foods and plants. It is also a key ingredient in repairing damaged tissue and the production of new cells. This is why it is so helpful in boosting your immune system. It helps give you that needed boost in immune cells and increase their ability to fight off cold and flu germs. It also helps repair muscle tissue after a workout and provides reinforcement to other areas of your body.
Because vitamin C is typically consumed, most research was initially focused on studying the vitamin within the body, not outside. So while the vitamin can help repair certain cells, including skin cells, from the inside, a topical solution will help ensure it is absorbed by the specific area. Its similar to caffeine. Caffeine can help improve your complexion, reduce dark circles around your eyes, and tighten up the skin, but youre not going to see this kind of result by drinking a cup of coffee. The amount of coffee youd need to drink for the caffeine to actually improve your skin would likely kill you . So, instead, caffeine is used as an ingredient in a number of beauty products.
And this is where a vitamin C serum comes in. To fully take advantage of vitamin Cs power and make sure your skin receives all the benefits, the vitamin is concentrated down into a topical serum for applying directly to your skin.
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Helps With Collagen Production
Another way to use vitamin C serum is to use it on your face. It helps you to keep your skin looking youthful and radiant. The serum is acidic, which can irritate your skin. Apply it thinly to your face to prevent irritation and maximize its benefits. You can also use it in conjunction with your hyaluronic acid serum to get a glowing complexion. But be careful: some vitamin C serums are too acidic to be effective on all skin types. You can only apply them on certain areas of your body.
Vitamin C serum is expensive, with one ounce containing about eight milligrams of the ingredient. Depending on the brand, it can cost anywhere from $10 to $250. It is important to note that the concentration of vitamin C in a serum should be higher than eight percent, which is the minimum amount that is biologically significant. After this point, the benefits of vitamin C will start to decrease. However, if you want to see a significant improvement in your skin, you should use the product that contains the most vitamin C.
How To Add Vitamin C Serum To Your Routine
As much as we love vitamin C serums, they aren’t enough to complete your routine. After cleansing and applying our vitamin C serum, you’ll want to moisturize. In the morning, consider using one of the following facial moisturizers:
LOréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30: The majority of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging from wrinkles to dark spots are caused by exposure to the suns UV rays. Using a daily moisturizer with SPF can help reduce signs of skin aging and help to protect skin from further UV-induced damage when used as directed with other sun protection measures. This lotion, also formulated with Pro-Retinol and hyaluronic acid, can help aid in transforming the look of aging skin for a more radiant complexion.
LOréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer with SPF 30: Formulated with niacinamide and collagen peptides for brightening and firming, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect against UVA and UVB rays. The paraben-free, mineral oil-free formula absorbs quickly without a greasy feel, for a smoother, more contoured-looking complexion.
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Brightens Up The Complexion
The most common benefit of using Vitamin C serum is a brightening effect. It fights UV rays and environmental pollution, damaging the skin and making it look tired and dull. Vitamin C serum acts as a brightening agent that helps improve the appearance of the skin and offers a brighter-looking complexion. Especially the concentrated serums can instantly brighten up the skin tone and offer a natural glow making the skin look and feel fresh.
Vitamin C serum can offer great benefits for every skin type. However, it is essential to stay consistent with the usage and as the Vitamin C serum can actually be helpful for the skin.
Skinceuticals Phloretin Cf Serum
Campbell called SkinCeuticals “the gold standard” of topical vitamin C serums. She recommended the Phloretin CF serum for those with oily skin while the C E Ferulic serum is the “best option for all skin types,” especially those with dry and combination skin. She noted both serums are “effective” antioxidant treatments that “help prevent and treat oxidative stress. Phloretin CF serum received a 4.8-star average rating from more than 540 reviews on Dermstore.
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Can You Eat A Few Oranges And Get The Same Benefits As A Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C actually is the super ingredient it claims to be, though you might need skip the juice section and instead head to the beauty department to score its benefits. While ingesting Vitamin C is a great way to get your daily dose, applying Vitamin C topically through a skincare regimen allows the powerful antioxidant to perform its skin-brightening, hyperpigmentation-correcting and skin tone-evening benefits, says Sarah Lee, cofounder of Glow Recipe. Vitamin Cs anti-aging, damage-repairing and UV-protecting powers make it a Holy Grail ingredient, but it takes time and consistent application to see the best results.
Who Shouldn’t Use Vitamin C Products
Vitamin C has only been studied in adults and is not recommended for children. Always read the ingredient list before purchasing a vitamin C product. If you have sensitivity or a known allergy to any of the ingredients, consider a patch test or consult your doctor before use. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, consider using a formulation that also fights oils, or contains ingredients like salicylic acid that fight breakouts.
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Do Dermatologists Recommend Any Particular Vitamin C Serum
After you’ve cleansed your face and toned it, apply vitamin C serum. It can protect your skin from pollution, UV rays, and other stressors in the environment. You should apply the serum at least fifteen minutes before you head out into the sun. Light will interfere with the serum’s absorption. After you’ve cleansed your skin, follow it with a moisturizer. You should also apply a hydrating cream to ensure that it doesn’t clog your pores.
If you have sensitive skin, it’s important to remember that not all vitamin C products are the same. Some can be irritating or finicky to use. Read the product label carefully to find the right one. You should apply it every day in the morning, before your moisturizer. You should also store your vitamin C serum in a dark, cool place. It’s best to keep it in an airtight bottle.
What Color Should Your Vitamin C Serum Be
Vitamin C is quite unstable in its purest form, so look for stable formulas that are mixed with Vitamin E and ferulic acid to balance it out. This means that, just like a sliced apple will brown when exposed to air, Vitamin C serums often xidize over time. When purchasing Vitamin C, it should be a very light yellowish color . Over time it will start to darken, adjusting from yellow to orange to brown, eventually becoming black, says esthetician Melissa Lekus of Melissa Lekus Skincare Consulting.
That said, you shouldnt keep using a formula that has oxidized, Wang says. If the serum has turned brown, return it and cease any use of it. Absolutely do not use if it has turned brown.
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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 2009 study , vitamin C in the form of 10 percent sodium ascorbate was found to improve dark circles of the lower eyelid after 6 months of use by thickening the eyelid dermis and concealing dark coloration due to congested blood.
Some other ways to help get rid of under-eye bags include using a cold compress and adding retinol to your skin care routine.
How Should You Use Vitamin C
A serum is the favored shape of nutrition C. They commonly incorporate the right transport machine, and are designed for use before the application of a moisturizer.
While Vitamin C might be used along the morning or evening routine, maximum favour to follow it in the course of a day on account that its antioxidant hormones act as a defend mechanism to deflect pollutants and different environmental aggressors. While you have to use it in your routine, Corinthian demonstrates a three-step machine of cleansing, treating, and moisturizing. That 2nd step could be the nutrition C application, along applying moisturizer, except youve got oilier and greasier pores and skin and like to use a serum solely.
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How Does Vitamin C Serum Help With Acne
Acne is a skin condition characterized by inflamed and blocked pores. They lead to swelling, redness, and sometimes pustules or bumps with pus in them. Acne can also leave your skin with post-inflammatory scars, which damages the skin.
No research ties dietary vitamin C with reduced acne levels but it may help with general skin health. However, there is limited research to suggest that the application of vitamin C on the skin can improve this condition.
May reduce inflammation caused by acne. Some of the risk factors for acne are genetics, age, and hormones. In some other situations, skin bacterium may trigger the condition.
Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. The results are more pronounced when you use the vitamin topically. It, therefore, helps improve the appearance of acne wounds.
It may help reduce hyperpigmentation. Acne causes your skin to develop darkened spots around the affected area. This is called hyperpigmentation. Other causes are UV rays and skin injuries. Vitamin C is known to reduce hyperpigmentation by reducing the effects of the tyrosine enzyme. The enzyme is responsible for the production of melanin that gives your skin its color.
Vitamin C also functions as a brightening agent. It has properties that reduce dark spots without changing your skin color. Combining vitamin C serums with other brightening agents like iontophoresis can significantly enhance the results.
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Benefits Of A Vitamin C Serum
When we said there were a lot of benefits to vitamin C, we werent kidding! Here are just a few of the benefits a vitamin C serum offers:
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