Can You Overuse Vitamin C Serums
Yes, there is a tendency for you to use more vitamin C serum than your skin needs. With serums, less is more. About 3-4 drops of serum are enough to cover your face and neck. When you apply more than this, vitamin C serums may turn against your skin.
Also, when you apply the serum more than twice a day, you could be building up an overuse of vitamin C serum.
Why You Should Wear This Daytime Skin Product At Night
Forget everything you know about vitamin C serum. Well, except for the part where it helps produce collagen, repairs signs of aging, and brightens skin. But the whole must-apply-only-in-the-morning rule? Strike it. There are new rules at play.
“Because vitamin C serum helps protect your skin from free radicals, most dermatologists have recommended applying it in the morning to prevent damage during the day,” says Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. And chances are the back of your bottle does, too. “But given the newest data, which shows that UV damage continues for hours after you’ve left the sun, perhaps we should also be using antioxidants, like vitamin C, in the evening to fight post-sun sun damage,” he says.
And wearing antioxidants at night still helps you fight sun damage the next day. “Your body builds up a storage of antioxidants as you use them,” says Zeichner, “so using vitamin C serum at night will help guarantee your body has enough ready to go in the morning when you need them most.”
No matter when you layer on your vitamin C, make sure to never use it within a few hours of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinol to avoid burning, stinging, and redness.
For more on nighttime skin routines, watch this:
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How To Use Vitamin C And E Serums
As with vitamin C serum, vitamin E serums help to fight skin issues and the use of both serums will help to clear dark spots and brighten up the skin for a natural glow.
Compared to using them separately, the two serums are most effective when combined. Here is how to apply both serums:
- Cleanse the skin first
- Proceed to dry the skin with a clean cloth or towel
- Squeeze out drops of both serums into your palm
- Use your fingertip to mix
- Rub the mix on your skin and massage gently for your skin to absorb it
- Apply moisturizer on your skin now
You can as well just look for a product that contains both serums instead of having to mix the serums yourself. Apply vitamin C and E to enjoy flawless skin.
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Give Your Face The Benefit Of Exfoliation
Our skin is the largest organ of the body. It consists of water, minerals, protein, lipids, and other chemicals. Its there to protect us from infections and just generally keep the insides in and the outside out. With the weight of all those responsibilities, its no wonder our skin cells tap out after a certain amount of time, and hand the job over to the next shift.
We already know that our skin changes as we age, but we may not all be aware that it regenerates itself around every 27 days. That means the older cells wither and die , and fresh cells are exposed, leading to a healthier, more youthful glow. Skin cell regeneration is a naturally occurring process, but sometimes we need to nudge it along to allow the newer cells to make their way to the surface sooner.
Heres where vitamin C comes in to save the day once again. Since vitamin C is acidic, using vitamin C skin care products will help slough off dead skin cells. This exposes fresher cells and enhances the skins ability to regenerate new ones. When you use vitamin c topically it can also accelerate elastin and collagen production, adding to the overall anti-aging benefits for your face.
As you can see, the roles of vitamin C in skin health are varied and very important. If all these benefits dont persuade you to use one or more forms of vitamin C for your skin and face, then Im not sure what will.
Vitamin C Serum Side Effects
Vitamin C serums are best for almost any type of skin, and they can cure many skin issues as well. However, some of you might face some problems. Some of the side effects associated with using this serum include irritation.
Irritation is most common with people who have sensitive skin. If you have dehydrated skin, then you might also feel some irritation if you use this serum. If you are dealing with regular irritations with frequent use of these serums, then stop using it all together.
The second most troubling issue is that vitamin C serum is not helpful for all types of acne because acne also varies according to skin type. Most of the vitamin C serums have Ferulic acid. Large quantities of this acid are not suitable for your skin, and it can negatively impact fine lines as well.
The reason behind this is that Ferulic acid is in the serum to make the serum stay longer on the skin, and it can cause prolonged irritations as well. Therefore you must check the content of Ferulic acid in your serum before buying it.
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Being Opaque Can Be A Good Thing
We always talk about transparency being best, and for our businesses and institutions, were probably right. But on the topic about packaging how to store your Vitamin C serum, opaque is where its at. An opaque bottle helps keep out the light much better than a clear one.
Also, depending on the size of the bottle in which your serum arrived, you may be able to split it into a couple separate containers in order to prolong the life of the product. Keep the unused portion in an opaque bottle in the fridge, for sure.
The one that youre using can be stored in the refrigerator as well, or another cool, dark place thats more accessible. You can also opt to order your serum in smaller containers in the first place, but if you purchased more than you can put on your face in the next several weeks, then its a great idea to divvy it up and save some for later.
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Should I Use Vitamin C In The Morning Or At Night
Many people wonder when the best time is to use their Vitamin C products. While some associate Vitamin C with daytime, others believe nights and evenings are best to use their Vitamin C-infused products. The truth is, Vitamin C can work effectively in the days or evenings. Vitamin C works to brighten, tone and even the complexion, reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation as well as diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful, healthy looking appearance.
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The Formula And Concentration
Unlike other popular ingredients like retinol and niacinamide, Vitamin C serums are not made with the same processes or base. For instance, a product may claim to have Vitamin C in it, but it could be in the form of citric extracts. This is different from L-ascorbic acid, which is actually the potent form of Vitamin C that can target your multiple skin problems. Make sure to pick the right concentration and formula, depending on your skin type and concerns.Our favourite? The Lakmé 9 to 5 Vitamin C+ Facial Serum. Made with Kakadu Plum extracts and Vitamin E, this lightweight, non-greasy serum is your one-way ticket to healthy, glowing skin.
Vitamin C And Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 – a restorative ingredient that works with all skin types. The question of can you mix niacinamide and vitamin C? remains a yes. Much like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C also complement each other when addressing skin concerns. Both target signs of ageing skin, and manage the concern in different ways. When it comes to skin brightening, vitamin C will work on preventing the production of the enzyme tyrosinase which produces pigment in the skin, while niacinamide is said to inhibit the transfer of pigment in the cells. When applying both ingredients separately, you can opt for a vitamin C serum with the Canna-B Pore Minimising Serum Cream SPF 15 which contains niacinamide and cannabis sativa seed oil to target oily and combination skin and enlarged pores. Both will help to refine the appearance of your complexion, while also allowing you to reap the benefits of both ingredients for the ultimate glow.
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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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What Is Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vitamin that is essential for the human body. Its responsible for the process of building healthy tissue, repairing collagen, and maintaining brain function.
Unfortunately, the human body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, so we need a little help via supplements. This is why we grew up hearing eat your fruits and vegetables. Like other vitamins and minerals, we ideally get our daily dose from eating healthy foods.
L-ascorbic acid, or ascorbic acid as its seen in ingredient lists, has been used in health and beauty products for decades. Scientifically, the benefits range from improving the immune system to fighting wrinkles, but theres a reason its used in serums specifically intended for the face.
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Avoid Vitamin C And Retinol At The Same Time
For some women, combining vitamin C with retinol can cause irritation. Using both ingredients at the same time can also prevent proper absorption of vitamin C, so if you use retinol and vitamin C, try using them at different times. Many women will use vitamin C in the day and then apply retinol in the evening.
It Protects Against Sun Damage
Excessive exposure to oxidant stress via pollutants or UV irradiation is associated with depleted vitamin C levels in the skin. Vitamin C levels are also lower in aged or photodamaged skin, though researchers are unsure whether this is a cause or effect.
Sun damage is caused by molecules called free radicals. These are atoms with a missing electron. Free radicals search for other atoms from which they can steal an electron and this can lead to significant damage to the skin.
Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect healthy skin cells by giving these free radicals an electron, rendering them harmless.
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Which Is The Best Vitamin C Face Serum
1 Seoul Ceuticals Brightening Day Serum. Why they love it: With 20 percent vitamin C, this Kbeauty favorite doesnt disappoint. 2 Sunday Riley 15% Brightening Serum with Vitamin C. 3 Facial Serum with Vitamin C from La RochePosay. Why they love it: The combination of vitamin C and salicylic acid makes this non-greasy formula ideal for acne-prone skin.
What Is Vitamin C Serum And Why Is It Essential
Vitamin C serum is a light yet powerful formulation devised with a potent antioxidant, i.e. vitamin C. Serums are known for their superb penetration, non-tacky nature and fast-absorbing properties. They readily absorb in the skin cells and act deeper to give you desired effects. The concentration of vitamin C in the serum is kept to an operational extent and optimized in such a way that it suits almost every skin type.
Vitamin C possess remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, and immunomodulatory properties. Due to these properties, this vitamin induces neocollagenesis and neoelastinogensis, i.e. production of new collagen and elastin in the skin, respectively.
Some scientific researches also govern vitamin C impacts positively upon collagen and elastin synthesis and gene expression.
In healthy skin, the collagen content is optimum collagen is the structural protein present in skin, bones and cartilages. Vitamin C is responsible for the synthesis of collagen and collagen imparts rigidity and strength to the skin. But, due to some factors, this whole regular skin defence system got disturbed.
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Vitamin C And Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant thats naturally found in many areas of the body and is capable of binding one thousand times its weight in water. Can you use hyaluronic acid with vitamin C? The answer is yes. Both have unique anti-ageing properties, and work well to complement each other. While vitamin C is great at protecting and encouraging rejuvenation of the skin, hyaluronic acid will work to hydrate and plump the skin. If youre unsure about when to use vitamin C when layering products, apply vitamin C serum first, followed by hyaluronic acid – this will help to add moisture back into the skin. Alternatively, you could skip these steps and use a product that features both ingredients. The Hyalu-Melon Replumping Serum Cream SPF 15 works to improve dehydrated skin and target fine lines, while providing hydration for up to 24 hours.
What Color Should Your Vitamin C Serum Be
Vitamin C is very unsteady in its most perfect structure, so search for stable equations that are blended in with Vitamin E and ferulic acid to balance it out. This intends that, very much like a sliced apple will brown when presented to air, Vitamin C serums often xidize over the long haul. While purchasing Vitamin C, it should be an extremely light yellowish color . Over the long run it will begin to obscure, changing from yellow to orange to brown, in the end becoming black, says esthetician Melissa Lekus of Melissa Lekus Skincare Consulting.
All things considered, you shouldnt continue to utilize an equation that has oxidized, Wang says. In the event that the serum has become brown, return it and cease any utilization of it. Totally dont utilize in the event that it has become brown.
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How Can I Tell If My Vitamin C Serum Is Still Active Ive Heard It Can Oxidise And Lose Effectiveness Is There A Way I Can Stop It From Doing This
Antioxidants are the bomb-dot-com, but their best property is also their worstthey oxidize.Antioxidants like vitamin C work by binding to free radicalsan oxygenic formso that your skincells dont. So, the problem here is that vitamin C will immediately bind to any oxygen or light that entersits tube or bottle, causing it to diminish in effectiveness pretty quickly.
Our best tip to gage the lifespan and efficacy of your vitamin C serum is to check the PAO symbol on the packaging , and keep an eye out for any darkening or discolouration, a tell-tale sign ofoxidisation. Serums or creams in opaque, dark, amber, and/or airtight bottles, tubes or pumps are yourbest friend, their packaging ensuring the best possible chance of stability, longevity andeffectiveness for this delicate ingredient. Like a good Netflix binge, once the oxidation process hasstarted, there is no way to stop it.
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Everything You Need To Know About Incorporating Vitamin C Into Your Skincare Routine
If youve been part of the MECCA community for a while, youll know that when it comes to serving upskincare truths, we leave no stone unturned. The last time we answered your biggest beauty questions, the demand for straightforward, simplifiedinformation about vitamin Cone of our all-time favourite glow-inducing activeswasreal, so we reached out to our Instagram community once again, in search of the most commonquestions surrounding the hyped-up antioxidant. Our DMs blew upbig timeand now, were givinganswers.
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What Is A Vitamin C Serum Exactly And Whats In It
A vitamin C serum is a skin-care product packed with vitamin C. It has the consistency of a liquid or gel, and is applied topically to the skin. Youll find these serums wherever you normally purchase skin-care products at department stores, beauty stores, and some drug stores, too. On the packaging, youll likely see words touting skin benefits like firming, brightening, and collagen boosting. Tapping into those benefits is the main reason to add a vitamin C serum to your skin-care routine.
The benefit of vitamin C is its an antioxidant, so it helps prevent the forming of free radicals, which go on to break down collagen and elastin, Saedi says. The result, she says, is glowing, youthful skin.
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