How To Use Vitamin C Serum Correctly
- Cleanse your face thoroughly with warm water and apply a toner.
- Using clean fingers, apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck. Because vitamin C serum is so concentrated, you only need 2-3 drops at a time.
- Allow the serum to penetrate your skin for about 10 minutes before applying your favorite moisturizer. This will give the serum a chance to penetrate deeply into your skin without having to compete for absorption with other products.
- Follow up with sunscreen. This is extremely important because the sun can damage your skin and cause premature aging. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside so that it has time to soak into your skin.
If you notice any irritation on your face, stop using vitamin C serum immediately and consult with a dermatologist to determine why you are having an adverse
When And How Should You Use Vitamin C
Some active ingredients, like retinol, are recommended to be used at night due to their photosensitivity, but vitamin C products can be used both day and night. Vitamin Cs neutralizing effect on pesky free radicals makes it the perfect skincare ingredient to add to your daytime routine. If you have acne-prone skin, vitamin C works wonders on acne scarring and pigmentation. Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Ampoule Serum is a 10-day treatment containing 10% pure vitamin C that targets marks and sunspots. The super-vitamin also has anti-aging properties. Enter Vichy LiftActiv Collagen Specialist Advanced Anti-Aging face moisturizer. This hydrating combination of vitamin C, phyto peptides and Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water softens wrinkles, firms skin and targets skin discoloration while brightening the complexion. Simply apply any of these forms of vitamin C products all over your face in the morning under your daily sunscreen.
You May Like: Do Lipotropic Vitamin B12 Injections Work
How Often Should I Use Why
Well, as a matter of fact, there is no problem using vitamin C daily, but Id recommend using it in the morning.
There is no law against using the serum in the evening, but youll benefit the most during the day, as you are more likely to be exposed to UV radiation.
That said, vitamin C is rendered useless if it comes into contact with direct sunlight thus, you should wait till it gets completely absorbed into your skin before you head out.
There is no specific time limit as long as the serum gets absorbed, you are good to go.
Most of the dermatologists and skincare experts Ive talked with recommend adding the serum to your daily routine.
I would recommend using three to four drops over the face in the morning daily.
However, for those who have sensitive skin, Id say that you should start adding a low concentration serum to your skincare routine gradually once your skin is tolerant for a drop between days.
That said, if you feel more irritation and rashes, stop using it immediately.
For those who dont have any history with allergy or sensitive skin, you can apply vitamin C serum in both morning and evening.
Yeah, I know this is controversial to what I said above , but this only applies to those who have no allergic reactions or problems.
One research even recommends applying the serum every eight hours to get the pinnacle of protection, but thats a story for another day.
Recommended Reading: Where To Buy Naturelo Vitamins
How Much Vitamin C Should You Use
The concentration of vitamin C in an ideal face serum should be at least 15%. It should also contain a good amount of Ferulic Acid. The combination helps to increase the production of collagen and elastin, which improves skin firmness, smoothness, and elasticity.
In one study, vitamin C serum was applied twice daily for four weeks to 20 healthy women with dry skin type I-II. The results clearly show that L-Ascorbic Acid helps to maintain healthy skin barrier function, which in turn improves your skin moisture levels.
ALSO READ
The concentration of vitamin C in an ideal face serum should be at least 15%. It should also contain a good amount of Ferulic Acid.
How Do You Know You Need A Topical Vitamin C Product
Vitamin Cs potent antioxidant properties are what make so many of its benefits possible. If you struggle with any number of skin conditions or simply want to better protect your skin from damaging UV rays, pollution, smoking or stress, antioxidant vitamin C cream may be the right product for you.
Vitamin C cream has been shown to:
- Inhibit the production of melanin, helping to reduce the effects of hyperpigmentation or dark spots on the skin.
- Stimulate collagen growth, smoothing out the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin for an overall brighter, more youthful appearance.
- Protect skin from the free radicals that cause sun damage, and provide a visible improvement in photodamaged facial skin.
- Improve inflammatory dermatoses which often presents as redness or swelling, producing a brighter, more even complexion.
- Speed up cell turnover to facilitate wound healing.
- Hydrate skin by reducing water loss while allowing your skin to better retain moisture.
Read Also: What Does Vitamin B3 Do For You
Things You Need To Know Before Using Vitamin C For Your Skin
Between brightening dark spots and helping to protect against UV damage, theres a lot vitamin C can do for your skin. But the type of vitamin C serum you select, as well as how you use and store it, can significantly affect how much you actually get out of it.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that brightens dark spots, smooths fine lines, and, importantly, scavenges free radicals from the environment, pollution, and UV radiation, Sara Hogan, M.D., dermatologist at UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, tells SELF. Over time, those free radicals can damage the skin, leading to premature signs of aging, and increase your risk for skin cancer. So protecting against UV damage with an antioxidantand, of course, daily SPFis important.
However, not all vitamin C products are created equaland they can be irritating and finicky to use in some cases, Angela Lamb, M.D., director of Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice, tells SELF. Its important to read the label on the product and know what youre really getting , especially if you have sensitive skin.
So, before you start going down the path of finding a vitamin C product for your face, peep these expert tips to get the most out of your vitamin C serum.
Vit C And Collagen Synthesis
Vit. C is essential for collagen biosynthesis. It has been proposed that Vit. C influences quantitative collagen synthesis in addition to stimulating qualitative changes in the collagen molecule. Vit. C serves as a co-factor for the enzymes prolysyl and lysyl hydroxylase, the enzymes that are responsible for stabilizing and cross-linking the collagen molecules. Another mechanism by which Vit. C influences the collagen synthesis is by stimulation of lipid peroxidation, and the product of this process, malondialdehyde, in turn stimulates collagen gene expression.
Vit. C also directly activates the transcription of collagen synthesis and stabilizes procollagen mRNA, thereby regulating collagen synthesis. Signs and symptoms of Scurvy, a deficiency disease of Vit. C, are due to impaired collagen synthesis. Clinical studies have shown that the topical use of Vit. C increases collagen production in young as well as aged human skin.
Don’t Miss: What Is In Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C Serum Side Effects
The most common side effect of topical vitamin C is irritation in the treated area. This irritation may be mild to severe and may include redness, flaking, dryness, and itching.
To prevent irritation, test a small amount of vitamin C serum on your skin before applying it all over. If your skin is sensitive, avoid applying other ingredients to the area where you want to apply the vitamin C serum.
If vitamin C serum does not improve your skin after months of daily use, discontinue use and see a doctor.
Urbanbotanics Advanced Vitamin C Face Serum
As per dermatologists, The UrbanBotanics Face Serum is one of the best vitamin c serums for sensitive skin. This anti-wrinkle serum for the face is the best dark spot corrector since it clears and minimises pores, breakouts, and blackheads. Sunspots, redness, and pigmentation are reduced in appearance. Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and plumps the skin fast, improving its ability to retain moisture for smoother, younger-looking skin. With potent antioxidants, Vitamin C Serum for the face guards against environmental concerns and stimulates natural collagen formation to prevent indications of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. This face serum is rich in nutrients that brighten, tone, and smooth the texture of the skin for improved radiance and brighter skin.
- Price: 389
Read Also: How Much Vitamin D Should I Take In A Day
Who Should Use Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum is an excellent product for almost everyone. Even if you dont see signs of aging, adding vitamin C serum to your skincare regimen is a good idea for prevention.
Vitamin C serum is also for anyone who wants to reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles and fine lines and to help establish an even complexion. Dr. Sharkar and Dr. Suchitra Badvey, consultant dermatologists, recommends that anyone who wants to take a proactive approach should start using vitamin C Serum from their mid-20s and onwards.
What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that prevents free radicles from breaking down collagen and elastin, Dr. Patel explains. You can tell if your serum is working after a week of using.
She adds that your skin should be smoother, softer and more glowy and maybe a few dark spots lighter, as if you have had an exfoliation upon consistent use.
Over months there should be a decrease in dark spots and a thickening of the skin, she adds. There may be fewer breakouts as well.
Don’t Miss: What Vitamins Are Good For Women Over 50
Where To Find Topical Vitamin C And What To Look For On The Label
Vitamin C can be found in serums or other skincare products. Different formulations of vitamin C can alter its strength and effects in the skin. Consider purchasing vitamin C products from your dermatologists office or a verified online retailer, with a clinical formulation that contains an active form of vitamin C , has a strength of 10% to 20%, and a pH lower than 3.5, as this combination has been studied in clinical trials. This information can be obtained from the manufacturers website under the ingredients section.
Which Brand Soap Is Best
List Of 10 Best Soap In India
Recommended Reading: What Vitamins Are Best For Bones
Cant I Just Take A Vitamin C Tablet Instead
You take a vitamin C supplement or drink a large glass of orange juice every morning, so you should be good, right?
Actually, Vitamin C taken by mouth does not get into the skin in high enough amounts to be nearly as effective as applying a Vitamin C cream or serum.
So donât skip your orange juice but add on your Vitamin C cream at night.
Evens Out Tone And Minimize Redness
Blotchy, uneven skin can result from a number of factors, from sun exposure to hormones to medical conditions.
The good news is, vitamin C has proven itself a hearty warrior in the fight against redness, as it helps mend the damaged capillaries that cause this discoloration and strengthen them for the future.
Don’t Miss: What Is Natural Vitamin C
What Does Vitamin C Serum Do For Your Skin And Other Common Questions
Youâve heard the hype: vitamin C is great for your skin, but what exactly does Vitamin C do for your skin, how do you use it, and which product is the best?Iâm here to help you get some answers.
Youâve heard the hype: vitamin C is great for your skin, but what exactly does Vitamin C do for your skin, how do you use it, and which product is the best?
Iâm here to help you get some answers.
How Vitamin C Supports Skin Care
Vitamin Calso known as ascorbic acidis a water-soluble nutrient that plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy. Topical vitamin C is clinically proven to have a wide range of clinical applications thanks to its antioxidant, antiaging, antipigmentary properties. This potent nutrient offers many benefits for the skin, including the potential to:
- Make collagen, used to keep skin youthful and plump
- Heal wounds
- Reduce the appearance of dark spots
- Prevent premature aging
Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Spring Valley Vitamins
The Container Shouldnt Let Air Or Light In
Vitamin C is super-sensitive to light, so the suns rays will break it down faster if its in clear packaging. As such, you also want to keep it stashed away in a cool, dark space such as the fridge as heat exposure reduces its potency too.
Although vitamin C serums are often a yellowish color, if the tint turns darker or brownish, thats a sign its turned and should be tossed.
Vit C As A Depigmenting Agent
When choosing a depigmenting agent, it is important to differentiate between substances that are toxic to the melanocyte and substances that interrupt the key steps of melanogenesis. Vit. C falls into the latter category of depigmenting agents. Vit. C interacts with copper ions at the tyrosinase-active site and inhibits action of the enzyme tyrosinase, thereby decreasing the melanin formation. Vit. C also acts on the perifollicular pigment. However, Vit. C is an unstable compound. It is therefore often combined with other depigmenting agents such as soy and liquorice for better depigmenting effect.
Read Also: Which Vitamin B Do I Need
Which Vitamin C Serums To Buy Dermatologists Name Their Clients Favorites
Saedi likes SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, which she says is tried and true and has a cult-like following. Others she says her patients rave about are SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum and Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum.
Sephora has a list of their top-performing vitamin C serums, and Dermstore lists their must-try products. Both are a good starting point to find the best vitamin C serum for you.
It Promotes Collagen Production
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that depletes over time. Lower levels of collagen can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C is well known for through the process of collagen synthesis. In fact, collagen synthesis cant happen without vitamin C.
This is because vitamin C is the essential cofactor for the two enzymes required for collagen synthesis:
- prolyl hydroxylase, which stabilizes the collagen molecule
- lysyl hydroxylase, which provides structural strength
Recommended Reading: What Food Has Vitamin C
When Is The Best Time To Use Vitamin C Serum
The best time to use vitamin C serum is in the morning and at night after a thorough cleansing of your skin and before applying other products. Apply it by lightly dabbing the product onto your face until it absorbs into the skin completely.
Just remember that you will achieve the best results if you apply a moisturizer on top of this serum. Also, ensure to apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the suns harmful rays during the day.
Benefits Of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is full of antioxidants. It has been a staple in the skincare industry for years.
It has been proven to be beneficial for your skin, including anti-aging properties, intensive moisturizers, and healing properties. And vitamin E oil is affordable and affordable, which makes it ideal for many people.
Although it might not protect you from the sun alone in combination with vitamin C, it can act as a natural form of sun protection.
It can also fight the signs of aging. This oil blocks free radicals from the body which play an important role in the aging process. Fight them and you will avoid wrinkles.
Vitamin E can calm dry and sensitive skin. And with anti-inflammatory properties, it improves and improves the appearance of damaged tissue, which means that damage to your skin can accelerate healing and recovery.
Recommended Reading: How Much Vitamin D Do Kids Need
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Vitamin For Memory
Which Lotion Is Best For Face And Body
Use The Right Concentration Vitamin C For Your Skin Type And Concerns
Different products may contain a wide variety of concentrations of vitamin C. In general, they range from below 5% all the way up to 30%, Dr. Hogan says, and this ingredient can have different effects at those concentrations.
Those with dry or sensitive skin probably want to stick with lower concentrations, around 5%, which are less likely to be irritating. But those with more oily skin or with more extensive pigmentation issues to tackle can handle higher concentrations. However, as SELF explained previously, the effects begin to plateau after 20%, so theres usually no need to go higher than that.
Read Also: Why Should I Take Vitamin C
