In this busy life for the health of our mind and body, vitamins are such a great asset along with diet. Vitamin C is one of the most scientifically supported skincare ingredients thus many dermatologists recommend it.
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its role in production of collagen makes vitamin C a vital molecule for skin health.
By eating food which is rich in vitamin C you might be getting enough vitamin C but whether it is going in to your skin cells there is no guarantee. That is where serums come in and by applying vitamin C serum directly on your skin you can get the results.
Vitamin C serum is also known as L-ascorbic acid which mainly works in three main aspects:
Its anti-oxidative, photo protective, anti-aging, and anti-pigmentation.
Benefits of vitamin-C serums:
Serums as compared to other vitamin C products like creams and cleansers, typically offer the highest concentrations of active vitamin C and tend to have better skin penetration.
The main benefit of vitamin C serum is its antioxidant property that helps prevent free radicals from breaking down the collagen of the skin. The end result is, young, wrinkle-free and glowing skin.
“Vitamin C is best known for its ability to neutralize free radicals and improve aging skin,” says Joel Schlessinger, MD, a dermatologic surgeon in Omaha, Nebraska. “It can also improve collagen and elastin synthesis — which can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; help reduce inflammation, provide natural, mild exfoliation; and brighten skin.”
Apart from that, use of vitamin C serum diminishes face lines immediately & tightens the skin appearance periodically. It is not only collagen boosting but also brightens the skin. Make it firm and glowing.
It helps in making the skin tone even, reduces scars, has anti-aging properties, balances oil, and exfoliates the skin.
Vitamin C serum simultaneously improves outer skin as well as help to tighten, regenerate, and rejuvenate inner skin.
Vitamin-C also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce acne-caused redness and irritation.
Vitamin C having photo protective properties and reflect off oxidative stress from the free radicals we meet throughout our day, like stress by excessive thinking, driving, smoking, even drinking and over processed foods.
How to apply:
The best way to apply a vitamin C serum is both morning and night, after cleansing and toning. One study even recommends applying a vitamin C serum every eight hours, or twice daily for better protection. Be sure to apply skin care products with clean hands.
So the steps are:
Cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturize.
What other ingredients should be taken alongside vitamin- C?
Vitamin C is the main replenisher of vitamin E and works in harmony with vitamin E in the protection against oxidative damage. On the other hand vitamin E helps in stabilizing vitamin C on your skin. Glutathione is another ingredient that is a good antioxidant that helps vitamin C.
Although vitamin C is generally safe to use but there are some ingredients which should not be used with it. As vitamin C is an acid, it shouldn’t be combined with other skin-care acids such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like salicylic acid, and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), like lactic and glycolic acids.
And for the same reasons, you should also avoid using benzoyl peroxide (a well-known acne fighter) at the same time with vitamin C. Benzoyl peroxide oxidizes vitamin C and also makes it less effective. Instead, use benzoyl peroxide at night and vitamin C in the morning, or use them on different days. They just shouldn’t be layered onto your skin at the same time.
Is it safe to use vitamin C with retinol?
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that encourage skin cell turnover. And vitamin C and A both are powerful study proven skin care ingredients, but 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 advise against using these two ingredients together, Dr. Hogan says.
But it’s 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 skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, which is why it’s better to save them for p.m. use.
Are there any side effects?
Along with benefits vitamin C serums are not for everyone. Because of its instability and potency, it’s not fit for use by all skin types.
As with any skin care product, some people may experience side effects when using vitamin C serum. Some of the most common side effects include:
- itching
- redness
- skin irritation
- tingling sensation upon application
While some people might experience a slight burning or tingling sensation when using the serum, it should not last long. If a person experiences continued burning or signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling or hives, they should immediately wash their skin to remove the serum.
A word of caution:
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.
People with dry and/or sensitive skin probably should stick with lower concentrations, around 5% or less, since they are less likely to be irritating. Even if you don’t fall into the dry or sensitive skin category, it’s best to start at a lower concentration and work your way up to see that how much your skin can tolerate. Most people should avoid going more than 20% concentration because that can be irritating to even the most experienced vitamin C user. And that concentration isn’t necessarily any more beneficial to the skin anyway, research shows.
