How to use Vitamin C Serum the Right Way for Facial Skincare

 

Girl applying vitamin C serum to her face.

Vitamin C serum has numerous benefits for the immune system and diet, but it’s also a game-changer in the world of skincare. This ascorbic acid has been proven to have anti-aging, skin-brightening, and skin-protection properties that can do wonders for your complexion. In this article, you’ll discover how to use this serum in the most effective way possible to achieve rapid and promising results.

Skincare enthusiasts are increasingly adding vitamin C to their daily routine. However, before adding this serum to your routine, it is important to understand both its benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to note that vitamin C can be combined with other products to achieve optimal results.

Benefits of Using Vitamin C Serum

L-ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is beneficial for overall health but may not directly benefit the skin. To achieve the best results for your skin, you should apply it directly to your skin. That's why serums are recommended for nourishing your skin. Vitamin C offers several benefits, such as skin brightening (a study in 2017 reported that vitamin C impedes melanin production). It also offers antioxidant properties (as mentioned in a study in 2015). Other advantages include;

•          Stimulates collagen production
•           Anti-inflammatory effects
•       Locks moister in your skin (provides hydration)
•           Postpones premature dermal aging
•           Reduces redness and hyperpigmentation
•           Brightens up your skin
•       It helps in wound healing and soothes sunburn
•         It also helps to protect your skin against sun damage

Choosing the Best Serum for Yourself

Not all vitamin C serums are suitable for everyone, so it's important to check the following things before buying.

Formation

As compared to all the other derivatives of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid is the most effective one. So if you are choosing a serum be sure to check the formation.

Concentration

When it comes to vitamin C serums, experts recommend an optimal concentration of 10 to 20%. To ensure better absorption, it's best to use a concentration higher than 8, but it's important not to exceed 20. Higher concentrations may cause redness and irritation reactions.

Ingredients

It's important to consider certain ingredients that can enhance its absorption and boost the effectiveness of vitamin C on your skin. Look for ingredients such as

Vitamin E which stabilizes vitamin C

Glutathione another antioxidant

Ferulic acid which helps to lower the pH of vitamin C.

Packaging

Proper packaging is crucial for maintaining the quality of serums. Factors like air, sunlight, and heat can cause degradation of the serum. For vitamin C serums, it is advisable to choose one that comes in a dark-colored glass bottle. Additionally, it is better to opt for a serum that has a dropper as an applicator instead of an air pump.

Patch Test

Introducing new skincare products like vitamin C, retinol, and exfoliating acids can be exciting, but it's important to take precautions to avoid any unwanted skin reactions. These products have been known to cause redness, yellowing of skin, and a burning sensation. To prevent any negative effects, it is highly recommended to do a patch test before incorporating them into your regular skincare routine. This simple step can help you determine if a particular product is suitable for your skin type and avoid any potential discomfort or irritation.

Preparing Skin before Using Vitamin C Serum

If you're looking to add this ascorbate serum to your skincare routine, keep in mind that the order in which you apply your products matters. To ensure maximum absorption, it's important to apply products with lower molecular size and liquid consistency before thicker, gel-like products. This will prevent any blockages and ensure that your skin is getting the most out of each product. As ascorbic acid serum has a runny consistency, it should be applied before moisturizer, facial oil, and sunscreen, and after face wash and toner. By following this simple routine, you'll be able to unlock the full potential of your skincare products and achieve the clear, radiant skin you deserve.

Guide to How to Apply Serum

If you're planning to use vitamin C serum, Dr. Piliang recommends the following tips to get the most benefits out of it:

1. Apply the serum after cleansing and toning your skin.

2. For your daytime routine, it's better to use the serum before applying sunscreen as it helps protect your skin from radiation.

3. Keep in mind that it may take about three months for the results of vitamin C to show on your skin.

How Often to Use

Achieving the best possible protection and repair for your skin can be made possible through the daily use of vitamin C serum. Research has revealed that using this serum twice a day or every 8 hours can provide your skin with more profound benefits.

For a hassle-free skincare routine, choose to apply this serum at night if you have sensitive skin. Doing so can reduce the risk of damage and irritation, leaving you with a healthy and glowing complexion.

Vitamin C Side-effects

Vitamin C is a popular ingredient in many skincare products due to its antioxidant properties, but it may not be suitable for everyone. People with sensitive skin types must be cautious when using vitamin C as it can cause potential side effects.

Allergic reactions are one of the common side effects of this serum on sensitive skin. It can manifest as rashes, hives, or swelling. Skin irritation is also another side effect that can cause redness, itchiness, and inflammation.

In addition to allergic reactions and skin irritation, L-ascorbic acid may also cause dryness and stinging effects on the skin. This is because vitamin C can strip the skin's natural oils and disrupt its pH balance. Exposure to sunlight can cause vitamin C to oxidize, leading to yellowing of the skin.

Peeling of the skin is another potential side effect of this serum. This happens because vitamin C can accelerate the skin's natural exfoliation process, leading to the shedding of the outer layer of the skin. Lastly, itching and burning sensation can also occur due to vitamin C's acidic nature, which can irritate the skin.

Therefore, it's essential to patch-test any new ascorbic acid product before use, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.