When you ask a dozen dermatologists about their favorite skin care product, you’ll definitely get a dozen love letters about vitamin C. It is one of the few ingredients that both protects and heals skin while also being well tolerated by the majority of patients. However, not all vitamin C serums are equally effective. And the wrong formula, packaging, or application can make it useless. So, before you stock up on serums, make sure you know about vitamin c serums well.
What is a Vitamin C Serum? And What’s In It?
A vitamin C serum is a vitamin C-rich skin care product. It has the consistency of a liquid or gel which is applied to the skin topically. You can find these serums everywhere, including department stores, beauty stores, and some drug stores. Firming, brightening, and collagen enhancing are also listed on the packaging. The biggest reason to include a vitamin C serum into your skin-care regimen is to reap these advantages.
Vitamin C has the advantage of being an antioxidant and works to prevent the development of free radicals, which then break down collagen and elastin. And the end result is glowing, youthful skin.
7 Facts You Should Know About Vitamin C Serums
Here are the 7 incredible facts you should know about vitamin C serums:
1. Not All Vitamin C Serums Are Created Equal
If you want to simplify or improve your skin care regimen, a vitamin C serum might be the ticket. Topical vitamin C is a multi-tasking workhorse that can protect, heal, and improve the appearance of your skin.
However, not all serums are created equal, as with any product. Components such as the type and concentration of vitamin C, the ingredient list, and even the type of container or dispenser can make or break the benefits of your serum — and your skin.
But don’t worry. Determining which serum to purchase isn’t that difficult. We’ve got the lowdown on the benefits of C serums, how to pick one (with suggestions), and how to make the most of them.
Here Are A Few Items We Recommend:
- C E Ferulic by SkinCeuticals
- Marie Veronique Vitamin C, E + Ferulic Acid Serum
- Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
- Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
- L’Oreal Paris Revitalist Derm Intensives Vitamin C Face Serum
- Timeless Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum (20%)
- e.l.f. Beauty Shield Vitamin C Pollution Prevention Serum
2. It Gives Sun Protection
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. This means that it greatly reduces the damage that free radicals can do to the body. The particles that cause inflammation are known as free radicals.
Some Of The Antioxidant Effects Of Vitamin C On The Skin Are As Described In The Following:
- Reducing the rate of premature cell death
- Decreasing the cytokines, which are inflammatory compounds
- Reducing the impact of ultraviolet (UV) light
You should not use topical vitamin C in place of sunscreen for skin protection. But it can help protect against the harmful effects of the sun.
3. Prevents Premature Aging
Wrinkles that appear naturally over time cannot be reversed by vitamin C. Vitamin C serums, on the other hand, can help prevent premature ageing by protecting the skin from the premature skin wrinkles that sun exposure can cause.
Vitamin C also promotes collagen growth, which helps to prevent premature wrinkling. Collagen is a protein that gives the skin structure and elasticity.
A small-scale research discovered that using a 5% vitamin C solution for 6 months helped improve skin thickness as compared to a placebo solution. Wrinkling is less likely in thicker, collagen-rich skin than in thinner skin.
About the fact that the researcher only had 60 participants, it shows promise in supporting vitamin C as a collagen booster.
4. Creates An Even Skin Tone
To treat hyperpigmentation, some people apply topical vitamin C. There are areas of skin that appear darker than the rest of the body. These darkened areas are usually caused by sun exposure or hormonal changes associated with aging.
Researchers at Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute claim that vitamin C can help minimize melanin production.
Melanin is the pigment that causes hyperpigmented areas to look darker. A person may help reduce the appearance of darker areas by reducing its development.
5. It Actively Fights Against Dark Spots
Unlike other skin brighteners, which work to repair damage after it has occurred, vitamin C consistently works to prevent hyperpigmentation from occurring in the first place. Vitamin C prevents tyrosinase, an enzyme that produces pigment in skin cells —while preventing the pigment you already have from getting darkening. It’s clever like that.
6. It Has To Have The Proper Packaging In Order To Work
Vitamin C is very finicky in terms of biochemistry. When exposed to sunshine, even the best formulas will quickly oxidize and become worthless. Your vitamin C serum should be stored in an airless pump container or in a clear or tinted glass bottle. So keep the serum in the dark cabinet and try to open and shut it quickly to prevent visible light from getting in.
7. It Can Actually Work Pretty Quickly
Results vary depending on your skin type, the formula you use, and how often you apply it. Research suggests that vitamin C serums containing 10 to 20% vitamin C can start soothing redness within a few weeks and brightening hyperpigmentation within three months. Also keep in mind that using vitamin C isn’t a one-time thing. You’ll need to use it on a regular basis to reap the full benefits.
How To Use A Vitamin C Serum?
After washing and drying your face, apply a few drops of serum. A small amount goes a long way. We suggest wearing it every morning, all year. Because it has some sun safety advantages, it is best to apply it in the morning as the first layer of protection. After that, apply your moisturizer and sunscreen. Serums are better to adding vitamin C “boosters” to the moisturizer. They may not be as effective as serums on their own, and mixing them with moisturizer may dilute their effects.
Instead of keeping your bottle on your counter, keep it in a cool, dark place away from excessive sun, such as a bathroom cabinet. The proper storage of a vitamin C serum is vital to its success. A good rule of thumb is to discard the serum six months after opening it and to store it in a cold, dark spot. If you’re using it as instructed, it will likely be gone before the six-month is up. If not, you should throw it out. When vitamin C is used after its expiration date, it may have some negative consequences.
Are There Any Side Effects?
When using vitamin C serum, some people can develop side effects. The following are some of the more common side effects:
- Itching
- Redness
- Skin irritation
- A tingling sensation when applied
Although some people can feel a mild burning or tingling feeling when using the serum, this should not last long. If a person feels continued burning or symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as swelling or hives, they should wash their skin quickly to remove the serum.
The Bottom Line
By now, you know about Vitamin C serums. Vitamin C serums have the potential to improve the texture of skin by preventing wrinkling and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmented areas.
Vitamin C serum is widely available in stores. People can also shop online for a variety of products.
Since it takes time for skin cells to replenish, people must use vitamin C serums on a daily basis for several months before they see results.
