Vitamin C has been named a holy grail product in the skincare industry. It is a favored addition to most skincare routines because it has benefits for almost every complexion concern and is safe on most skincare types. With it being an important component in my skincare routine, I felt a deeper dive into the product was warranted to share everything you need to know about using the potent ingredient in your skincare routine.
How To Use Vitamin C Serum
How Does Vitamin C Work?
Dermatologist Patricia Wexler says vitamin C is an “antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in your skin’s natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells.”
Free radicals are unstable, reactive molecules that steal electrons. This causes damage to our cells in the process. Topical antioxidants neutralize these free radicals by helping prevent oxidative damage to cells and tissues from aggressors such as air pollution and UV radiation. Oxidative stress plays a role in premature aging of the skin, hyperpigmentation, and triggers inflammatory conditions of the skin.
Vitamin C Serum Benefits
- Hydrating – Decreases water loss allowing the skin to retain moisture.
- Reduce Redness – Helps mend and strengthen the damaged capillaries.
- Brightening
- Diminishes Hyperpigmentation – Inhibits melanin production which helps fade and prevent discoloration.
- Anti-Aging Benefits – Stimulates collagen production which helps to keep the skin firm and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.
- Protects Against Sun Damage
When To Use Vitamin C Serum in Your Skincare Routine
Generally speaking, skincare products should typically be applied from thinnest to thickest consistency. You’ll want to use your vitamin C serum after you cleanse and tone, but before your moisturizer. Applying your products in the correct order is the key to perfecting your skincare routine.
How Long Do You Wait After Applying Vitamin C Serum?
Let it completely dry before applying your moisturizer – approximately 30 seconds to a minute.
How Often Do You Use Vitamin C Serum?
For the best results, you should use Vitamin C serum every single day. You can use it in the morning and at night, but you will receive the most benefit from using it in the morning. “In general vitamin C products should be applied in the morning before heading out for the day when UV radiation is at its highest,” Dr. Hogan says.
How Long Does It Take for Vitamin C Serum to Work?
It could take up to 4-12 weeks to see results from using vitamin C. There are many factors that determine how quickly the serum will work such as how deep the damage to your skin is, the type of vitamin C, lifestyle habits, and how consistent you are with using the product. Be patient and consistent in your use of the product.
How To Use Vitamin C Serum and Retinol
Be careful about using vitamin C and retinol at the same time as it can cause irritation to the skin. Since retinol and L-ascorbic acid have a big gap in pH, using them at the same time will lower the retinol’s pH and raise vitamin C’s pH. Essentially, they will both become less effective!
Your easiest option would be to separate the two, using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. If using them together, wait at least 30 minutes between application, so vitamin C has time to absorb. It’s best to apply vitamin C before retinol, as vitamin C has a lower pH than retinol. Once your skin absorbs the vitamin C serum, your skin will return to its regular pH levels after 30 minutes or so.
How To Use Vitamin C Serum and Hyaluronic Acid
You can use both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together in your skincare routine. There is no need to separate the two products. It is completely okay to use multiple serums in your skincare routine, but remember to layer the products thinnest to thickest for the best results.
How To Store Your Vitamin C
Vitamin C actually breaks down when it’s exposed to light or air, so dark glass bottles help maintain its stability and efficacy. Store the bottle in a cool and dark space.
Best Vitamin C Serums for Your Face
If you looking for a non-toxic and cruelty-free product, I highly recommend Mad Hippie, Dime Beauty, Ursa Major, Beauty Counter, and Rooted Beauty. The reviews are amazing and the ingredients are clean.
Another great vegan and cruelty-free product is the Summer Fridays CC Me that is effective, but gentle on the skin.
If you are looking for an affordable option, I would recommend Maelove the Glow Maker or Bliss Bright Idea. These are some of the most affordable (while still effective) products on the market.
If you have acne-prone skin, I would recommend Ole Henriksen Truth Serum. This serum is raved about for its ability to reduce discoloration due to acne scarring.
If you are looking to splurge, I would recommend the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic. This is the top vitamin C recommended by dermatologists and won Allure Best of Beauty Award three years in a row. If you have the budget to splurge, this product will not disappoint. Another splurge-worthy product is the Sunday Riley CEO 15% Brightening Serum. The formula is designed to rapidly absorb and instantly illuminate the complexion.
I hope this answered your questions on all things vitamin C. If you have any other questions, drop them below!
xx,
Ashley
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