No BS Guide to Vitamin C Serum

Looking for an ingredient that will pamper and get rid of tanned, dull-looking skin, a dose of Vitamin C serum is all that you need. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that penetrates deeper into the dermis for brightening, smoother complexion. It smoothes the texture and visibly vanishes dark spots.

If your diet includes Vit C, but you feel no difference whatsoever into your skin. Our guide will give you an insight into topical Vitamin C and how to use a C serum effectively to reap maximum benefits.

Not all Vitamin C serums are created equally! The concentration of the acid, other ingredients, the stability of the formulation, and the packaging affects the performance of serum to a great extent. But do not worry, we have covered that too!

So, get ready for that dewy, glowy look. 

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble Vitamin with many benefits for your body and skin. It is also one of the most researched Vitamins that you can safely apply to your skin. Also known for its ninja powers to protect, restore, and enhance your skin texture.

Ascorbic acid is a pure form of Vitamin C, one of the most popular water-soluble ways of Vitamin C that protects the skin from damaging “free radicals” created by exposure to the environment. This exposure leads to skin aging and sagging of the skin.

Ascorbic acid is usually highly unstable and thus easily oxidize in the presence of light and air. There are other forms of Vitamin C popularly known as Vitamin C derivatives that are less potent than ascorbic acid but much more stable. 

Why does Vitamin C serum deserve a place in your daily skincare routine?

Honestly, there is nothing that Vitamin C serum can’t do. It is a proven antioxidant that neutralizes the oxidative stress by the process of electron transfer/donation. Thus, other than delivering a smoother, even complexion, it also acts as armor against environmental and free radical damage.

Even so, we have a balanced diet to fight unwanted harm; they are not enough to keep our skin protected. Also, the skin’s ability to store these Vitamins decreases due to age or photodamage. Thus, the best way to protect your skin and soak the full benefits of Vitamin C is to apply it to your skin directly.

By now, you must already be ready to grab those fresh lemon slices from your refrigerator and put them on your face for that glow. But that might not be the best Idea!

First of all, the quality of lemon depends on a lot of things such as source, harvest, etc. Secondly, it contains very little concentration and may not work effectively. Raw lemon juices can be irritating and cause redness in some cases.

Using Vitamin C in serum form (after it has been chemically altered) sinks deeper into the skin, utterly absorbing its benefits. Regular use of the serum will help to reduce against sun-damage while boosting collagen formation. It also evens skin tone and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C Serum Benefits 

• Brightens Skin 
  
• Evens skin tone 
  
• Suppress melanin formation to reduce hyperpigmentation 
  
• Fights free radicals, reducing oxidative stress 
  
• Protects the skin damage from harsh pollution and UV rays 
  
• Boosts collagen formation for a firm look 
  
• Effectively targets visible signs of aging 
  

All of these benefits are scientifically proven in many clinical trials and human studies. While a Vitamin C serum can do all the above, it is essential to note that the right formulations and application play a significant role.

The next section is dedicated to the right way to apply Vitamin and finding its BFFs to double its power. 

When & How to Apply the Vitamin C Serum?

Vitamin C serum up to 20% concentration can be applied twice daily both morning (AM) and night (PM) right after cleansing and hydration or toning.

Take 2-3 drops of Vitamin C serum on your fingertips and gently apply them in your face and neck in circular motions. Allow 1-2 minutes to get it absorbed completely before applying your moisturizer or SPF.

To get full photoprotection, you need to build a reservoir of Vitamin C under your skin. That can be achieved by 8 hourly topical application of Vitamin C as per a study.

But, it is okay if you miss 1-2 applications as it does not wash away like sunscreens or creams. However, exposure to the sun lowers the Vitamin C level in your skin. So, after prolonged sun exposure, you can re-apply Vitamin C serum.

For glowy, firm skin follow a skincare routine that typically includes cleaning, hydrating, followed by serums, creams, or moisturizers. During the day or office hours, apply Vitamin C serum with sunscreen with SPF 30 or more followed by a moisturizer.

Although Vitamin C protects you from UV radiation damage, it does not stop UV rays from penetrating your skin. In short, it is not sunscreen. For maximum protection from pollution and UV rays, pair this serum with a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. 

BFFs of Vitamin C serum 

Hyaluronic acid prepares the base for other water-based serums and thereby boosting their absorption. Apply Hyaluronic acid serum (not cream-based moisturizers) before Vitamin C serums as hydrated skin quickly absorbs Vitamin C compared to dry skin. Hyaluronic Acid doubles the power of Vitamin C by increasing its absorption deep into the dermis layer. Apply 2% Hyaluronic acid serum before Vitamin C serum for a plump, radiant skin

Ferulic Acid is another powerful antioxidant that usually supports primary antioxidants such as Vitamin C and enhances their performance. Ferulic acid is usually added into serum only, so look for it in the ingredient list of Vitamin C serum. 

Vitamin E and Vitamin C duo give a tough fight to free radicals and photodamage. The combo is proven to reduce the sun damage better than when used alone. You can either include two separate Vit E oil and Vit C serum or look for a formulation that contains both. Since Vitamin E is fat-soluble, you might not find many formulations that offer both. Also, Vitamin E oil is heavy oil, so oily skin people shall either use it as a spot treatment or skip altogether.

Does not go along

Vitamin C usually does not interact with other serums and goes well with face acids and serums with a similar pH. Many blogs and even popular sites say Vitamin C and Niacinamide does not go along.

It is based on an old 1963 study, and newer studies have shown they are not only safe to be used together but also beneficial for even baby-soft skin. Also, the previous research was done with L-ascorbic acid, which is highly unstable.