Vitamin C serums
Vitamin C serums are well-known because they actually work. If you have any skin concerns like fine lines, discoloration or uneven skin tone, a good skin-care product to try is one that st vitamin C.
Although you are more than likely already getting vitamin C in your diet from food and supplements, for your skin to get the vitamin C benefits, it is best to use serums and topicals to maintain a smooth, even, glowing complexion. To learn more about how this highly sought-after skin care ingredient can benefit you, keep reading.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C, one of the most effective nutrients, is an antioxidant that is necessary for your overall well-being. It can protect your body and strengthen your immunity, and helps the growth and repair of your tissues, including the skin. In addition, vitamin C also helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health problems, and eye diseases, and it maintains the wellness of your skin.
L-ascorbic acid is one of the most potent and purest forms of vitamin C. It is also the most biologically active and can oxidize easily. There are other vitamin C derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, which are not pure vitamin C and are combined with other ingredients to keep them more stable. Mixing vitamin C with another antioxidant like vitamin E can stabilize its properties and make it more effective.
Side effects of vitamin C
Vitamin C is generally safe for daily use. However, it may be irritating on very sensitive skin or when mixed with other acids, such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids and retinol. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to consult a dermatologist to find a brand and concentration that is best for your skin.
Vitamin C serum concentration
Vitamin C serums are available in various concentrations. It is ideal to choose a vitamin C serum that has a concentration between 10-20%. Anything below 8% may not be effective, and anything above 20% may lead to skin irritation. It is best to use vitamin C serums within 6 months of opening it, and it’s recommended you store it away from direct sunlight.
Vitamin C in skincare
Vitamin C serums mix well and layer with other skin care ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. It is advisable not to use vitamin C serum with exfoliating acids like glycolic acid, and antioxidants, and retinol and niacinamide.
Vitamin C serum can be used in the morning and at night. To get more benefit, it is recommended to use it with sunscreen because it can increase protection from the sun and free radicals. The combination can also reduce sunburn. Consistency is key to reaping the maximum benefits of vitamin C serums.
Benefits of vitamin C serum
Vitamin C is very reactive and can easily lose its antioxidant properties when it is exposed to heat, light and air. There are many benefits to adding a vitamin C serum to your skin care routine so here are the reasons why you should add this powerful antioxidant ingredient.
Promotes collagen production
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, and it is what keeps your skin from sagging, giving you that plump and youthful look. There is a reduction in collagen production as we age, resulting in lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C serum can help in building more collagen.
Protection against environmental stressors
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from the damages caused by UV rays and pollution that creates free radicals in the skin. Free radicals can promote skin dullness, wrinkles and cancers.
Brightens skin and lightens hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C serum is one of the most powerful brightening products because it can fade pigmentation and make your skin smooth and clear, giving you a healthy glow. As we age, there is an increase in brown spots and discoloration in our skin due to the production of more melanin. Vitamin C serum can help in lightening the brown spots by reducing tyrosine activity, which inhibits the formation of melanin.
Supports hydration
Vitamin C serums that have magnesium ascorbyl phosphate can hydrate your skin by reducing transepidermal water loss and retaining moisture.
Reduces Acne
Vitamin C serums can help reduce acne-induced inflammation, which may help to treat acne.
Reduces under-eye circles and puffiness
Vitamin C serums can smooth out the lines while plumping and hydrating the delicate skin under the eyes and reducing dark circles.
Best vitamin C serums
Supergoop Daily Dose Vitamin C +SPF 40 Sunscreen: available at Violet Grey
This two-in-one mix of SPF 40 and vitamin C serum can brighten your skin, while protecting it from UV rays and blue light. It can prevent dark spots and wrinkles.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C Serum: available at SkinStore and LovelySkin
This gentle yet effective serum visibly reduces wrinkles and fine lines and evens skin tone. It is suitable for sensitive skin and provides protection for over 72 hours.
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening 20% Vitamin C+ 10%AHAs: available at Violet Grey
This highly concentrated and fast-acting serum combines the powerful mix of vitamin C to brighten skin and AHAs, to gently resurface dull skin for more radiant results. It has Japanese angelica root extract to help target dark spots, acne scars and discoloration.
L’Oréal Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum: available at Ulta Beauty and Amazon
This is a dermatologist approved, powerful serum formulated with 10% pure vitamin C that visibly boosts skin’s radiance in 1 week and visibly reduces wrinkles in 2 weeks. It is also safe for sensitive skin.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum: available at Ulta Beauty and SkinStore
This serum is made with 15% antioxidant vitamin C to brighten dark spots, target signs of aging and minimize the appearance of pores.
La Roche-Posay Vitamin C Face Serum: available at Ulta Beauty and LovelySkin
This pure vitamin C serum with salicylic acid can also help with acne, while brightening your skin and fighting signs of aging, leaving your skin looking soft and bright.
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Good C Vitamin C Serum: available at Sephora and Violet Grey
This vegan and fragrance-free serum is gentle on all skin types and helps visibly improve skin tone and reduces dark spots.
goop GOOPGLOW 20% Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum: available at goop and Credo Beauty
This multitasking serum has two powerful ingredients — 20% vitamin C and hyaluronic acid — to keep your skin hydrated, brighter and smoother.
Anjana Rajbhandary is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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