Vitamin C does much more than just protecting your skin against damage caused by the UV rays of the sun and lightening dark spots. However, when it comes to the efficacy of modern Vitamin C creams and serums, factors like the type of serum or cream you use, how you store it and how you apply it on your face determines its actual result on your skin!
Delving Deeper Into Vitamin C And Its Skin Benefits
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that makes your skin bright and radiant. It brightens ugly dark spots, eases out fine lines and most importantly, scavenges all the free radicals from the air, UV radiation and environmental pollution.
Leading dermatologists emphasize over time, these free radicals damage your skin resulting in premature signs of aging. They also increase the risks of skin cancers so protecting your skin again UV damage with a potent antioxidant like Vitamin C, coupled with a daily SPF, is vital.
Dermatologists speak
Leading dermatologists caution not all Vitamin C serums are created equally. Some products can irritate the skin if you do not read the ingredients on the label carefully as you might be allergic to any one of them. Vitamin C can be teamed up with rosehip oil, hydraulic acid, green tea extracts and others in the product. Again, some products might have a high concentration of vitamin C concentrate that your skin might not tolerate causing breakouts and dryness.
Kickstarting with Vitamin C
If you are new to Vitamin C, dermatologists suggest you first start off with a low percentage of vitamin C and move on to higher doses especially if you have sensitive skin. Consulting a dermatologist will help you get a good product for your skin over over-the-counter products. However, if you still want to try out OTC vitamin C creams and serums, carefully go through honest reviews online.
When Should You Use Vitamin C Creams And Serums- Are They Safe For The Day?
Top dermatologists say there is no hard and fast rule that you must use vitamin C serums and creams ONLY in the evening. You will actually benefit from vitamin C with an SPF of at least 20 in the morning before you head out for the day when the UV radiation is high.
However, the potency of Vitamin C reduces in the face of light exposure. You should apply it in the morning so that it gets completely absorbed in your skin before you go out. You do not have to wait for a specific amount of time however, once the product has completed absorbed into your skin, you can go out.
Vitamin C Must Be Used At The Right Time Of Your Skin Care Routine
If you are using a Vitamin C serum, it should be applied on freshly cleansed skin just before you apply your moisturizer. However, there are several creams and moisturizers that have vitamin C infused in them and you can use them at the end of your skin care routine.
Use the proper concentration of vitamin c for your skin concerns and type
Different creams and serums have a wide range of concentrations of Vitamin C. Generally, they are below 5% and go all the way up to 30%. The concentration of Vitamin C in face creams will have different effects on your skin.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, you should stick to lower concentrations of Vitamin C, around 5% as they will be less reactive and irritating on the skin. If your skin is oily or highly prone to extensive pigmentation, you can go to a higher concentration to manage skin issues however, the concentration levels till 20% are perfect as effects will plateau and so you do not have to go any higher.
Can You Use Vitamin C With Other Product?
When it comes to its use with other products, Vitamin C is generally well-tolerated and safe however, if you have sensitive skin, it might sting a little on the skin, especially if you use it right after an exfoliating scrub or an acid. Dermatologists advise you should always get a patch test done before daily use.
There is however, one ingredient you should never use with Vitamin C and that is benzoyl peroxide as it oxidizes the Vitamin C and reduces its potency. Dermatologists recommend you to use Vitamin C alone in the morning and benzoyl peroxide during the evenings or you can use them on alternate days in your skincare routine.
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What About Vitamin C With Retinol?
In the past, it was believed that you should not use Vitamin C face creams or serums with retinoids. This is not completely wrong. Vitamin C and retinol work their best in different environments so using them together will make them ineffective in some ways. The reason being, both of them have the same effects on your skin. Dermatologists advise you to use Vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the night to get the best effects of these ingredients for your skin.
Last but not the least, make sure you store all your Vitamin C creams and serums properly. Most topical skin care products with Vitamin C are sensitive to air and light. When the product is exposed to the above elements, it tends to oxidize due to dehydroascorbic acid making the product less stable and efficacious.
Vitamin C products should be stored and kept in opaque containers that are either air-tight or air restrictive. When you are buying products, look for creams and serums that come in an airless pump over a dropper bottle or a tub that needs to be opened completely for you to apply the product.
