Why You Need A Vitamin C Serum?

When searching on the internet for ways to make my skin clearer I repeatedly came across vitamin C serums. It is a suggested addition to a skincare routine for its anti-aging benefits and helping reduce dark spots. Since I am interested in finding something to help clear up dark spots I decided to do some more research and this is what I found about vitamin C serums.

What Is A Vitamin C Serum?

Vitamin C serums contain, you guessed it, vitamin C also called ascorbic acid. Even though we consume vitamin C in our diet, we do not consume enough to achieve all of the skin benefits of vitamin C.  It is most effective to apply vitamin C topically to the skin to get the desired results. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in the production of collagen and protects against skin damage caused by sun exposure. Finding a serum that also includes vitamin E will amplify the effects of the serum. As we age the production of collagen decreases and sun exposure is just a normal part of life. So that sounds like vitamin C serum could be your next best friend!

What Are The Benefits?

Here are a few of the many benefits of using a vitamin C serum.

• Helps fight free radicals
• Provides more protection again sun damage
• Increases the production of collagen
• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
• Evens out your skin tone
• Reduces hyperpigmentation

When To Use A Vitamin C Serum In Your Routine?

The best way to use a vitamin C serum is to apply it after you have washed your face and before you apply your moisturizer and SPF if your using it during the day. A little goes a long way with these serums so you will only need to use a few drops. When using a serum for the first time it is best to start out with a serum that is not as strong to make sure your skin can handle it.  Vitamin C serums come in different strengths. They can range between a 5 to 20% concentration of L-ascorbic acid. If you have very sensitive skin you might want to start with a 5% concentration and see how your skin reacts. Gradually work your way up as your skin becomes accustomed to the serum. Between 10-20% is the most effective concentration for quicker results. Some people can see results as soon as 2 weeks. It depends on different factors.

Another way to add vitamin C to your routine is to use a powdered vitamin C. This powder makes it easy to add vitamin C to your current moisturizer or other serum that you are currently using.

Keeping Vitamin C Serum Effective

One common issue that comes with using vitamin C serum is that it is very unstable. This is another reason why having a serum that is combined with vitamin E is good. Vitamin E helps stabilize the serum. When exposed to air, light and heat this can cause oxidation to the serum which will change the effectiveness.  

Storing the serum in a cool and dark place like in the refrigerator will help with this issue. Another way to avoid this issue to use the powdered vitamin C mentioned above. There are also some brands that use an airtight tube which reduces the exposure to air and light. Whichever brand you choose will provide storage instructions.

Conclusion

So you if you were ever on the fence about using a vitamin C serum or didn’t know if you needed one, I hope you know now that everyone can benefit from using this powerful serum. Not only will it ramp up your anti-aging routine, but it will also improve the appearance of dark spots caused by acne and other hyperpigmentation issues which we all get at some point. I hope this helps you make your decision.

Vitamin C Serum Options

Here are a few good vitamin C serum options to choose from.

Petunia Skincare Vitamin C Serum

This serum has a 20% concentration. It contains vitamin C, E and Ferulic acid. It also has a plant-based vegan formulation.

L’Oreal Paris Vitamin C Serum

This serum has a 10% concentration. It is fragrance free and is packaged in an air tight metal tube. This helps keep the serum from being exposed to light and air which effects the potency of the serum.

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

This serum using a different form of vitamin C that is not as unstable as L-ascorbic acid that most other serums use. This serum also tends to cause less irritation to people that have sensitive skin.

Bos Essentials Vitamin C Powder

If you are looking for a powder option this brand is a good choice. You can easily mix with your existing creams or serums. It is suggested when starting out with this product to start with a 5% concentration and work your way up gradually.

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