Vitamin C has proven to be a well-known … antioxidant that is used all over the world, from boosting the immune system to your daily cup of orange juice. In recent times, it’s been an essential ingredient in skincare too. It’s advertised as having anti-aging properties and firming and brightening qualities.
So, how can it benefit your skin? Dermatologist Melissa Piliang, MD, discusses the benefits of Vitamin C serum, how to apply it and the time it takes to see results.
What does vitamin C help improve your skin?
Vitamin C benefits your body but how you take it (like in food, drinks, and supplements) the skin doesn’t gain from it. The best way to benefit from vitamin C is by applying skin care products that contain it.
Today, vitamin C is called L-ascorbic acids usually as serums, however, it can also be found in creams and lotions, all of which help the skin to absorb it.
It’s a perfect ingredient to include in your skin regimen,” Dr. Piliang says. She explains the benefits of vitamin C serum.
1. Skin protection from injuries
The skin is always attacked by external threats like pollution from the sun and air pollution as well as normal ageing. These elements can slough off the skin of its luster by generating unstable molecules called free radicals that remove electrons from cells and cause damage.
The most frequent sources of free radicals include:
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Air pollution.
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Alcohol, sugar and sugar and poor nutrition.
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Cigarette smoke.
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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is similar to the radiation sun radiation or tanning beds.
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Pesticides.
However, antioxidants can shield your skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, by allowing electrons to bind. “There’s good scientific evidence to show that vitamin C has antioxidant effects,” Dr. Piliang says. “Using topical vitamin C can result in less cell damage and better-looking skin.”
2. Does it have anti-aging benefits?
Free radicals can speed up the process of aging skin process This is why, on this front vitamin C fights for the health of your skin. It’s also known to boost the production of collagen on your skin. It’s the protein that binds the tissue of your body.
“As you age, your skin produces less collagen,” Dr. Piliang explains. This causes wrinkles, bags, and sagging as a result. So replenishing and protecting collagen can protect your skin from signs of ageing.
3. It is effective when combined with sunscreen
If you’re trying to shield your skin from sun damage, you’ll require all the protection you can get. Vitamin C can offer you more.
“Studies show that when you combine vitamin C with sunscreen, you get even better sun protection and sun aging protection because they work together,” Dr. Piliang writes. “If any of the sun gets through that sunscreen, the vitamin C is there to take care of it.”
Aloe is no more. Utilizing vitamin C with vitamin E and other topical treatments can reduce discomfort and inflammation caused by sunburns.
4. Reduces hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C is renowned for its ability to improve skin tone by reducing sun spots, dark spots, and other marks on the skin.
In one study, 73 percent of participants reported improvements in their hyperpigmentation following the use of the vitamin C that is applied topically however, the results are only temporary. When you stop taking vitamin C, the effects will begin to diminish.
5. Reduces dark under-eye circles
Eliminate the “You look tired” comments! The study of 14 people discovered that vitamin C could be used to diminish dark circles around your eyes that result from blood pooling. The study also showed that vitamin C’s collagen-boosting capabilities can help increase the thickness of the skin underneath your eyes, which makes it difficult to detect blood pooling (dark circles).
Precautions and adverse negative effects of serum vitamin C
Most people don’t experience negative side effects as a result of using vitamin C serum, however, there are occasions when you might be affected by:
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Dryness.
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Itching.
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Redness.
If you have sensitive skin, you should start by taking a tiny amount of L-ascorbic acids to ensure your safety.
How do you select the most effective vitamin C serum?
There are many vitamin C-based supplements available on the market with various costs. Here are a few things to be looking for:
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The correct ingredient is: Vitamin C serum doesn’t always appear as “vitamin C serum” on the label. You should search for a serum that contains “ascorbic acid” or “L-ascorbic acid,” which refers to vitamin C that has been specifically made for treating your skin.
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10%-20 Concentration: Look for a serum that’s not too strong or weak. A concentration less than 10 percent ascorbic acid won’t give you the benefits you’re looking for, however anything higher than 20% can cause extreme irritation to your skin.
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Clear bottles aren’t advised: Vitamin C serum’s light at sunset can be beautiful however if it’s properly packaged it shouldn’t be hard to identify. The ingredient is sensitive to sunlight and light, so choose the product that is protected by glasses with dark colors or shades.
How do you make the most of serum vitamin C?
Apply the vitamin C serum immediately after the cleansing (and after applying the toner, if you’re using one). It is safe to use overnight, but and is advised to apply it the next morning. Dr. Piliang recommends applying it early in the morning because it acts as a supplement to sunscreen. “They work in synergy.”
Although you may apply vitamin C to your skin on a daily basis, don’t expect results immediately.
“It takes about three months to see the effects, so be patient. “I suggest taking a picture of yourself with no makeup or anything on your face, and then photograph yourself once a month to see the effects.”
For more information on the work done by Dr. Piliang and related issues, read the Health Essentials Podcast episode, “Skin Care Tips, Tricks, and Trends.” The latest episodes of the Health Essentials podcast are released every Wednesday.
Expert Tips for Choosing a High-Quality Vitamin C Serum
You’ll find vitamin C in a few different forms, including L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl-6-palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, notes research. L-ascorbic acid is among the most researched and bioactive (or efficient) according to the study’s authors.
The price of these serums may vary from $10 to $250 per ounce. What do you need to look for? Make sure to know the amount of vitamin C (usually known as L-ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid on the label of the product, Schlessinger states). Some products may contain 10 percent of vitamin C, while others might have 15 or 20 percent.
You should seek out more than 8 percent, which is the minimum amount that is believed to be substantial biologically. The higher the concentration is, the more potent the serum, but the benefits decrease after 20 percent. 9 “Twenty percent is where it maxes out — you’re not going to get anything more powerful than that,” Saedi states.
When you are choosing a product make sure it’s enriched with vitamin E. It will help provide vitamin C more effectively.
Furthermore, C helps E transform into a more powerful form, which increases the capacity of both to combat free radicals. 10 “When vitamin C and E are combined, they work together to provide potent antioxidant protection,” Schlessinger states.
Ferulic acid can be a beneficial addition to your skin-care routine. It can help stabilize vitamin C and make it less likely to cause irritation on the skin. 8 “When these vitamins [C and E] work with ferulic acid, they enhance one another’s stability to ensure maximum benefits are achieved,” Schlessinger states.
FAQs
- Do I have to apply vitamin C serum prior to or after moisturizing cream?
Apply the vitamin C serum prior to applying moisturizer, oil for your face as well as sunblock (but you can apply a face wash and toner prior to applying the vitamin C serum).
The order in which you apply products to your skin will depend on the size of the molecules. Vitamin C serum contains smaller molecules than moisturizers, so it’s suggested to apply it first. A moisturizer can help seal the vitamin C serum.
- Do I apply Vitamin C serum during the day or at night?
Applying vitamin C serum at any point during the day is possible. It’s normal to apply vitamin C throughout the day and exfoliants or retinol at night since they shouldn’t be used simultaneously. If you choose to do this, ensure that you apply SPF when you are using vitamin C during the day.
- Who Should Use a Vitamin C Serum on Their Skin?
Vitamin C serum is a great choice for individuals of all ages who wish to boost the health and appearance of their skin. If you’re worried about the appearance of aging signs like wrinkles, uneven skin tone, or hyperpigmentation, or simply want to keep your skin looking beautiful, including vitamin C serums in your skincare routine will bring significant benefits.
In addition, people who are subject to environmental stressors like pollution or long exposure to the sun will benefit greatly from the regenerating and repair benefits of vitamin C.
VISIT ALSO: How Omega3 Helps: Unlocking the Secrets to a Healthier Life
Conclusion
Vitamin C serum is like a superhero for your skin! It fights wrinkles by helping your body build collagen, which keeps skin plump. It also protects your skin from the sun and helps fade dark spots and circles under your eyes. Look for a serum with L-ascorbic acid (around 10-20%) in a dark bottle. For extra benefits, choose one with vitamin E and ferulic acid. Apply it in the morning before sunscreen, but don’t expect results overnight – it takes a few months to work its magic. This serum is great for anyone who wants healthier, brighter skin!