If you’re into the skincare game, you’ve probably heard of a vitamin C serum.
Vitamin C is touted as one of the best anti-aging ingredients – the key to maintaining smooth, even skin and that look. Although you will most likely get vitamin C in your diet, there is no way to guarantee that it will reach your skin directly. Using serums and other topical products is the most straightforward way to reap these benefits.
Read on to find out why you should add a vitamin C serum to your skincare routine.
1- Safe for most skin types
Vitamin C has excellent safety properties. Most people can use topical vitamin C for an extended period of time without experiencing any adverse reactions. In rare cases, people with very sensitive skin may experience slight irritation.
Vitamin C Serum is also safe to use with other skin care agents, including Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Retinol, and SPF.
2. moisturizer
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, one of the main vitamin C derivatives used in skin care, has been shown to have a moisturizing effect on the skin. It reduces transepidermal water loss, allowing your skin to better retain moisture.
3. Lightens skin tone
Vitamin C can help fade pigmentation (more on this below!) and smooth the surface of the skin to reduce dullness. This gives the skin a youthful glow to the complexion.
4. Helps reduce redness and unify your skin tone
Vitamin C has also been shown to be a trusted source for treating a wide range of inflammatory skin conditions. Reducing redness can result in a more even complexion.
5. Helps fade hyperpigmentation
Increased skin pigmentation — including sun spots, age spots, and melasma — occurs when certain areas of the skin are overproduced by melanin. This can also happen in areas where acne has healed. Studies have proven that the use of vitamin C serum works to impede the production of melanin. This can help fade dark spots and lead to a more even complexion.
6. Reduces the appearance of circles under the eyes
These serums can help smooth out fine lines by unclogging pores and moisturizing the under-eye area. Although a vitamin C serum is more effective at reducing general redness, some people say it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under-eye circles.
7. Boosts collagen production
Vitamin C serum is known for its ability to increase collagen production. Collagen is a natural protein that gets depleted over time. Low levels of collagen can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
8. May help prevent sagging skin
Collagen production is related to the elasticity and firmness of the skin. When collagen levels begin to decline, your skin may begin to sag. Applying a vitamin C serum may increase collagen production, resulting in an overall tightening effectTrusted Source .
9. Protects from sun damage
Sun damage is caused by molecules called free radicals. These are atoms with a missing electron. Free radicals look for other atoms from which they can “steal” an electron – and this can lead to significant damage to the skin. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect healthy skin cells by “giving” these free radicals an electron, making them harmless.
10. May help soothe sunburn
In addition to reducing redness, vitamin C speeds up cell turnover. This replaces the damaged cells with new, healthy cells.
11. It generally helps promote wound healing
Given its effects on sunburns, it should come as no surprise that a vitamin C serum can speed up overall wound healing. Proper wound healing protects against the risk of inflammation, infection, and scarring.
How to use Vitamin C Serum
Although topical vitamin C is generally well tolerated, all skin products have the potential to cause side effects. You should always do a patch test to assess your risk of an allergic reaction. Here’s how:
1- Select a small area of skin that is easy to hide, such as your forearm.
2- Apply a small amount of the product and wait 24 hours.
3- If there are no side effects, you can put it on your face. Stop using it if you develop a rash, redness, or hives.
When it is time for full application, follow the instructions on the product label. Vitamin C serums are usually applied once or twice daily. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse, condition, apply a vitamin C serum, and then moisturize. It can be used safely with other active ingredients, although using it along with niacinamide may make vitamin C less effective.
Possible side effects and risks
Although irritation is unlikely, you should always test a small area before full application as this is the only way to determine how your skin will react to a serum. If you have particularly sensitive skin, avoid products that contain L-ascorbic acid. Products containing magnesium ascorbyl phosphate may be less likely to cause irritation.
Conclusion
Vitamin C can help treat pimples, reduce hyperpigmentation, and give your skin an unparalleled glow. Consistency in application is key to maximum effect, so add it to your routine in a way that works for you. Some people apply it in the morning to take advantage of its UV-protective properties, while others find it works best as a night cream. Stop use if you begin to feel irritation or discomfort
