The ultimate guide to mastering vitamin C in skin care

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Skin Care If you’ve been to TikTok, you’ve probably seen dermatologists and skin care enthusiasts talking about vitamin C. The latest in a series of viral hero ingredients, vitamin C is best known for helping fight age spots and age spots. Promotes collagen production and keeps skin plump and smooth.

“Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Aife Rodney, a cosmetic dermatologist at FAAD. “It also brightens skin tone by reducing melanin production in the skin and protects it from UV damage and environmental pollutants.”

Vitamin C has skin-nurturing properties, so it’s no wonder it’s included in cleansers, moisturizers, and serums. But adding new ingredients to your skin care routine can be a little nerve-wracking, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. To achieve your skin goals, it’s important to understand how different ingredients work on your specific skin type.

We spoke to skin care experts to explain all the details you need to know about vitamin C before stocking up on it.

What are the benefits of vitamin C for the skin?

You may be familiar with the benefits of drinking a glass of orange juice in the morning, but vitamin C has amazing benefits for your skin. Just as taking supplements supports your immune system and keeps your body in tip-top shape, topical use can boost collagen production and help fade dark spots and fine lines. “Vitamin C can help those with uneven or dark skin, helping to even out skin tone. It also reduces brown spots caused by sun damage,” says FAAD’s Double Board Certified Beauty Skin. says physician Dr. Karan Lal.

What is the best way to incorporate vitamin C into your skin care routine?

You’ve probably seen various products promoting vitamin C as a standout ingredient, but finding out the best ways to incorporate vitamin C into your daily life can increase its effectiveness and give you more noticeable results. may be possible. According to Lal, “It’s best to take vitamin C every morning to fight the free radicals we come in contact with every day.”

If you tend to use other serums on a daily basis, try adding some vitamin C to the mix for added effectiveness. “Use this in the morning after your hyaluronic acid serum and before your moisturizer and sunscreen,” continues Lal.

How often should I use vitamin C?

Depending on your skin type, it is best to start using vitamin C gradually to avoid any negative effects on your skin. Once you’ve decided that vitamin C works for you, adding it to your daily routine is the best way to see noticeable results and prevent skin problems like sun damage and fine lines.

Are there specific skin types that should avoid vitamin C?

Before using any skin care product, it is essential to do a quick check of your skin to know your skin type and understand exactly what your skin needs. Knowing what problems you’re targeting not only makes the process of introducing new products much easier, but also prevents potential damage to your skin.

“For sensitive skin, vitamin C can cause redness, irritation, and even acne flare-ups,” says Rodney. “Before using it all over your face, do a patch test on a small area of ​​your skin to see if it suits you. Then, start by using the vitamin C serum every other day and gradually work your way up. Please increase it to daily use.

Does vitamin C have different effects on certain skin types?

“Vitamin C is good for all skin types and tones, but it’s especially helpful if you have age spots or pigmentation. Even if you don’t have any discoloration on your skin, vitamin C can help you achieve a brighter, fresher glow.” It helps,” Rodney says. “It’s great for acne- and rosacea-prone skin by reducing redness and inflammation, and it’s also good for collagen production, making it perfect for aging skin prone to fine lines,” she continues.

The active form of vitamin C can be a little too strong for certain skin types, so looking for a product that’s a little gentler is also a good option. In this case, Lal suggests choosing ingredients such as “magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, and ascorbyl glucoside.”

Does using vitamin C have any negative effects on the skin?

Introducing active ingredients into your skin care routine is not a one-size-fits-all. Fortunately, reactions to vitamin C are not very difficult to avoid. “I recommend vitamin C to many of my patients because the adverse effects are mild and easy to avoid,” Rodney says. “As with any skin care product, it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, be sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher in your skin care after applying a vitamin C serum.” ”

Many people, especially those who are sensitive, tend to worry about breakouts from new products. Remember to take it slow and see if your skin can take in vitamin C without side effects. “If you have particularly sensitive skin, start slowly and gradually increase to daily use to prevent irritation,” advises Rodney.

Also, to ensure you’re reaping all of the benefits of vitamin C, it’s important to know what other ingredients to use regularly in your skin care routine. “You need to make sure you’re not using AHA/BHA or retinoids at the same time, as vitamin C can be inactivated,” says Lal.

What is the best vitamin C serum to use?

CE Ferric

good c vitamin c serum

Violet-C Brightening Serum

Vitamin C Brightening Booster Serum

Pro Heal Serum Advance+

CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum

C-Pharma Fresh Day Serum

Super C Ferric