Things You Need To Know Before Using Vitamin C
Today I’ll be writing about one of my top favorite ingredient for skin and health, Vitamin C. Its an ingredient found in a lot of cosmetics, from cleansers to serums to face masks, etc. You know that Vitamin C is good, but don’t know how to get the most benefit from it? Well, this post will help you.
Vitamin C is a very popular ingredient in skin care at this time. Many people want to know about Vitamin C and how to use it. There is a lot of information out there about this vitamin but it is kind of confusing. I’ll try to cover as much about Vitamin C as I can in this blog, so hopefully, you won’t need to go and search for more information on Vitamin C after reading this article.
So let’s get to it..
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a very powerful anti-oxidant. When added into your skin care correctly, Vitamin C can drastically improve your skin health. It brightens the complexion, heals scars and much more. It is an active ingredient.
Skin Benefits Of Vitamin C
- Vitamin C resolves hyper-pigmentation because of its exfoliating and brightening properties.
- It can re-boost collagen production, therefore, it helps in anti-aging. It makes your skin look younger and plump.
- Vitamin C also reduces and prevents sun damage.
- Skin experts say that the best time to use Vitamin C is at night time to get the most benefits. When your skin cells relax and absorb whatever you give them so that you can get the most out of it
Ways To Use Vitamin C
Serums
Serums are the most common form in which Vitamin C is used. It contains the most potent form of Vitamin C that is called Ascorbic Acid or L-Ascorbic Acid. Serums are used as treatments on your skin. They have a tingling effect but a little tingling is perfectly normal.
Vitamin C serums tend to oxidize quickly if not stored in a cool place. Never buy a serum that is stored in a clear bottle, serums should be in dark bottles. If you are new to using Vitamin C then you should start by 5% concentration and increase according to your skin tolerance. You should not go higher than 20% for daily use.
Moisturizers
These days many brands are launching moisturizers with Vitamin C. They have a small amount of Vitamin C so that they can be used on a regular basis, not targeting a specific skin problem like serums. They provide a brightening effect. Vitamin C moisturizers are a great way of incorporating Vitamin C in your skin care.
Cleansers
Cleansers with Vitamin C also contain small amounts of it, that makes it easier for starting out with Vitamin C. They have a brightening effect and can be used on a daily basis.
Creams
Vitamin C creams are also used as treatments. They are recommended by dermatologists for a specific skin condition like hyperpigmentation. Most Vitamin C creams contain Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C.
This ingredient did wonders for me in my worst skin days ♡. It worked for me when nothing else seemed to be working. Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is great for sensitive skin and does not have any tingling sensation. It also does not oxidize as quickly as ascorbic acid serums. However, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate cannot be used regularly for the long term.
Masks
Vitamin C masks provide an instant boost of Vitamin C in your skin, leaving your skin feeling bright, hydrated and plump. Using Vitamin C masks often will reduce hyper-pigmentation, scars and increase collagen production.
Here is a Vitamin C benefit chart I found online:
Vitamin C Dont’s
AHAs/BHAs
AHAs, BHAs, and Vitamin C are all acidic ingredients, so if they are used together, they can cause redness and irritation. All 3 of these also provide exfoliation. When mixed together they can cause burning and damage to the skin. To avoid this, use AHAs/BHAs in the morning and Vitamin C at night, or vice versa.
Retinol (Vitamin A)
The PH levels of Vitamin A does not interact well with those of Vitamin C. As a result, they end up canceling each other out and making both products ineffective. Sometimes, the reaction can even cause redness.
Vitamin C Do’s
Vitamin E
Vitamin C and E are anti-oxidants. Using them together boosts their anti-oxidant properties. Both vitamins neutralize the free radicals generated during sun exposure, providing more skin protection. Vitamin C and E both work together in maintaining a healthy balance of collagen.
Niacinamide
There is a myth that says Vitamin C must not be used with Niacinamide, as they counteract and cancel each others’ effectiveness and can react and cause skin irritation. But this is not true, this myth is based on a very old study. Actually, the latest studies have found that Niacinamide and Vitamin C help each others’ functions when used together.
Hyaluronic Acid
HA (Hyaluronic Acid) is a powerful humectantthat works to grab onto moisture and bind it to the skin. It improves your skin’s ability to hold hydration and infuse it into deep layers. HA and Vitamin C are both repairing agents and both have anti-aging properties. If used together, they can resolve skin dehydration issues, fine lines and wrinkles quicker than they would when used separately.
To Conclude:
- Vitamin C is a popular skin care ingredient that has many benefits for the skin.
- It is mostly used as a topical treatment in forms of serums and creams.
- The most effective form of Vitamin C that worked wonders for me is Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
- If you are new to Vitamin C then start by a Vitamin C moisturizer or a serum that has 5% concentration.
- The only side effect Vitamin C can have is skin irritation, only in the case when you use higher amounts of it or use it with an ingredient that can cause irritation.
So now you know about Vitamin C. I bet you are in love with this ingredient and will start using it and make it a part of your derm rituals.
