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If there are two things I cannot live without, they are the sea and Vitamin C. The sea revives me from within, whereas Vitamin C revives my skin from the outside. With newer ingredients such as glycolic acid, retinol, niacinamide, and salicylic acid taking centre stage, we have sidelined this OG ingredient that has been around for years, if not centuries – vitamin C.
According to a study, vitamin C has been shown to reduce signs of photoaging, ultraviolet-induced immunosuppression, and dullness caused by various reasons. Vitamin C is also one of the biggest sources of antioxidants that help reduce signs of ageing, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. Not only does vitamin C have its own benefits but it is also a great replenisher for vitamin E. Together they control oxidative damage.
Vitamin C also offers the best results when used the right way. Let’s look at some of the benefits in detail and how to use vitamin C serum the right way for amazing results.
Benefits Of Vitamin C Serum
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Anti-Ageing Elixir
Vitamin C helps reduce signs of matured and photoaged skin. It reduces wrinkles and fine lines with consistent use to reveal the inner glow. Vitamin C also neutralises free radicals caused due to UV damage that makes your skin look more aged, as per research.
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Antioxidant-Rich
Vitamin C or skin-active L-ascorbic acid is present in our skin cells and every day we lose some due to the harmful UV rays. Vitamin C is one of the most antioxidant-rich ingredients that replenish our skin’s oxidative levels.
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Collagen Booster
Collagen forms one-third of our skin’s protein levels and vitamin C is a natural collagen booster that helps keep our skin strong, firm, and bouncy. It also increases the cell regeneration process leaving us with more youthful and firmer skin.
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Glow Giver
Goes without saying, but vitamin C is the absolute best when it comes to reversing any kind of dullness caused due to pigmentation, uneven skin tone, discolouration, dark spots, and scars. It evens out your complexion and brightens your skin from within.
How To Apply Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a water-soluble ingredient that gets absorbed into your skin very quickly. So make sure your face is well-hydrated and freshly washed. The best way to make sure your skin absorbs all of the product is to very cleanse it with a non-comedogenic, hydrating, and water-based cleanser.
Once your face is clean take 2–3 drops of the serum and directly apply it to your face. Make sure you don’t touch the dropper to your face and angle your face in such a way that none of the product rolls off your face.
Don’t take the serum onto your palms or fingers either because as mentioned before, vitamin C is quick-absorbant in nature and it will enter into the deeper layers of your fingertips and hands, wasting most of the product.
Once you drop the serum onto your face, with clean hands dab the product in a circular motion. Make sure you cover your whole face especially areas with more dark spots and pigmentation.
Once the serum is in wait for a few minutes for it to be completely absorbed before applying a moisturiser to lock it in. A moisturiser will make sure the serum doesn’t get evaporated during the day while keeping your skin hydrated.
Finish the routine with sunscreen if you are incorporating vitamin C in your morning routine. You can also choose to apply vitamin C at night because it works great irrespective of the time of day.
When to Apply Vitamin C Serum
Although vitamin C as an ingredient is compliant with a morning and night routine, several skin experts suggest applying it in the morning. Vitamin C helps protect your skin from various environmental stressors such as dust, pollution, sun damage, and other impurities. The antioxidants in vitamin C also neutralise free radicals that are most likely to occur during the day. You can also apply it at night but, the results don’t vary it offers extra protection to your skin in the morning. Nonetheless, whenever you apply, make sure to maintain consistency and frequency. Don’t skip any days and apply it around the same time every day for the product to offer the best results.
Mistakes To Avoid While Applying Vitamin C
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Irregularity
Make sure to apply a vitamin C serum every day at the same time to maintain consistency and efficacy. Experts suggest using products you use daily to be used at the same time every day so the formulation can be fully absorbed and your skin has enough time to breathe as well. This makes sure your product is not wasted or overconsumed by your skin either.
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Mixing
Vitamin C is an active ingredient that can react worse if paired with the wrong ingredient. Make sure to never mix vitamin C with niacinamide, AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, vitamin A, or benzol peroxide. These ingredients are also highly reactive and can even cancel each other out.
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Order Of Application
Make sure your skin is well hydrated and slightly damp before you apply the serum because the serum with not spread evenly as vitamin C is a water-soluble formulation. Ideally, you only need to cleanse your face before applying a serum but if your skin is too oily apply a toner first which will tighten your open pores and then follow it up with a serum. Lock in the serum with a moisturiser and sunscreen to ensure the serum gets to do its job while moisturiser hydrates and the sunscreen protects.
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Concentration
Vitamin C serums can range from a concentration of 2% to 20%. Consider consulting a dermatologist before indulging in a vitamin C-heavy serum, it might be too potent for your skin causing damage.
How To Determine the Right Concentration For Your Skin Type
As a rule of thumb, if your skin has not been introduced to vitamin C then start with a lower concentration, ideally around 5%–10%. You can slowly make your way to higher concentrations that go up to 20% for better results. If you have dry to normal skin type and your skin is generally susceptible to newer formulations then you can directly indulge in a 10–15% concentration. But if you have sensitive skin we recommend using a lower concentration. The same goes for acne-prone and oily skin types.
Best Vitamin C Serums To Try
Here’s a list of our top recommendations for Vitamin C serums on Nykaa.
Parting Thoughts
In conclusion, vitamin C serum plays several important roles when it comes to improving your skin health and appearance. From protecting your skin from impurities and environmental stressors to reversing signs of ageing and dullness, vitamin C is an all-rounder in the skincare ecosystem. Not only is vitamin C a curative ingredient but it is also a preventative formulation that can stop your skin from dull and saggy. The antioxidants and collagen boosters make your skin feel younger, firmer, and stronger.
FAQs
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How do I apply vitamin C serum to my face?
Cleanse your skin first to ensure it is hydrated. Then, take 2–3 drops of the serum and apply it directly to your face without the dropper touching your skin. Pat don’t rub the product and make sure you cover your whole face. Wait for the product to be completely absorbed before you apply a moisturiser to seal the serum in.
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What are the rules for applying vitamin C serum?
Never mix it with other active ingredients such as AHA, BHA, retinol, niacinamide, and benzol peroxide to avoid nullifying the benefits and preventing any reactions.
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Can I use vitamin C serum without moisturiser?
You can use a vitamin C serum without a moisturiser but it is recommended to follow a serum with a moisturiser to lock in the benefits and make sure your skin is hydrated all day long.
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How to store vitamin C serum?
Store vitamin C in a cool dark place away from sunlight. UV exposure can make the formulation go bad. Choose a dark, tinted, or opaque bottle to begin with to avoid any light penetration. Close the lid tightly and try to keep the bottle erect at all times. You can also store vitamin C serum in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. Always remember to throw the product out if it has crossed its expiration date or the product seems slimy, gritty, or gooey.
