Vitamin C serum is a product sold globally by various manufacturers. It boasts multiple benefits to the skin. No wonder it is a global hit.
Brushing up on skincare
Skincare greatly affects a person's appearance. Gone are the days when people used to stereotype skincare women.
It is something every man wants to adopt ways to improve skin health and overall appearance.
An intensive skincare routine may be time-consuming for people. Anyone can pamper their skin by adopting a few basic skincare and lifestyle choices.
Introducing the key ingredient - Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a miracle vitamin. It does wonders to the body.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is abundantly found in citrus fruits and vegetables. It is also consumed as a dietary supplement.
Vitamin C is also called L- ascorbic acid.
It is an antioxidant that helps the body protect against free radical damage. Vitamin C also helps the body to store iron.
Our body does not have the ability to produce vitamin C. Therefore, it can be obtained through diet or as oral supplements.
As vitamin C helps protect the cells against damage, it is highly demanded in the cosmetic industry.
Vitamin C is used to make
- face washes
- face scrubs
- creams
- sunscreen
- serums and other products.
What is vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C is one of the finest anti-aging ingredients present in the market. Vitamin C is used in skincare products.
Vitamin C serum has a consistency of a liquid or gel which is applied to the skin.
It consists of
- L- ascorbic acid
- Ascorbyl-6-palmitate
- Ascorbyl phosphate
A good quality vitamin C serum would contain approximately 9-20% concentration of vitamin C.
The serum may also contain
- Tyrosine
- Zinc and a small percentage of
- Vitamin E
The science of vitamin C serum
Vitamin C is a part of the anti-oxidant family. It has five hydrocarbon rings and is a Naturally occurring antioxidant.
It forms a part of a complex group of somatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants that protect the skin.
Vitamin C is mandatory for collagen biosynthesis. It is used to stimulate collagen production in the skin.
Collagen is a protein that is responsible for maintaining healthy joints and skin.
Many skincare experts around the world praise vitamin C serum as one of the best anti-aging ingredients which also fights fine lines and brightens the skin.
What are the types of vitamin C serum?
For every person, it is important to discover the appropriate form of vitamin C for their skin type.
Vitamin C may have a stellar reputation by fighting against various skin problems.
But there is a need to break down the type of vitamin C serum to understand its benefits and drawbacks of it.
This is done to suit the requirement of an individual based on their skin type.
1. Serums with ascorbic acid
The most popular brightening serums will have labels with ascorbic acid or L- ascorbic acid.
This is the most effective molecule which penetrates the skin barrier. For such effectiveness, the serum must be properly formulated at a pH level of less than four.
2. Serums with sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Comparatively less effective than ascorbic acid, yet suitable for all skin types as it is less intense offering similar benefits.
It doesn’t mean that the serum is made out of this compound is not effective it offers benefits with minimal irritating effects for people with sensitive skin.
3. Serums with sodium ascorbate
Just like sodium ascorbyl phosphate, this compound is also a mineral salt. This offers good skin benefits like scavaging free radicals and lightening the skin
The serum made out of this compound makes it less irritating for the skin and more stable when it is exposed to light or air.
4. Serums with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
This is one of the most stable forms of vitamin C. Providing an immense hydrating effect and smooths the skin irritation with anti-inflammatory properties.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a form of vitamin C that is soluble in water. Such compounds are used in water-based serum.
5. Serums with ascorbyl palmitate
This compound is a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin C which is non-irritating for almost all skin types.
Even though this has a milder effect on the skin than ascorbic acid it can help in collagen production and combating hyperpigmentation.
This compound is also known for improving skin texture.
6. Serums with calcium ascorbate
Often referred to as Ester C, the calcium ascorbate plays an important role in collagen synthesis and tissue repair.
It also defends the skin against free radical damage and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
This process also eliminates the dark spots. Calcium ascorbate has excellent skin-hydrating effects.
It is most effective at a neutral pH level and is non-irritating to the skin.
This brings us to the most important part of the blog
What are the benefits of vitamin C serum?
Talking about skin health, there are various reasons why we should use vitamin C serum in our skincare routine.
Vitamin see has a wide profile of benefits to the skin. They are:
- Hydration
- Skin brightening
- Reducing hyperpigmentation
- Improves collagen production
- Protects against sun damage
- Helps with sunburns
- Reduces under-eye circles
- Treating acne
- Treating scars
- Redness and even skin tone
- Elasticity and
- Safe for almost every skin type.
1. Hydration
Research conducted a few years back revealed that most healthy skin contains a high concentration of vitamin C.
Serums use vitamin C derivatives like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate which hydrates the skin.
It also helps to retain moisture.
2. Brightening
Vitamin C helps the body to fight against pigmentation. When the body does it provides the skin with a nice glow.
The brightening also happens due to the barrier function that vitamin C offers.
3. Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is overproduction of melanin in particular areas of the skin.
Hyperpigmentation includes melasma, spots due to age and sunspots.
Vitamin C helps in melanin synthesis by regulating the activity of tyrosinase.
Tyrosinase is an oxidase that is an enzyme for controlling the production of melanin.
4. Collagen
Collagen is a protein that is found in the body. When there is a low level of collagen in the body it leads to fine lines and the development of wrinkles.
Vitamin C is applauded for increasing collagen production. It happens through the process of collagen synthesis.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis. This is possible because vitamin C contains the factors for collagen synthesis.
Collagen synthesis happens with the help of two enzymes from vitamin C called
Proly hydroxylase and
Lysyl hydroxylase.
The proly hydroxylase stabilizes the collagen molecule and the Lysyl hydroxylase provides the required structural strength.
5. Sun damage
Exposing skin to sunlight may cause side effects. When there is excessive exposure to UV radiation it relates to a decrease in vitamin C present in the skin.
Free radicals cause damage to the skin. Sun damage can also be caused by free radicals.
As vitamin C is rich in antioxidants they help in fighting against free radical damage and neutralizing their effects.
6. Sunburn
Vitamin C not only helps fight against free radical damage it can also reduce the injury caused by UV radiation.
Sunburns are caused due to UV radiation and few serums are available in the market with a combination of other compounds which reduces the effects of sunburn on the skin.
Vitamin C alone has minimal effect in reducing sunburn. It needs help from other compounds in order to effectively fight against sunburn.
Considering a combination serum for sunburn is recommended
7. Eye circle
Vitamin C serum can help the skin fight fine lines by hydrating them.
Under-eye circles are caused when the skin is stressed or when there is a lack of sleep.
Applying vitamin C serum in those areas can reduce them and improve the plumpness of the skin.
However, there are some other ways to get rid of under-eye bags or circles like a cold compress or using retinol.
8. Acne
Vitamin C and acne are popular topics. Of all the serums available in the market vitamin C serum has proven effective for acne treatment.
Acne is a skin condition that is marked by blocked pores or inflamed skin.
He is vitamin C is packed with benefits for the skin applying it to the affected area will promote the synthesis of collagen.
In turn, collagen builds the skin structure and promotes healthy skin. When there is an increase in collagen production in the skin then the healing of acne will be faster.
9. Scars
Acne tends to leave a scar on the skin. When vitamin C serum is applied to those areas it reduces the visibility of the scars.
This is because of the protein stimulation in the skin which brightens the complexion and fights against cell damage.
10. Redness and even skin tone
Vitamin C acts as an anti-inflammatory agent because of its antioxidant content.
Heat makes the skin smooth, plump and reduces puffiness.
Redness and uneven skin tone is caused due to the free radicals. As a neutralizing agent vitamin C fights against free radical cell damage.
This in turn will help reduce redness in the skin which can potentially create other complications.
11. Elasticity
Collagen production is related to skin elasticity and its firmness. The skin will look dull if there is a drop in the level of collagen in the body.
Applying vitamin C serum will boost collagen production, therefore, increasing the overall tightening effect of the skin and reduce sagging.
This is especially true for sagging due to age, oxidative stress damage or other various reasons.
By doing so vitamin C serum helps in reducing the appearance of sagging skin and makes it look firm.
12. Safe for almost every skin type
Vitamin C is safe. People around the world can use products with vitamin C for a considerable period of time without experiencing any negative side effects or reactions.
Choosing a product with minimal chemicals added and looking for good quality options is recommended.
Only in some cases people may experience some reactions that a dermatologist can treat.
Usage of vitamin C serum
Even though vitamin C is well tolerated among all skin types people should be careful of the side effects it can potentially cause.
Before choosing a product, a person needs to select a tiny area of skin and conceal it with the serum.
After applying the product, a person is expected to wait for a day.
If there are no side effects like rash itching or redness then the serum can be used on the face.
It is also important to understand that the products differ based on the manufacturer.
The dosage and the combinations are different. Hence before full application, the customer needs to follow the instruction on the product label.
Vitamin C serum is usually applied once and not more than twice per day.
The standard rule of thumb is to cleanse the face and apply vitamin C serum.
Choosing the right serum
When a person is ready to buy a serum there is a bit of product research.
Some of the basic elements to look in in vitamin C serum are
- L-ascorbic acid
- 10-20% combination
- Proper packaging and
- Price.
It is very important to understand that a high percentage of L- ascorbic acid doesn’t mean that the product is better.
Sometimes the combination can be strong for the skin and cause breakouts or itchiness.
A serum’s stability is affected by two main things
- Product formulation and
- Product packaging
Various product formulations are available in vitamin C serum. A dermatologist may help and recommend a person to choose the right product for the right type of skin.
It is also important to note the packaging of the product as it prevents leakage and damage to the goods.
The airtight package is also important to prevent other reactions with the serum.
In how many ways can we use vitamin C serum?
1. Applying vitamin C serum on the face
The first thing a person needs to do is a patch test and check if the serum doesn’t cause any irritation to the skin.
Once the patch test is done it is mandatory to clean the face with a cleanser or a face wash before applying the serum.
Having a clean face is the best base to apply the serum.
With clean fingers apply the serum onto the face. An important point to consider is that the serum should not be over-applied or too minimal.
The right amount of drops of serum is to be applied to the face.
After the serum is applied, we need to give time for the skin to absorb the serum and then apply a moisturizer.
After all these applying sunscreens would seal it all.
2. Treating skin conditions with vitamin C
Applying vitamin C serum with zinc will fight against bacteria that cause acne.
Applying vitamin C serum with compounds like vitamin E would prevent the skin from sun damage. Such serums can also combat the negative effects of UV rays on the skin.
There are a lot of products in the market which claims to increase the collagen in the skin for anti-aging purposes.
Vitamin C is known to increase collagen production and hence can be added to the part of an anti-aging skincare routine.
All these routines can be adopted using the above-mentioned procedure.
Usually, dermatologists recommend using vitamin C serum for people who are above 20 years old.
Even though vitamin C serum doesn’t cause much negative effect on the skin there are a few precautions to be taken.
Is vitamin C serum safe for sensitive skin?
What are the safety and precautions to follow while applying serum?
Vitamin C is usually safe and well-tolerated among people.
The potential risk is some of the serums may have various other ingredients which can cause allergic reactions to some people.
Various studies show that vitamin C goes well with almost all types of skin except for sensitive skin.
People with sensitive skin are advised to consult a dermatologist before using any product.
According to the Indian dermatology online journal study, vitamin C serum can cause yellowing of the skin, stinging sensation or dryness.
However, such side-effects are rare.
Although such irritations are unlikely, a patch test must be done before full application.
Before purchasing a vitamin C serum, it is important to know the manufacturer and opt for a higher quality product.
As the dosage and combination defer it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendation while applying the serum
Another important safety measure is to store the bottle away from direct sunlight. This may cause the serum to turn brown.
If the serum has changed colour then discard it.
To sum up
Vitamin C is crowned as the most important ingredient in skincare. It has anti-aging properties and gives the skin a healthy glow.
With the right knowledge and the right product, anyone can improve their skin health.
It is usually suitable for anyone and dermatologist recommends using the product for people over 20 years.
Even though it is safe for a majority of the population, few people may experience slight skin irritation or other allergic reactions.
It is important to consider taking advice from a dermatologist and using products that are suitable for their skin.
FAQ
1. What age is vitamin c serum recommended for?
2. Is a Vitamin C Serum Recommended For Sensitive and Acne Prone Skin?
3. How to use vitamin c serum?
1. Select a small area of skin and apply a little serum to check for irritation or other symptoms
2. Wait for one day to check for symptoms
3. If no irritation occurs, the person is free to apply on the skin
4.How to use vitamin c serum on the face at night?
5. How to make vitamin c serum at home?
1. One and half spoon distilled water
2. Half spoon of vitamin C
3. Glycerine and eye dropper.
4. Mixing it all will give a solution. This solution can be used for a very short period of time. However, purchasing products made by professionals is recommended.
6. When to use vitamin c serum day or night?
7. How to make vitamin c serum from orange peel?
Grinding the peel into a fine powder and adding a few ingredients like L ascorbic acid, distilled water and glycerine will give us a solution. This has similar effects of serum. However, buying it from a professional manufacturer would yield more results.
