Continue With Facebook 
Continue With Google Why You NEED a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serums are popular for a reason. According to dermatologists, they can treat a wide range of skin complaints ranging from uneven skin tone to fine lines, acne scars and dullness. In fact, vitamin C can pretty much address any skin concern. That's why it's one of the most in-demand skincare ingredients today.
In case you're wondering if or why you need a vitamin C serum in your skincare routine, here's why.
WHAT IS VITAMIN C?
With regards to skincare, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant capable of regenerating the skin, repairing damaged skin cells, and neutralizing free radicals. Topical application of this antioxidant can also offer healing, smoothing, and brightening effects to skin.
Vitamin C's free-radical-fighting power not only fends off signs of aging, but protects the skin from precancerous changes caused by UV exposure. In other words, using vitamin C products daily could prevent issues like sun damage.
Nowadays, you will find vitamin C in a slew of skincare products, including cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. It's typically listed as "l-ascorbic acid" on the back of ingredient lists. So, look out for that word if you're trying to distinguish whether or not a product contains vitamin C.
BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is a sun-shielding, anti-aging, and acne-banishing skincare ingredient that very much deserves a place in your skincare regimen.
For starters, its ability to fight and neutralize free radicals helps protect your skin from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, promoting healthy skin. But that's not all!
"It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help with acne; it evens out skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis through an enzyme; it helps stimulate collagen production, which helps with wrinkles and fine lines; and it brightens, so your skin will look smoother, glowy, energized, and healthy," explains Shari Sperling, DO, a New Jersey-based dermatologist.
Topical vitamin C usage is vital for maintaining skin health. Since it offers so many skin benefits, almost everyone can benefit from incorporating vitamin C formulations into their routines.
WHY YOU NEED A VITAMIN C SERUM
Regardless of your skin type, everyone can gain something when they use vitamin C on a regular basis. Even sensitive skin types can use vitamin C creams and serums without worrying about a flareup of redness and irritation. You may want to consult your dermatologist before using if you have a skin condition such as eczema or rosacea.
If you're looking to diminish dark spots, boost your skin's brightness, smooth out fine lines, and improve acne, vitamin C is a go-to. The derms recommend making it a daily staple in your routine to address any skin concerns and boost your overall skin health.
HOW TO USE A VITAMIN C SERUM
According to dermatologist Kristina Goldenberg, M.D., "The key is not the vehicle that vitamin C comes in, but the form of vitamin C that is being applied." The term to look for is L-ascorbic acid), which is the most stable form of vitamin C in skin care. You should also shop for a high concentration of L-ascorbic acid with a percentage between 10 and 20%. Anything under 8% isn't enough to provide the benefits you see. Anything over 20% will most likely cause irritation.
If you're new to using the ingredient on your skin, start slowly. Introduce it gradually into your routine, applying it one day on, one day off for the next month. This way, your skin will be able to adjust to the ingredient and you'll minimize your risk of side effects like irritation, dryness, and redness. You only need a few drops for each application. Avoid over-applying vitamin C serum, as more doesn't necessarily mean better.
After cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating with a moisturizer or serum, layer your vitamin C serum on before finishing up with SPF. While you should be wearing sunscreen every day anyway, pairing vitamin C with SPF can maximize its skin-protecting effects and lessen the effects of oxidative stress on your skin. For best results, use daily as part of your skincare regimen.
WHAT INGREDIENTS DOES VITAMIN C PAIR WELL WITH?
"Vitamin C effectiveness [also] increases when combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E," explains board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, M.D. "Together, they can provide double protection against free-radical damage."
Contrary to belief, you can actually pair vitamin C with retinol. The derms used to say you couldn't use them together because they cancel each other out. Turns out, that's not actually the case. The only rule when pairing these two actives is to use vitamin C first, wait thirty minutes, and then apply retinol. But generally speaking, it's definitely safe to pair the two.
Vitamin C also pairs well with ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, and many more ingredients.
SHOP VITAMIN C SKINCARE
Looking for the best vitamin C skincare products? We've got two we think you'll like very much!
Smooth Serum
This Age Defender Face Serum fends off fine lines and wrinkles while leaving the skin with a radiant, youthful glow. Formulated with vitamin C and vegan collagen, these two ingredients work in tandem to stimulate collagen production, boost elasticity, and give the skin a beautiful glow. It can also treat other skin concerns such as pigmentation issues, acne, and rough skin texture.
Smooth Mask
Smooth Mask is a lightweight jelly mask formulated with vegan collagen and vitamin C, and designed to prevent fine line formation. You can use it on the face and body. Wherever your skin needs glow!
Vitamin C is a skincare staple for so many reasons. Look for it in your cleansers, serums, and lotions. It's the elastin-boosting, brightening superpower you need in your skincare cabinet.
If you have any concerns about introducing a vitamin C serum into your skincare regimen, visit your local dermatology office for advice. If you have a skin condition like eczema, it's important to get the go-ahead from your derm that it's safe to use on your skin.