If you're looking to simplify or improve your skincare routine, a vitamin C serum might be the answer. Vitamin C is a miracle vitamin that can do it all: heal, shield and enhance your skin's beauty. Unfortunately, not all vitamin C serums are the same. The effectiveness of your serum and the condition of your skin will depend on many factors such as the concentration, the ingredients and even the dispenser or bottle it comes in. We prepared this detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
How To Pick the Right Vitamin C Serum
Form
The ingredient label for vitamin C may appear in various names, but the most effective one you should look for is L-ascorbic acid. Compared with popular vitamin C derivatives, L-ascorbic acid demonstrates high absorption qualities. Make sure this beneficial ingredient is listed towards the top of the list, ideally among the first five.
Concentration level
In terms of the concentration level, the optimal range is between 10 and 20 percent. To achieve the maximum possible effect, you should aim for a concentration greater than 8 percent. Remember, concentration levels over 20 percent may cause discomfort and not have beneficial effects.
Ingredients
Vitamin C and vitamin E (also known as L-ascorbic acid and tocopherol, respectively) should be present in the product you're looking at, so make sure you read the label carefully. Consider these skin-boosting supplements as a pair of good friends. Vitamin E helps to stabilize vitamin C, ensuring optimal skin protection. Glutathione, vitamin C's partner, is another antioxidant that complements vitamin C.
Packaging
Your serum's quality can deteriorate if it’s exposed to air, light or heat. Instead of an air pump, you should look for an option that comes packaged in a dark glass bottle and features a medicine dropper as the delivery method.
A tube will also do the trick. In order to extend the product's shelf life, it’s recommended to place it in the refrigerator after purchase. If a business truly values its consumers and its products, it would provide maintenance guidelines.
Price
The cost of a vitamin C serum has little to do with how well it works; rather, the quality is established by the serum's formulation and concentration. Prices range from $25 all the way up to more than $100.
Benefits of Using Vitamin C Serum and When to Apply It
Given that vitamin C is an antioxidant, it can be used to counteract the effects of free radicals and so reduce or postpone the deterioration of cells that occurs when exposed to UV radiation and other environmental hazards. While drinking orange juice first thing in the morning can help your body's defenses, topical application of vitamin C provides the most benefits and protection.
But there's another reason why you shouldn't limit yourself to applying citrus slices to your cheeks. When you DIY, you have no control over the quality and occasionally it's even dangerous. It's simply ineffective as well.
This is because when you eat, drink or take ascorbic acid, another name for vitamin C, our skin only gets a small amount of the benefits. But putting vitamin C in a serum form after it has been changed chemically makes it easier for our skin to absorb more of it.
Use a vitamin C serum after cleansing and toning your face in the morning and evening. According to one study, vitamin C serum should be used every eight hours or twice every day for maximum protection. These can include the pollution from cars, the toxins in cigarette smoke and some chemicals, and the negative effects of over-processed food.
Don't panic if you miss an application deadline. Unlike sunscreen, moisturizers and oils, vitamin C cannot be easily removed by wiping or washing. Although the antioxidant and free radical fighting effects of vitamin C wear off over time, a sufficient reserve can be built up to ensure continued safety from the sun. Applying once every eight hours will get you there.
UV rays also decrease the skin's vitamin C levels. It’s preferable to apply topical vitamin C after being exposed to UV rays rather than before.
How to Apply Vitamin C Serum
Some types of vitamin C are unstable and the antioxidant can react with other substances. Here is the ideal way to apply vitamin C serum so that you may reap its full benefits.
Wash your face
It's important to wash your face before applying vitamin C serum so that it doesn't react negatively with any lingering contaminants.
Use an essence or toner
Use a toner or essence to restore the skin's natural pH level. Do not use toners that also include acids or exfoliates.
Apply it to the face, chest and neck
Vitamin C serums with added ferulic acid can improve the stability and efficacy of L-ascorbic acid, which you should apply to your face, neck and chest.
Form a protective seal
To form a protective seal around your skin, avoid retinol-containing lotions while moisturizing the skin.
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