The very basic steps of a skincare routine are cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. And for many people, that’s where it stops. For very young and healthy skin, that might be enough for a while. However, young skin is starting to age daily, even if it doesn’t appear to be at the moment. That’s why it’s beneficial to get ahead of the aging process, rather than try to play catch-up later.
If you haven’t heard of or thought of a vitamin C serum, pay close attention to the many benefits that come with the addition of it to your skincare routine.
First, though…what is vitamin C serum?
What is It?
Even if you have heard of vitamin C serums, you might not fully understand what it is. Vitamin C is gaining popularity and recognition in the skincare industry due to its importance in supporting and aiding the aging process. Vitamin C helps with many areas of our health, including skin health.
Sure, we can get vitamin C in our diet. But, how much of that is getting to your skin? Because there’s no way of knowing that for sure, dermatologists and estheticians realized that creating a topical vitamin C serum is the best way to guarantee it reaches the skin.
And, the serums can easily be added to your skincare routine. So, what does vitamin C do for the skin?
Vitamin C Serum Benefits
Professionals agree that there are many benefits to adding a vitamin C serum to a skincare routine. So, let’s take a look at the top 11 key benefits you could have by using a vitamin C serum for skincare…
1. It’s Safe
Vitamin C is safe for the majority of skin types, which means most people can use a topical vitamin C serum without experiencing harmful reactions over an extended period. However, studies have shown that minor and temporary irritation may occur in some people using formulas that are higher than 20% concentration. As a result, most formulas are now found with concentrations ranging between 10-20%. To help avoid irritation, you may want to start with a lower percentage if you have sensitive skin.
The addition of vitamin C is also known to be safe with additional additives such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, and SPFs.
2. Helps with Hydration
Healthy skin requires moisture, a lot of it, especially the face which is exposed to the elements of each season. And, vitamin C is a good resource for adding hydration.
Skin naturally contains significant concentrations of vitamin C. But, it can also lack it without proper replenishment. Food and supplements are rarely enough. So, a vitamin C serum for the face and neck will give your skin the optimal chance for proper hydration, because the topical concentrate will best penetrate in the form of ascorbic acid.
3. Brightens and Smoothes the Skin
Anyone who has spent a few years in the sun will either see the results of uneven pigmentation and a rougher texture, or they will in the future. Vitamin C is known to help diminish discoloration, while also smoothing its texture and eliminating dullness by slowing the production of melanin.
This all helps to give the skin a healthier and more youthful appearance.
4. Reduces Redness
Skin can turn reddish due to many reasons such as rosacea and other inflammatory contributors. Vitamin C acts as a natural anti-inflammatory reducing inflammation and redness.
The anti-inflammatory traits of vitamin C can also build the immune system and counter inflammatory immune responses, neutralize free radicals, and slow oxidative damage.
5. Helps with Hyperpigmentation
Age spots and sun spots are examples of hyperpigmentation, which develop from overproduced melanin, leaving darker spots on the skin. And, vitamin C can help them fade because it inhibits the production of melanin.
Acne can also lead to hyperpigmentation but benefit from the use of a vitamin C serum.
6. Diminishes Dark Circles Under the Eyes
Dark circles under the eyes are often a result of things such as lack of sleep, hydration, and thinning skin as we age. A topical vitamin C serum will not only help hydrate the skin but will plump the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.
7. Increases Collagen Production
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally but will deplete as we age. As a result, we will start to notice an increase in fine lines and wrinkles. However, the production of collagen is increased with the use of vitamin C
8. Sagging Skin May be Prevented
Aging skin will start to sag, as it loses collagen production. That’s because collagen is responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. And, when collagen levels begin to drop, so will your skin without finding a way to replenish it.
As mentioned above, a vitamin C serum may help to increase collagen production. When collagen is present and increased, the skin will appear firmer.
9. Replenishes Vitamin C Loss from the Sun Damage
When you spend a lot of time in the sun, your skin will lose significant levels of vitamin C leaving it vulnerable to damage. Vitamin C is known for being rich in antioxidants, and antioxidants help to protect the skin from sun damage.
If your skin is exposed to the outdoor elements, adding a vitamin C serum to your skincare is vital in protecting it from harm.
10. Soothing for Sunburns
As stated previously, vitamin C helps to reduce redness. It also stimulates cell turnover, replacing damaged cells with healthier cells.
Also, the application of topical vitamin C can reduce sunburn symptoms, especially when combined with vitamin E.
11. Promotes Wound Healing
Vitamin C helps to reduce inflammation and scarring. This is because collagen is connected to skin healing, and vitamin C helps to produce collagen.
How to Use Vitamin C Serums
Even though vitamin C serums are often well tolerated, any skincare product has the potential to cause a reaction or side effect. So, it’s highly recommended that you do a small patch test to see how your skin is going to react, before doing a full application. Do the test on a small area of skin that is not highly visible, such as your wrist. Always discontinue using the serum if you develop a rash or other uncomfortable or unusual reaction.
If you don’t have a negative reaction, apply the vitamin C serum according to the instructions on the label. Typically it will be applied 1-2 times a day, after cleansing and toning, but before you apply a moisturizer.
Vitamin C Products to Consider
So now that you know how beneficial a vitamin C serum for face and neck areas can be, you might want to know about some specific products that will meet those expectations. Here are a few…
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20% - Highly concentrated with vitamin C, this serum enriches the skin with antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage. It also boosts collagen growth to improve the elasticity of the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It tightens sagging skin for a firmer and more youthful look and also stimulates the skin to recover from previous damage and reveals a luminous, healthy glow.
SkinMedica Vitamin C+E Complex - This serum gives your skin a vitamin boost, nourishing it with a cocktail of antioxidants to protect against sun damage and free radicals and prevent premature aging. The properties of vitamin C in this serum brighten the skin for a healthy glow while stimulating collagen production to plump fine lines and wrinkles. The addition of vitamin E helps to lock in moisture and fortify its barrier to provide added protection against sun damage.
Dermavenue C & E Essential Serum with Ferulic Acid - This rejuvenating serum nourishes, hydrates, and protects the skin leaving it supple and glowing. Full of antioxidants, it minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while the properties of vitamin C brighten the complexion and fade hyperpigmentation. Ferulic acid and vitamins C and E work together to boost protection against free radical damage and prevent signs of premature aging.
Neocutis Reactive Antioxidant Serum SPF 45 - This serum offers one of the most complete defense systems available, helping to neutralize free radicals and promote antioxidant regeneration. It also provides a defense against oxidative stress with 15% Vitamin C combined with Vitamin E, while promoting antioxidant regeneration.
Jan Marini C-ESTA Face Serum Oil Control - This serum is great for oily skin, and is a powerful antioxidant cocktail, with Vitamin C and DMAE, designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and uneven skin texture while substantially reducing oil breakthrough.
There is a vitamin C serum for just about any skin type, age, and need.
In Summary
A good vitamin C serum can help diminish hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dark circles, and promote healing. However, once you find a product you like, you need to use it consistently for optimum results. Add it to your daily routine, 1-2 times a day.
Please contact Dermavenue at 800.805.3752 or chat live! We have agents available 9-5pm Pacific Time to answer any questions.
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