Remember, potential vitamin C serum side effects include itching, redness, irritation, tingling, and burning. If you experience any of these when using vitamin C, or any skincare product, it's best to shelve it.
Vitamin C products are generally safe when applied topically. But people with very sensitive skin or allergies may experience a yellowish colour change of the skin. A few may have irritation like stinging, itching, and dryness after using topical vitamin C.
Chiu warns that because vitamin C is a skin-care “active”—meaning it's particularly potent—applying too much of it on your face can potentially lead to more breakouts or irritation. Keep it to a max of two applications a day when a formula that has no more than 10% vitamin C each time.
"Some individuals may experience redness, stinging or itching when using high-concentration vitamin C products," he warns. To minimize risk, he recommends starting with a lower concentration serum, "between 5% and 10%," to make sure there isn't any reaction before buying higher concentrated levels.
As mentioned earlier, vitamin C is safe for daily use. In fact, daily usage is best when it comes to this ingredient. However, when using skincare with vitamin C, you need to be aware of the other ingredients that you're mixing it with.
Schlessinger says people with very sensitive skin should consult with a dermatologist before use, since potent forms of vitamin C can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Vitamin C serum may result in yellowing of the skin or clothes, stinging, or dryness, though those effects are rare.
Skin benefits of vitamin C
A few clinical studies have demonstrated that vitamin C can improve wrinkles. One study showed that daily use of a vitamin C formulation for at least three months improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles of the face and neck, as well as improved overall skin texture and appearance.
If you have sensitive skin, you may be more likely to experience some of these common side effects when using vitamin C topically: Itching. Redness. Skin irritation.
pH of vitamin C serum
According to the expert, the foremost deciding factor is the pH of the serum. So, if the pH is anywhere between 3-3.5 or even 2.5 to 3.5, your vitamin C can work. However, when the pH gets higher there is not enough active vitamin C for it to be effective.
Vitamin C serum (leave to absorb for 1-2 minutes)
Dr Khan explains: “With vitamin C, you want to get the most out of the product by not diluting it.
Vitamin C is best used in concentrations between 5% and 15% and should be applied once daily after cleansing in the morning or night. Keep in mind that vitamin C is highly acidic, which may lead to skin irritation. To avoid any irritations, test a small area of your skin before applying it to your face.
Acids, vitamin C serums and retinoids can all cause purging. Purging is an initial acne breakout that can occur when you're starting a new active skincare product—one that causes your skin cells to turn over more quickly. Products that can trigger purging include: Hydroxy acids (AHAs, BHAs and PHAs) and fruit acids.
Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient in many anti-aging products. Some studies show that it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles when you use it for at least 12 weeks. A healthy diet that's high in this nutrient might help, too. Research suggests that people who eat more vitamin C have fewer wrinkles.
Balance and including all of them is ideal, but the best vitamins for face wrinkles in particular appear to be vitamins A, C and E, all of which help support skin's natural renewal processes and protect it with valuable antioxidants.
Vitamin E and Vitamin C are both crucial in the fight against aging. However, due to its capacity to increase collagen, vitamin C is particularly beneficial for treating the fine lines, wrinkles, and elasticity loss brought on by aging skin.
Vitamin C is essential for an even skin tone and a glowing complexion. The daily requirement of vitamin C is 90 mg in men and 75mg in women in normal, healthy conditions. Citrus fruits such as lemons, tangerine, grapefruit, etc.
In the absence of SPF, you may notice at times that your skin is easily tanned. Either tan or your skin may have turned into a funny orange or peach-ish color. It is because Vitamin C is extremely potent but it can easily react with the air, light and heat in the environment to only make your skin appear darker.
Well, when it comes right down to it, the choice is really in what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is incredible for the skin because of its ability to help brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, the best active ingredient for wrinkles is retinol.
“Vitamin C also inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that makes dark spots in the skin.” To get the antioxidant effect of Vitamin C use a daily moisturizer that can help protect your skin.
Generally speaking, the best time to apply vitamin C serum is in the morning, after cleansing and toning your complexion, and before moisturizer and SPF. If you want to maximize the perks, and don't have overly sensitive skin, you can apply it in the morning and evening.
Add one to two drops to your moisturizer at night and after mixing the two, gently spread the mixture on your skin. By gradually adding the acid to your moisturizer, you're diluting the formula a bit which can help your skin get used to the pure vitamin C.