If you are someone who is very concerned about their skin, then you may have heard about the wonderful effects of vitamin C. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, helps to increase collagen formation and is also an anti-aging agent. But you cannot reap these benefits of vitamin c by ingesting it alone, either by taking oranges or supplements. For you to get vitamin C working for your skin, you need to apply a topical like vitamin C serum.
What Is Vitamin C Serum?
Vitamin C serum is a concentrated topical that contains vitamin C. It comes in a thin liquid or gel form and contains a high concentration of Vitamin C. The serum is to be applied directly on the skin, as you would apply any other cream or lotion you have. Many companies sell vitamin C serum under many names, but it is always specified that the topical contains vitamin C as its main or active ingredient. [1]
Why Should You Use Vitamin C Serum?
There are many reasons why you should use vitamin C serum, some of which we would discuss below. The following are some of the health benefits of vitamin C for the skin:
1. Good For Every Skin
One good thing about vitamin C serum is that it can be applied on almost any skin. So you do not have to worry about your skin type or shade before using it, as it would work greatly on your skin regardless. Studies have shown that vitamin C can boost collagen levels. [2]
2. Vitamin C Is An Antioxidant
Antioxidants are agents that help free your body from free radicals that could contaminate your cells. Some of these free radicals cause inflammation and also inhibit the production of collagen.
3. Vitamin C Slows Down The Aging Process
Another reason to use vitamin C serum is because it would slow down the aging process. This means that it would help get rid of wrinkles and other old age marks, including sagging skin. This is done by boosting collagen production, giving the face a better structure and elasticity. This leaves you with younger, fresher looking skin. [3]
4. Vitamin C Serum Moisturises Your Skin
Vitamin C Serum can also help keep your skin hydrated and revitalised by reducing moisture loss. So if you have dry skin issues, consider using vitamin C serum today. [4]
5. Vitamin C Serum Brightens Your Skin
Embrace a glowing skin today by switching to vitamin C serum. It gives your skin that youthful, bright glow without changing or altering your skin colour. It also blends your skin tone, giving you one perfect, smooth skin colour.
6. Vitamin C Protects Your Skin From The Sun
Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it helps protect your skin from sun damage, which is facilitated by free radicals in the body. It also stimulates cell production so that damaged or affected cells are replaced with newer ones.
Side Effects of Vitamin C Serum
There are a few noticeable, mild side effects from using vitamin C serum, but this depends on the skin type as some skins are very sensitive. Some of the side effects include itching, redness, and a tingling sensation that does not last.
You are advised to use the serum as specified on the product. It may take several weeks before you begin to see noticeable effects of the serum on your skin. [5]
How to use Vitamin C Serum on Your Skin
First of all, keep in mind that every skin product can potentially cause side effects. Thus, you should always do a patch test with any skin product to check your risk for allergic reaction. A patch test is a skin test done to determine which substances cause allergic inflammation of a person’s skin. This test will help you identify which substances may be causing a delayed-type allergic reaction on your skin. Here’s how to do a patch test:
- Choose a small area of skin that’s easy to conceal, like your inner wrist.
- Apply a small amount of product on that are you chose and wait for 24 hours.
- If you have no side effects, you can apply the product your face. Don’t use it if you develop a itching, redness, or rashes.
After the vitamin C serum for skin has passed the patch test then you proceed to make use of it. Here’s how to use vitamin C serum on your skin:
- Wash your face with a cleanser
- Dry your skin and apply your toner across your face
- Drop 2 to 3 drops of vitamin C serum into your palm and rub across your face
- Moisturize after 5 to 10 minutes.
- You can use once or twice a day. However you need to talk to a dermatologist to direct you on the best way to use it.
