How Vitamin C Serums Benefit the Skin
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On the advice of my dermatologist, I added a Vitamin C serum to my morning skincare routine. After washing my face, I apply one or two pumps of product on my face more apply moisturizer and sunscreen.
Topical application of Vitamin C can reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, protect and repair skin cells, stimulate collagen, and prevent photoaging (aging caused by UV rays) and structural aging. It makes your skin brighter and increases the effectiveness of your sunscreen (just don't skip the sunscreen)—pretty impressive for one product.
Acsorbic Acid is Vitamin C in its natural form. However, it is unstable unless it is dry. When in contact with the air and other oxidizing agents, it can be ineffective. If the formula has been poorly prepared, or if the product is old and stored improperly, it might already be ineffective. High concentrations of 10% give the best results.
However, the high potency can be irritating for the skin. Those with rosacea and sensitive skin should avoid L-Acsorbic Acid (AA) based serums. Instead, find a derivative of AA. I really like 100% Pure's Vitamin C Serum and All Natural Advice's Anti-Aging Vitamin C Serum. They both use water-soluble derivatives of Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) that many believe to be the best form for topical use. Stick with these ingredients if you have sensitive skin. Choose a water-based formula, as oil-soluble Vitamin C derivatives are not as effective.
Both those formulas are colourless/white, which is the best indicator that the products have not oxidized. They're both in amber bottles, not transparent, which keeps them fresher. Avoid Vitamin C serums in transparent bottles. Blue bottles are okay.
Skincare products are a matter of trial and error. If you're curious about trying Vitamin C serums, check out the ingredients, pick a formula that sounds suitable for your skincare routine, and start with a small amount each day to see how well your skin reacts to it.
The Best Clean Vitamin C Serums
Here are some of the best clean vitamin C serums at different price points:
What's your favourite Vitamin C serum? Let us know in the comments below.
