Vitamin C Serum for your face- Your Skin’s New Bestie and Why you Should Use it
These days we are inundated with buzzwords related to anti-aging. Type in “anti-aging” in a search engine and see what I mean! How do we sort through what is the latest trend, and what shows real results?
Let me introduce you to one thing that shows real results and dermatologists love: Vitamin C Serum. This serum, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is easy to add to your daily routine, is inexpensive, and is my secret to glowing skin.
Here are my top three reasons to use a Vitamin C serum - and the one important bonus reason:
Reason 3 – Vitamin C helps reduce redness and evens out skin tone. Age, sun, alcohol and other factors can cause redness on the face. You know those pesky broken capillaries on your cheeks? Vitamin C can reduce that redness as it has been shown to work as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its antioxidant capacity. That means it can help by neutralizing free radicals. So basically, by reducing redness and irritation, your skin will look smoother. I’m in!
Reason 2 – Vitamin C serum is safe for most skin types. This is important if you have sensitive skin, but still want to reap the benefits of this serum. Just keep the concentration below 20% and watch your skin improve with consistent use. As with any new ingredient to your skincare routine, test for reaction before using routinely.
Reason 1 - Vitamin C helps fade hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C impedes melanin production and can fade hyperpigmentation. This includes sunspots, age spots, and melasma. This is huge! Anyone that has spent time in the sun can develop those pesky brown spots, especially on the perimeter of the face. Why not use an inexpensive and easy fix to address those spots?
How to use
This serum is super easy to incorporate into your daily routine. It can be used morning or night, and plays well with other skincare products, but don’t mix it with Retin A or retinaldehydes. If you use Retin A – generic Tretinoin – or creams and lotions that contain retinoids, you will want to use Vitamin C serum in the morning since Retin A is generally used at night. And of course, top off your skincare regimen with a good sunscreen, every day, especially when using Vitamin C and/or Retin-A.
After washing your face, and while the skin is damp, place a couple drops of the serum in your palms, and press into the face, neck and back of hands. That’s it! Let it absorb and then go right into your moisturizer and/or sunscreen and makeup. It’s so easy.
Where to buy Vitamin C Serum
This product is inexpensive and easy to find. I like Timeless Skincare brand, which you can find on Amazon, Timeless Skincare’s website and some Target Stores and CVS locations. It comes in a 10% or 20% formula – if you are new to this serum, start with 10%. The formula also contains Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E. Timeless Skincare Vitamin C serum is around $19.99 per ounce.
Dermatologists love the SkinCeuticals brand, and many sell this brand in their practices. It is a 15% L-Ascorbic Acid with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. SkinCeuticals has patented their formula, which may explain the hefty price tag of $169 per ounce, which places it in the “luxury” category of products.
As with the two Vitamin C serums mentioned above, the best formulations include Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E, and this combination helps stabilize the Vitamin C - which means the vitamin C will last longer. Look for serums in dark glass or opaque containers to help keep it fresh. Keep it out of sunlight and at a cool temperature – some people keep it in the refrigerator.
Now for the bonus!
The bonus reason to use vitamin C – it promotes collagen production! There are not many products or ingredients that can make that claim. Collagen production slows down with age and other factors. Why does this matter? Because that loss of collagen can cause lines and wrinkles, so anything that helps in that area is making it into my daily routine.
I hope this information was helpful to you. Take care, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen, everyday!!!
Kelly😎
