Guide on Vitamin C Serum – How To’s, Benefits & many more

Written by: Kaushik Jethva

Last Updated: November 30, 2022

vitamin c guide
A bottle of vitamin C layered on top of citrus fruits.

While paying attention to skincare, you might have heard about a vitamin C serum. A smooth, even, glowing complexion is attributed primarily to vitamin C products, which are considered one of the best ingredients for pro-aging support.

The water-soluble vitamin C can be found naturally in many citrus fruits and vegetables. Fruits with tart or sour flavors, such as orange, sweet lime, lemon, and strawberry, contain it consistently. Skincare experts and dermatologists have stressed the multiple benefits of topical vitamin C for acne, uneven skin tone, and premature wrinkles.

Due to the immense popularity of topical vitamin C products in a skincare routine, it has become essential to comprehend how this potent antioxidant can be used to its maximum potential. In this article, we will discuss how and when to apply vitamin C serum and a few tips to make it more efficient, so you can get the utmost benefits in the shortest amount of time.

1 How to apply Vitamin C serum for all skin types

Step 1: Perform a patch test on your inner wrist area to make sure there is no allergic reaction while using vitamin C. Apply a single drop and gently rub to find whether vitamin C is allergic to you or not. Since the area here is sensitive, watch the skin for 24 hours to check if vitamin C irritates your skin or not.

Step 2: Start using vitamin C serum once in the initial phase. Your skin can absorb more serum during the day than at night. So it makes sense to apply the serum in the morning. Remember to use broad-spectrum sunscreen after you apply the serum.

Step 3: Rinse your face with cool water and apply a small quantity of face wash. If you have acne-prone skin, use a good face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide.

Step 4: Pat dry the face using a clean towel. Take a cotton ball and soak it in facial toner. Evenly apply the toner across your face, but do not go near your eyes. Give some time for the toner to dry out before you use the vitamin c serum.

Step 5: Gently press and add a small amount of vitamin C serum to the palm with the dropper. Rub both hands and start applying the serum on your forehead and cheeks. Gently massage the whole face in a circular motion and let your skin absorb the serum.

Step 6: Wait for 10-20 minutes before you can feel your skin has completely absorbed the serum. Now, massage the face with a good moisturizer to protect your skin and let the serum show its wonders.

Note: Avoid applying the serum on your face if you find vitamin C causes a skin reaction. In this case, always consult a dermatologist and inform them how your skin reacts to a vitamin C serum.

2 Benefits of Vitamin C Serums

vitamin c serum benefits
A dropper bottle of Vitamin C Serum.

Boosts collagen production and reduces the rate of premature aging

As we age, collagen (a natural protein in our skin) starts to deplete. A lack of collagen can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. It is well known that vitamin C assists your body to produce collagen by boosting collagen synthesis.

Brightens your skin's appearance

Vitamin C serum is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help you reduce redness and improve your complexion. Daily application of vitamin C serum can repair the dark and damaged cells and provide a whole new cell turnover which will leave you a bright and healthy skin.

Anti-Inflammatory properties

Vitamin C serum helps in reducing skin irritation and lightens your skin tone by reducing dark spots and dark circles.

Protects against direct sunlight and UV rays

Vitamin C levels in the skin are depleted by excessive exposure to oxidants such as environmental aggressors and sun exposure. Aged skin with sun damage can also have lower levels of vitamin C. Skin health is affected by the free radicals caused by sun damage. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C protect the healthy cells of the skin.

Aids in the wound healing process

As mentioned earlier, Vitamin C can speed up wound healing when applied topically. An uninfected wound heals more quickly, which reduces your risk of infection, inflammation, and scarring.

According to a review, vitamin C supplements boost antioxidant levels in the body and the skin, which promotes skin healing and growth.

3 A step-by-step guide to making Vitamin C serum at home

ingredients for making vitamin c serum
Essential ingredients used in making a Vitamin C serum at home.

Making your vitamin C serum is as easy as following this recipe:

List of Active Ingredients:

  • Vitamin C tablets – 2
  • Glycerin – 1 tablespoon
  • Rose Water – 2 tablespoon
  • Vitamin E capsule – 1
  • Aloe vera gel – 1 tablespoon
  • Dropper bottle made of glass – 1

Steps to Follow:

Step 1: Take a bowl of warm water. Add 2 spoons of rose water into the bowl and mix it with 1 spoon of aloe vera gel. Stir well to ensure that lumps are not left behind.

Step 2: After the ingredients get completely water soluble, crush and add vitamin C capsules into the bowl.

Step 3: The next step is to add 1 spoon of glycerin or you can use any non-comedogenic oil. Both oil and glycerin act as a base for vitamin C serums.

Step 4: If you want your serum to be more moisturizing, you can find a vitamin E capsule, split it and add some drops into the bowl. Its soothing and moisturizing properties allow it to soften your skin.

Step 5: Stir the mixture until it’s well combined. That’s all! Your vitamin C serum with the properties of a gentle cleanser is ready to fight free radicals and skin issues. Pour the vitamin C serum into the glass bottle with the help of a funnel. Cap the bottle with a lid.

Note: Due to the fact, oil and water get separated over a few weeks. Give the serum a good shake each time you use it to keep the serum fresh.

4 When should you apply vitamin c serum?: The perfect skincare routine for your skin type

Our researchers found that is it advisable that you apply vitamin C serum after you clean and tone your face in the morning, before applying moisturizer, or before you apply SPF. The best time for applying vitamin c serum is two times a day in the morning and evening if you’ve got sensitive skin.

According to general guidelines, you should typically apply skincare products in ascending order of their consistency, from thinnest to thickest.

Note: Skin care products containing alpha hydroxy acids, retinol, and SPF can also be combined with vitamin C to benefit the skin.

5 Vitamin C product: Stability and Consistency

The stability of a vitamin C serum is affected by two factors: packaging and formulation. However, some popular vitamin C derivatives are popular to retain the effect of vitamin C serum for longer time frames:

  • Ascorbyl Palmitate
  • Magnesium ascorbyl Phosphate
  • L ascorbic acid

Make sure that the vitamin C serum is water free or with a lower concentration. Moreover, try to use an air-tight and opaque bottle and store the bottle in a dry and cool place.

6 Wrapping Up

Despite the fact that we consume vitamin C in our diet, there is no way to ensure it goes straight to our skin. The most direct way to enjoy the benefits of vitamin C is through serums and other topical products. The antioxidant vitamin C helps reduce hyperpigmentation, reduce blemishes, and leaves your skin with an incredible glow. It is always a good idea to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when applying serums.

FAQs about Vitamin C serum

What does vitamin C serum do for your face?

Vitamin C can do wonders for your face and give you a celebrity-like glam if you use it the right way. Vitamin C serums are prescribed by dermatologists to prevent your skin from sun damage, slower the early aging process, and enhance the skin tone by reducing dark circles, wrinkles, and pimples.

As we all are aware that vitamin C is a form of ascorbic acid which is highly acidic in nature. It is not a good idea to use AHAs or BHAs such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid with Vitamin C.

Vitamin C can reduce inflammation, speed up skin healing, and give the skin a smoother, more even appearance by shrinking the enlarged pores. Moreover, vitamin C serum also boosts collagen production to enhance the elasticity of the skin, resulting in smaller pores.

Yes, consistent use of vitamin c serum can help you clear pimples and acne from your skin. With its anti-inflammatory nature, vitamin C reduces acne’s redness and swelling. If you use topical vitamin c products, you can get even better results.

Yes, vitamin C has antioxidant as well as non-inflammatory properties, so it is a good choice for oily skin. Nowadays, a lot of people use vitamin C serum for acne treatment and for treating damaged skin.

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About This Article

Kaushik Jethva
Written by: Kaushik Jethva author

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Updated: November 30, 2022
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