Vitamin C serum is a powerful skincare ingredient that can reduce signs of aging, promote collagen production, and even improve skin tone. Vitamin C’s benefits can be attributable to its potent antioxidant properties. Here is how to use the best vitamin C serum for face care:
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How Often To Use Vitamin C Serum
For maximum benefit, use vitamin C serum every day. Once your skin gets used to vitamin C, you can apply it twice daily, in the morning and at night. If your skin is sensitive to vitamin C, you may want to use it less frequently to avoid unwanted reactions.
The skin can absorb vitamin C better when you exfoliate it. This is because there is no buildup of dead skin cells clogging your pores. You might want to apply vitamin C serum during your facial routine, after washing/exfoliating and before hydrating.
Chemical exfoliation may cause some skin sensitivity. If you exfoliate using AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), skip your vitamin C the day you exfoliate.
Unlike other skin products, vitamin C serum does not wash off easily, and most of it gets absorbed into the skin. If you start experiencing skin issues after using vitamin C serum, you can stop using it for some time to determine if it is harming your skin.
When To Use Vitamin C Serum
The best vitamin C serum for face care can protect your skin from damage caused by pollution, exposure to UV rays, free radicals, and harsh weather conditions. You are more likely to encounter conditions that may damage your skin in the morning and throughout the day than at night. Using vitamin C serum every day can give your skin the protection and nourishment it needs throughout your daily routine.
If you skip other skin products, follow up your vitamin C serum with a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum (SPF 30 or higher) sunscreen. Higher concentrations of vitamin C serum may increase your skin’s sensitivity. This can make it more vulnerable to irritation and sunburns. If you have sensitive skin, stick to applying vitamin C serum at night before bed.
Nighttime vitamin C serum application is not only for people with sensitive skin. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. You can gain more benefits from vitamin C serum when you also use it at night. Vitamin C serum can absorb into your skin better when you apply it on freshly cleaned skin. This can make it a suitable addition to your nighttime skincare.
You avoid the risk of photosensitivity by using vitamin C serum at night. If your skin is sensitive to products containing retinol, strictly use vitamin C serum as a nighttime product.
How To Use Vitamin C Serum
Skin care experts recommend applying skincare products from lightest to thickest in consistency. Vitamin C serum is lightweight and should be among the first products you apply to your face. Follow the steps below when using vitamin C serum:
- Wash your face
- Apply toner if you have it
- Gently rub vitamin C serum onto your skin
- Pat any excess product onto your neck and the top of your arms
- Apply your moisturizer
- Apply an eye cream
- Finish off with sunscreen
- Begin applying your makeup after your sunscreen absorbs
Most brands of vitamin C serum have instructions to use only a drop or two of the serum. Follow instructions for use carefully. Overusing vitamin C serum may harm your skin. If you experience increased blackhead flare-ups, itchiness, skin irritation, and skin tightness after you use vitamin C serum, you may be applying too much.
If you are new to vitamin C serum, do a patch test before applying it to your face. Apply vitamin C serum to a small area of your skin that you can conceal easily, such as your forearm, and observe that area after a day.
If you experience no side effects, you can apply the vitamin C serum to your face. Even then, space out your applications by a few days to weeks. Gradually increase the frequency of application as your skin builds a tolerance for the product.
If you use a collection of skin products for your skincare routine, you may want to alternate them to avoid ingredients that may work against your vitamin C. The worst ingredients to pair with vitamin C include:
- Retinol
- Niacinamide
- Benzoyl peroxide
Use the Best Vitamin C Serum for Face Care
Whether or not you should use vitamin C serum daily depends on your unique skin type and needs. Daily use may be too harsh for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin and cause redness or flare-ups. Applying the best vitamin C serum for face care daily can be very effective if you have normal or oily skin and want maximum antioxidant protection and anti-aging benefits.
Find which skincare product can work for your skin. Stick to a routine that you can maintain consistently for the best results.