Everything you need to know about Vitamin C serums

Finding an effective skincare routine can be a bog, especially when you don’t know where to start. Recent trends, however, seem to indicate that Vitamin C serum is pretty much a holy grail of skincare products. With everyone from YouTubers to TikTokers recommending it, Vitamin C serums have seen a substantial increase in popularity.

The question that seems to be on the minds of many though, is what does it actually do? And how do you actually use it? Fear not, this blog will be your guide to reducing the appearance of dark spots and achieving that glow and complexion you’ve always wanted. By the end, you’ll know for sure whether or not a Vitamin C serum will be the next addition to your skincare routine.

What do Vitamin C serums do for the skin?

As the name suggests, Vitamin C serums contain Vitamin C which is a potent antioxidant that is extremely beneficial for the skin. Naturally found in foods that contain citrus, Vitamin C — when formulated in a serum — provides a number of benefits ranging from reducing the appearance of dark spots, preventing aging, protecting against pollution and free radicals and helping the skin look more firm and plump. Ultimately, the end result of using Vitamin C is more youthful skin.

But these are just some of the many benefits Vitamin C can provide for your skin. The antioxidant can also help with the following:

• Hydrating the skin
• Brightening the skin
• Reducing redness and hyperpigmentation
• Increased collagen production
• Protect against sun damage
• Reduces the appearance of circles under the eye

It should be noted that there are two types of Vitamin C usually used in skin care products: L-ascorbic acid and THD ascorbate. These two types are usually combined with other ingredients to create a more stable ingredient.

Who are Vitamin C serums ideal for?

A Vitamin C serum can be used by just about anyone due to the various skin benefits it provides. Even if you’re not dealing with wrinkles and fine lines, using a Vitamin C serum can benefit your skin by preventing any early signs of aging you may experience due to increased collagen production. Prevention is better than cure and in the end, who doesn’t want to maintain a youthful appearance as they get older? Not to mention the fact that Vitamin C helps minimize damage from the sun and UV rays, making it ideal for people of all ages and skin tones.

With that said, if you’re dealing with one or more of the various issues such as hyperpigmentation, dry skin, wrinkles or dark spots, you are also a candidate for adding a Vitamin C serum.

What are the side effects of using a Vitamin C serum?

Just like with any skincare product, there is a potential for irritation, redness or a reaction when using Vitamin C serums in your skincare routine. Nobody can say for sure as everyone's skin will react differently, which is why a patch test is always recommended. There is also the possibility of a tingling or slight burning sensation which should subside following the application. If you experience any adverse reactions or severe irritation, you should wash your skin immediately and consult a doctor.

How do you use Vitamin C serums?

The best way to use Vitamin C serums is during your daily morning skincare routine. This is because Vitamin C helps protect against free radicals and potential sun damage, making it ideal just before you’re about to head outside. With that said, you can also use it during your nighttime routine as well if you’re finding it to be beneficial for your skin. Of course, recommended use usually depends on the particular serum you’re using so make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

Note that serums should always be applied after you’ve first cleansed your face and before or in combination with a moisturizer.

It’s also vital that you perform a patch test first and not use a Vitamin C serum every day if it’s your first time. Every skincare product is different and so is everyone’s skin, so what works for one person may cause irritation or redness for another. Use your Vitamin C serum a few times a week and gradually increase your use as your skin barrier gets used to it.

Some frequently asked questions about vitamin C serum

Can you use a Vitamin C serum every day?

You can certainly use a Vitamin C serum every day. In fact, that’s the standard recommendation! Once your skin gets used to the ingredient, daily use of a Vitamin C serum will undoubtedly produce the results your skin is looking for.

What can you pair a Vitamin C serum with?

The great thing about Vitamin C is that it can be paired with almost every other ingredient or skincare product. This is because it provides your skin protection against free radicals and pollutants which ultimately helps other products deliver effective results. However, some caution is advised.

If you are experiencing any reactions, redness, or irritation, it could be because your skin doesn't agree with a combination of Vitamin C and other active ingredients such as retinol or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). In this case, avoid using both on the same day, or at the very least, use your Vitamin C serum in the morning while reserving the other potent active ingredients for your PM routine.

What are some of the best Vitamin C serums to use?

With Vitamin C serums, in particular, we recommend the following top vitamin C serums:

• Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum: Timeless Skincare also offers a 20% Vitamin C serum which is combined with E Ferulic Acid to promote brighter skin, fix uneven tones and increase cell turnover. This serum works for all skin types including normal, dry, and oily.
• Advanced Clinicals Vitamin C Anti-Aging Facial Serum: This daily Vitamin C serum is ideal for anti-aging and helps promote a youthful appearance.
• Timeless Skin Care Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C Serum 1 oz: For an added boost of hydration and moisture for your skin, you can get the Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C serum from Timeless. Formulated with Matrixyl 3000 for increased collagen production, this serum, ideal for all skin types especially oily/sensitive, will brighten and clarify your skin.
• PURA D'OR 20% Vitamin C Serum: The Vitamin C serum from PURA D’OR comes with a strength of 20% Vitamin C and is ideal for body and facial treatments for all skin types.