Earlier, we only used to know of vitamin C as a compound that is found in abundance in citrus fruits and is essential and extremely beneficial for one’s health. We all have come a long way, and a lot has changed over the years. The beauty world continues to grow huge each passing day, and almost every single day we are getting to discover new products or ingredients that we never really thought would become a skincare staple or will gain so much recognition. Speaking of recognition, vitamin C has now become one of the most popular and crucial skincare ingredients; it is commonly used in the form of serums.
Vitamin C is best known for its glow-inducing, brightening, and anti-aging properties, using it regularly for your skin can work some serious wonders; however, one has to be quite careful while using this ingredient in their skincare routine. Although vitamin C is safe to use and suits all skin types, using it incorrectly can reduce its effectiveness.
Ahead, find out all the mistakes you might be making while using a vitamin C serum and how you can avoid them.
The timing of application
While there is no set time to apply vitamin C serums, it is usually suggested to apply it in the morning for maximum benefits. Vitamin C serum in combination with sunscreen provides a superior level of protection against the sun. And if you are planning to apply vitamin C in the morning, then make sure that serum has dried off completely before stepping out in the sun. Exposing the serum to light can reduce its effectiveness; therefore, wait for the serum to dry completely.
The order
A skincare routine is not just about layering the products or how many products you use; it’s also about using the product in the right order. To ensure maximum benefits and effectiveness, it’s crucial to apply products in the correct order, and when it comes to vitamin C serums; it is supposed to be applied after using toner. Also, instead of rubbing the serum on your face, pat it gently on your skin. After ensuring that the serum has been absorbed into the skin, you can follow it with a moisturizer to lock in the product.
The formula and concentration
Vitamin C serums don’t follow the same manufacturing procedure as other trendy ingredients like niacinamide and retinol. The formula and concentration of this ingredient can vary from product to product. For instance, some skincare products contain vitamin C in the form of citric extracts, which is different from L-ascorbic acid (a potent form of vitamin C). Vitamin C in its potent form can help address your skin’s needs and concerns. You should always take your skin type and concerns into consideration when it comes to picking the formula and concentration of vitamin C.
Label check
When it comes to purchasing vitamin C serum for yourself, you should always do a label check to see the overall formulation of the product. Some serums are formulated using just one ingredient, and if you want to get one for yourself, then you just need to pick it in the right concentration. Additionally, some serums are a mix of different ingredients that stabilizes the vitamin C content in the product and offer additional benefits to the skin. Checking the labels before investing in any serum will give you an idea of whether the product is worth the splurge or not.
The pairing
Vitamin C is quite adaptable in nature; it pairs well with most ingredients except for retinoids and benzoyl peroxide. You should avoid using vitamin C with retinoids and benzoyl peroxide in the same routine. The pairing of these ingredients can result in skin irritation, which can be even worse for people with sensitive skin.