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The Top 40 Things to Know About Vitamin C - Wait Until You See #35!

 

We all know that vitamin C can do a body good.

 

 

We’ve grown up hearing about how we should get plenty of vitamin C and drink our orange juice.

 

But some of us still aren’t getting enough!

 

 

Experts recommend getting your daily dose of the vitamin (65 to 90 mg per day) through a healthy, balanced diet to help support your immune system and overall health.

 

Did you know that vitamin C can also do amazing things for your skin?

 

Enter vitamin C skincare!

 

This powerful vitamin has been steadily climbing the beauty trend ladder and gaining popularity for its potent ability to naturally improve skin, fight signs of aging, and improve collagen production to save us from the sag.

Alana Mitchell Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer

I've personally chosen to feature vitamin C as the superstar ingredient in my daily moisturizer - it features 20% of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.

 

Here's a link to check it out.

 

My other favorite products with vitamin C are the Image SkinCare Vital C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel, Epicuren CXc Vitamin C Anti Aging Cream, and the Dermaquest C Infusion Serum.

 

Today, I’m excited to tell you all about vitamin C skincare and give you 40 things you need to know before adding it to your regimen!

 

What Is Vitamin C?

  1. Vitamin C is often included in moisturizers and serums. A serum is a skincare product with a thin, silky texture.

While a moisturizer’s main job is to hydrate skin, serums typically include a higher concentration of ingredients to penetrate the skin and efficiently target skincare concerns such as hyperpigmentation or signs of aging. Make sure to select the right one for your skin type!

2. Vitamin C products contain a high concentration of vitamin C (duh) as an active ingredient, mainly in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA) as well as a few other varieties (more on that in just a bit).

3. The concentration of LAA in vitamin C serum can vary anywhere from 10% to 15-20%.

4. It’s a good idea to start with a lower concentration and wait until your skin adapts before moving on to a higher concentration in your skincare regimen.

 

Different Forms of Vitamin C

Vitamin C comes in a variety of forms and derivatives.

 

Below are forms of vitamin C that include an additional component to stabilize it and give it a longer shelf life.

 

Here’s a quick rundown of the characteristics of each form and what they can do for you!

  1. What Is L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA)? This is vitamin C in its most potent form, and LAA has the most research backing it to show effectiveness. However, it’s less stable than other forms and can cause skin irritations in high doses. If you try it, and your skin is cool with it, then this is your best bet for results.

Best for: potency and results, normal or oily skin

 

  1. What Is Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate? This water-soluble derivative of vitamin C is more stable (meaning it won’t degrade as quickly as other forms). It also causes less skin irritation, so this is the best form if you have sensitive or dry skin.

Best for: dry or sensitive skin

 

  1. What Is Ascorbyl Palmitate? This is a more stable form of vitamin C and is commonly used in oil-based skincare formulas. While it’s not as potent as other forms, its power move is fighting free radical damage to protect against signs of aging and repairing skin.

Best for: repairing free radical damage

 

  1. What Is Ascorbic Glucosamine? This is a water-soluble derivative of vitamin C. It’s often used for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties, although more research is needed on its actual effectiveness.

Best for: hyperpigmentation

 

  1. What Is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate? This is the newest member of the vitamin C family. It’s more stable than the other members, and its fat-soluble makeup makes it easier to penetrate into deep layers of skin.

Best for: general skin treatment

 

  1. What Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate? A stable, water-soluble derivative, this form of vitamin C is gentle on skin and converts to ascorbic acid after it’s absorbed. It effectively brightens skin and battles free radical damage with antioxidants. I've personally chosen this form of vitamin C in my own moisturizer formula.

Best for: brightening and fighting free radical damage

 

Other Ingredients That Are Often Included Alongside Vitamin C

These ingredients are often added to help stabilize vitamin C and offer some additional benefits to pack a punch!

  1. What Is Hyaluronic Acid? HA is a powerful humectant that works to grab onto moisture and bind it to the skin. It improves your skin’s ability to hold hydration and infuse it into deep layers. This helps diminish fine lines and signs of aging, and provides skin with intense moisture!
  2. What Is Vitamin E? Vitamins C and E are both members of the antioxidant gang, and they work better together by fighting collagen-busting free radicals and supporting skin’s lipid barrier. This means more supple, youthful skin for you!
  3. What Is Ferulic Acid? This is another antioxidant which helps boost and stabilize both vitamins C and E. It also aids in fighting free radical damage to support collagen production.

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin?

  1. Boosts Collagen Production

Age and sun damage cause us to lose collagen, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Vitamin C boosts your skin’s collagen production to give you firmer, more plump skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.

 

  1. Fights Free Radical Damage and Signs of Aging

The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help fight free radicals and damage caused by UV radiation. The result is anti-aging action for younger-looking skin!

 

  1. Brightens Dark Spots

Vitamin C helps lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots. It also inhibits melanin production for evening skin tone and brightness.

 

  1. Skin Repair

It helps to repair damage from sun exposure and collagen loss by encouraging healthy cell turnover and regeneration. Some users have noted that it helps fade scars as well.

 

  1. Helps Protect the Skin Against Sun Damage

Vitamin C gives you some added sun protection by thickening the dermis layer of the skin to help guard it against harmful UV rays and sun exposure.

Important Note: This does not mean that vitamin C moisturizers and serums are a replacement for sunscreen or SPF protection! While it can help boost the deeper layers of your skin, you still need to protect the top layer with sun protection. Wear a daily SPF any time you’re heading outside, regardless of whatever else you use in your skincare routine!

 

How Do I Use Vitamin C Products?

The general rule for skincare order of operations is to work thin to thick.

 

Apply formulas with a thinner consistency first so they have a chance to absorb into skin before applying thicker products.

 

 

  1. When to Apply: If you’re using a vitamin C serum, apply to freshly cleansed and slightly damp skin. If you follow your cleanser with a pH balancing toner, wait for the toner to completely dry before applying the serum. If you’re using a vitamin C moisturizer, apply after any serums or target treatments.
  2. How to Apply: Use clean fingers to spread the serum or the moisturizer over your cleansed face, and don’t forget your neck! It benefits from the same skincare you give your face.
  3. How Much to Use: This comes down to personal preference. For serum, generally, start with a few drops. Many serums will tell you how many drops to use on the instructions label.
  4. Am I Using the Right Amount?: Wait 15 minutes for the serum to completely absorb before moving on to moisturizer. If there’s still a layer of serum sitting on the surface of your skin, reduce your amount. It should fully absorb into the skin.
  5. Finish It Up: Follow-up with any targeted treatments, and round out your routine with a moisturizer and eye cream. If you’re heading out for the day, make sure your moisturizer includes SPF protection (yes, even if it’s cloudy outside and even if your makeup contains SPF!).

Application Advice

  1. With vitamin C serum, start with a lower concentration, something in the 10% range. See how skin reacts and adjusts to this level before moving up to the higher concentrations of 15-20%.
  2. As with any new product, I always recommend that you do a patch test. Apply a small amount to the inside of the wrist or behind the ear, and wait 24-48 hours to make sure you don’t have a skin reaction before applying it to larger areas. If you do have a reaction, at least it's not all over your entire face!
  3. Remember that you may not see immediate results. It could take up to a few months to see if it’s working. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your vitamin C skincare formulas:
  • Follow application instructions.
  • Use regularly. If you only apply once in a while, you won’t see results.
  • Be patient. Don’t give up just because you don’t see immediate changes.
  • Store correctly and adhere to use by/expiration dates to ensure the potency hasn’t been compromised.

What Is the Correct Way to Store Vitamin C Serum?

To keep your vitamin C serum from degrading or losing efficacy, take care of the serum so it will take care of you!

 

  1. Keep It Away From Light

LAA is vulnerable to oxidation from light exposure. That’s why vitamin C serums typically come in those pretty dark glass bottles. Keep the serum somewhere dark and away from direct light.

 

  1. Keep It Airtight

Oxygen can also break down vitamin C serum. Always put the cap back on and make sure it’s is screwed on tight to keep air from seeping in.

 

  1. Keep It Cool

High temperatures will degrade vitamin C. Some manufacturers suggest storing vitamin C serum in the fridge, but some advise against it, so consult your serum’s storage instructions or customer service if you have questions.

 

Either way, if you store your serum in a cool, dark place, you should be good!

 

Are There Any Side Effects to Using Vitamin C Products?

  1. Reactions and irritations to vitamin C can occur if you have allergies or sensitive skin. As I mentioned, it’s best to do a patch test to see how your skin will react before you go all-in.
  2. Such reactions and irritations include redness and tingling.
  3. If you have dry or sensitive skin, skip the L-ascorbic acid and go with the magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which is gentler on the skin.

Do’s and Don'ts of Vitamin C Products

Here are a few tips for things to look for and things to avoid when it comes to using vitamin C in your skincare!

 

 

pH Balance

  1. DO look for a vitamin C serum with a lower pH level, something around 3.5. This will help with better absorption as it will reach the deeper layers of your skin for max results.
  2. DON’T use a lower pH serum if you have sensitive skin. Low pH = high acidity, which can irritate skin.

For a gentler formula, look for one that uses the magnesium ascorbyl derivative with a pH level of 5-6. Since this is closer to skin’s natural pH level, it will be more skin-friendly!

 

Interactions

  1. DON’T mix vitamin C serums containing L-ascorbic acid with retinol (vitamin A) or niacinamide (AKA vitamin B3, commonly used in skincare formulas).

Without getting into a complicated scientific explanation, the pH levels of these ingredients don’t get along with those of vitamin C, and they end up canceling each other out and rendering each other ineffective. The reaction may also cause redness.

 

  1. DO wait 30 minutes between applications of retinol or niacinamide and vitamin C serum to inhibit the two formulas from interacting with each other and to give your skin’s pH levels some time to normalize.

If you use a product that already contains a combination of these ingredients, don’t worry. It’s likely been formulated with a time release process that makes the ingredients active at different times so they don’t affect each other.

 

Appearance

  1. DO pay attention to things like color, smell, and consistency of your vitamin C serum to make sure it hasn’t oxidized.
  • Color: Your serum should be clear, white, or a light champagne color. If it’s cloudy or dark in color, it may have already oxidized and should be returned or discarded.
  • Smell: Vitamin C serum is typically odorless. If it smells sour or rancid, it’s no good.

 

  1. DON’T use serums sold in clear bottles. Vitamin C serum should come packaged in a dark glass or opaque bottle to protect it from light exposure.

Also, be skeptical of serums that are yellow or brown in color. Some manufacturers will add tints to hide oxidation. Vitamin C moisturizers may often have tint as the formulas are creamier, and contain other ingredients, but serums should typically be near colorless or clear.

 

DIY

  1. DON’T attempt to make your own vitamin C serum! It can be tempting to follow any one of the DIY tutorials out there that claim you can make your own formula, but unless you’re a chemist, you probably won’t get it exactly right. I can tell you a homemade version won’t be as effective or, worse, can end up causing skin irritation.
  2. DO leave it to the pros. They know how to make sure the pH level is correct for your skin, that the vitamin C component will stay stabilized for as long as possible, and add other skin-boosting ingredients.

 

This is just one of those areas where it’s worth it to splurge a little to save your skin!

 

Final Thoughts

Vitamin C does some amazing things for skin when we incorporate it into our regimen.

 

You can also enjoy its benefits by making sure you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet full of vitamins to nourish skin from the inside out!

 

Do you want to try vitamin C products, but still have questions or concerns? Share them in the comments section. I'd love to help!

 

My Other Favorite Vitamin C Skincare Formulas

Rhonda Allison C Peptide Complex

Rhonda Allison C Peptide Complex

Form of Vitamin C Used: L-Ascorbic Acid

 

Skin Script Vitamin C/Green Tea Serum

Skin Script Vitamin C/Green Tea Serum

Form of Vitamin C Used: L-Ascorbic Acid

 

59 comments

Awesome articulate information!!! This article help those user who didn’t know much about the serum,

Sonal Lamba @ 2020-05-21 3:54am

Hello, can I drink vitamin C supplement And also take collagen at the same time???

Nanga @ 2019-11-03 8:11pm

Hi, I heard from a friend that it’s not recommended to use vitamin c serum as day serum, better use it at night. Is that true?

Laura @ 2019-08-16 9:02am

Hi Alana I am using super c brightening serum L-ascorbic serum. 20% and am the first time user of vitamin c. First 3 days of use all was good then the 4th day I had bumps on my forehead I stopped for a week and started on it again now am experiencing pimples on my chicks. Do u think am allergic to it? I want my skin to love as it makes my skin to glow and faded my dark spot. Do u think the dosage is high for me? Which vitamin c u think I should go for that would be effective and still be gentle and not have skin reaction?

Mimi @ 2019-07-31 9:41am

Is it proper to mix a cream with Vitamin C Capsule

Rose @ 2019-07-24 7:50pm

i used Vitamin C serum(Roysa Skin")and after 5 days of use i suffered from Rosacea…now its been 5 months i have been struggling with rosacea…i really feel depress…can u recomend me some skincare product for rosacea n skincare tips aswell.

selena @ 2019-07-22 2:05am

Hi
Does one need to apply sunscreen if one is using vitamin c cream? I have heard that when using Vitamin c , sunscreen should be used even indoors and at night as well because vitamin c makes the skin so sensitive to any light even the light from the lamps, bulbs etc at night
Thanks

indie @ 2019-07-18 11:15pm

Hello there,
I’m currently using wishtrend vit c serum. It’s thicker than my toner so shall I apply it before or after my toner..?

Cause I’ve read that many use it as active and apply it as the first step in their skincare routine.

Besides that, can I apply the serum around my eyes.? I’m turning 30 but I’m already having fine lines underneath my eyes. I’m very worried and would like to look for a good eye serum and eye cream, preferably without harmful ingredients.

Do you have any good recommendation? Thank you ?

Wanyuan lee @ 2019-07-18 8:18am

Hi alana i want to find out can you skip the moisturizer at night completely after vitamin c or is it a must. Also i have very oily skin. Im using the vit c only at night. Thank you

Renita @ 2019-07-04 12:38pm

I have very problematic skin e.g,, large pores, sun burn, fine lines (especially frown lines) etc. My age is 27.

Sara @ 2019-06-19 8:48am

Hi alana,
I’ve been using may vit c serum for 2 weeks now. I noticed that my old scars are getting red, is it a good sign or should i stop it? Plus i dont rinse it off, is this okay or i must rinse it? How long should i keep it in my face before rinsing it off? Thanks.

Sonny @ 2019-06-15 9:58am

Will vitamin c work if I sweat after using it?

Sayla Rakhy @ 2019-06-12 8:49am

Will vitamin c work if I sweat after using it?

Sayla Rakhh @ 2019-06-12 8:46am

Hi, Lorna! Moisturizers with SPF already built in are meant to eliminate that extra step of needing an SPF on top of your moisturizer. Since you have combination skin, you may want to try out a less conventional form of sun protection, like https://www.skincarebyalana.com/la-bella-donna-women-sun-protection.html and https://www.skincarebyalana.com/coola-face-makeup-setting-spray.html. These are excellent options to get SPF without putting extra creams on your already well-hydrated face.

Alana @ 2019-05-31 11:31am

I recently bought Madox’s brightening serum with Vitamin C and Retinol 2.5%. Is that safe?

T.M. @ 2019-06-02 3:54pm

It will be your personal preference whether you choose to use a product with vitamin c and hyaluronic acid or two separate products! Just be careful with products around the delicate eye area, as some can be too active. Any product used on your face ideally would only be used up to the orbital bone, and your eye cream would be used only around the orbital bone. I would say if the combination you are currently using makes your skin look amazing, keep it up! While neither coconut oil nor olive oil are cleansers, I love to use my MCT oil as a makeup remover. :)

Alana @ 2019-05-31 11:30am

I love vitamin c as a staple ingredient! I love seeing its benefits, such as brightening and that it helps heal damaged tissue.

Alana @ 2019-05-31 11:25am

Should vitamin c be added to the skin routine for a period of time like 1 month as a treatment or keep it as a staple?

J @ 2019-05-26 7:56am

Also I’m using a vitamin c / hyalauronuc acid serum. Is it better to have them separate, as I can’t apply this one around my eyes because of the vitamin c.? I’ve been using it morning and night plus adding a couple of drops of facial oil into my moisturiser and the improvement in the look of my skin is Amazing!

My last question, is coconut oil a better cleanser than olive oil?

Thank you :-)

Lorna @ 2019-05-26 1:14am

Great article, thank you for the information. Is a moisturiser with spf enough for normal day, or sunscreen necessary as well? I have ageing combination skin and seem to always have breakouts wearing sunscreen. Can you please recommend one that won’t my my face white or cause breakouts that I can use? Thank you :-)

Lorns @ 2019-05-26 1:07am

Can I use Copper Peptides with c serums?

Ginger Ditmore @ 2019-04-30 4:56am

Are vitamin C and E capsules any good. I use the bit C oil but E from poking a hole in a vitamin capsule. Is this doing any good.
Also I use coconut oil at night and retinal and a nighttime moisturizer, what is the correct order for that? I’ve been doing retinal first then moisturizer and coconut oil last.
And lastly will my deep bit not horribly deep wrinkles go away or will doing all this just keep more from coming as fast? I’m 55 and look about 40 tops they tell me but do have some larger wrinkles on my forehead and between brows and am praying I can lessen them at least. Is it possible? Kim

Kimberly Keyes @ 2019-04-28 11:33am

Hi, I’ve been using a serum with 20% Vitamin C but I’ve noticed that my face itches after I use it and sometimes I wake up with a few little bumps on my face, nothing too bad. Should I stop using it completely or should I just use less of it? I

Alex @ 2019-04-27 8:37am

Dark skin is beautiful how do I make my skin darker without having to sunbathe or go to tanning beds? Is there anything I can take or use to darken my skin tone naturally.

Aria @ 2019-04-13 12:43pm

Does vitamin C serums/moisturizers help with acne??

Haily @ 2019-04-13 5:20am

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