I do know I’m late to the sport, however for some motive, vitamin C solely not too long ago got here on my radar. Certain, I’d heard about exfoliating, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and so on.—and was incorporating them into my routine—but it surely’s solely been previously yr or in order that I’ve been absolutely turned on to the myriad vitamin C advantages. Seems, I used to be lacking out on so much. And so now, with my curiosity absolutely piqued, I went to the consultants to search out and check out the perfect vitamin C serums. Spoiler: My pores and skin couldn’t be happier.
Featured picture by Riley Reed.
The Skilled
Do you know that vitamin C can be utilized each day? I hadn’t realized that it was light sufficient for each day use. Nevertheless, should you additionally like to make use of retinol, be happy to alternate it by making use of it each different day or conversely, use vitamin C within the morning and retinol at evening. Fortunately, most pores and skin sorts tolerate this in style lively ingredient nicely, however you probably have extraordinarily delicate pores and skin, chances are you’ll wish to skip it. And as at all times, remember to speak together with your dermatologist about vitamin c advantages for pores and skin should you’re involved.
We tapped Dr. Heather D. Rogers, dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and founder and CEO, Physician Rogers RESTORE, to share some details about this marvel ingredient. Not solely does she suggest each day vitamin C software to her sufferers, however she additionally makes use of a vitamin C serum each morning on clear, naked pores and skin. It’s the first topical she applies to the face, neck, and higher chest.
What’s vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant molecule that performs a significant function in our pores and skin’s well being by defending it in opposition to free radicals brought on by air pollution and the solar’s radiation. It’s additionally an necessary ingredient for the manufacturing of collagen. When free radicals penetrate the pores and skin, Dr. Rogers says they break down our collagen, contributing to sagging pores and skin and wrinkles. Free radicals additionally stimulate the formation of brown spots and pores and skin most cancers.
An antioxidant is a molecule that may accumulate these free radicals and neutralize them earlier than they injury our cells. This safety is totally different from the safety sunscreen gives and might and ought to be used collectively each day to sluggish the indicators of growing older and forestall the formation of pores and skin cancers.
There are a number of sorts of vitamin C. The commonest kinds utilized in skincare merchandise are:
- L-ascorbic acid
- ascorbyl palmitate
- magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
- ethyl ascorbic acid
- tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
One other wonderful thing about vitamin C is that it’s probably the most well-studied antioxidant in topical skincare merchandise. Dr. Rogers tells me a number of research present that antioxidant serums with vitamin C which can be stabilized with vitamin E defend your pores and skin in opposition to photo-aging. For the reason that pores and skin is superb at preserving issues out, these antioxidants have to be in a well-formulated, simply absorbed automobile to make sure these important and costly nutritional vitamins get deep sufficient into the pores and skin to guard it. Formulation is essential!
Who can use vitamin C?
Vitamin C may be very secure for most individuals, however since it’s an acid (ascorbic acid), it may irritate delicate pores and skin sorts. You probably have very delicate pores and skin, you should decide a decrease share of vitamin C as a result of your pores and skin is just too good at absorbing elements, which makes it extra delicate.
Most research present advantages to the pores and skin when utilizing serums with 10% vitamin C. Greater percentages don’t imply higher outcomes however can enhance one’s threat of irritation.
How lengthy does it take to see outcomes?
Dr. Rogers factors to a number of elements in relation to seeing outcomes. Typically, you might even see enchancment at two weeks, nonetheless most medical research measure outcomes when utilizing a product with vitamin C after 12 weeks. However that every one depends upon how broken your pores and skin is, how persistently you utilize the serum, how nicely formulated it’s, and the way younger you’re—since that dictates how shortly your pores and skin turns over.
Vitamin C Utility Ideas
- Use it in the fitting order. In case your vitamin C remedy is a serum, use it after cleaning or firming and earlier than moisturizing. If it’s in your moisturizer, use it as your final step.
- Use vitamin C within the morning. You may completely use it at evening, however you’ll get probably the most profit from making use of within the morning. It heals solar injury and protects in opposition to UV radiation, so that you’ll have an additional layer of safety with a morning software.
- Decide the fitting focus. You probably have delicate pores and skin, search for one thing round 5%. You probably have extra intensive points you may deal with greater concentrations.
- Extra is just not higher. It’s simply costlier in the long term. A small quantity goes a good distance, however remember to use it usually for greatest outcomes.
- If the product modifications colour, toss it! Oxidized vitamin C tends to lose its energy. It may fluctuate in colour from colorless, to straw-colored to pale orange. If it’s turned brown it could be time to say goodbye.
The Greatest Vitamin C Serums
Our vitamin C-packed picks embrace an eye fixed serum, non-toxic choices, face oil, and extra! Nevertheless you want your skincare delivered, there’s a bit one thing for everybody.
Each product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll at all times give an trustworthy opinion, whether or not gifted or bought ourselves. If you happen to purchase one thing by way of our hyperlinks, we could earn a small fee without charge to you.
We love a vitamin C serum that works exhausting on the pores and skin all all year long. This replenishing oil from the cult-favorite model KLUR makes probably the most of its supercharged, antioxidant mix to help all pores and skin sorts, regardless of the season. Squalene, Coq10, and nutritional vitamins C and E harmonize to imitate and help the pores and skin’s pure safety mechanisms. This can be a strong alternative for preserving youthful pores and skin and defending mature pores and skin as we age, nourishing the complexion with a lipid-rich formulation.
- Substances: Jojoba Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil
- Measurement: .67 fl oz
- Use: 2-3 occasions per week
We’re huge followers of the queer and woman-owned impartial skincare line, Alder New York. Their merchandise are budget-friendly and formulated for all genders. From their cleanser to lotions—we love the affordability and efficacy of their total product line. This balancing serum is the right in-between step following your cleanser and earlier than making use of a moisturizer. As somebody whose pores and skin leans on the oilier aspect, I’ve observed since utilizing the serum that my pores and skin’s oil manufacturing is saved in test. The result’s a hydrated, glowy complexion that requires little make-up—excellent for summer time. Sizzling tip: In case you are utilizing a tinted moisturizer this season, use the serum as a primer.
- Substances: Hyaluronic acid, Willow bark, and Niacinamide
- Measurement: 1 fl oz
- Use: Every day, morning and/or evening after cleaning
The skincare trade has been begging for a multi-use vitamin C serum—and Protéger delivers. “Featherweight” is an apt descriptor, as a result of whereas different serums really feel heavy and coat your complexion, Protéger’s Sérum goes on smooth and easy, providing an efficient vitamin C-boosted formulation that reveals up on the pores and skin with only a mild sheen. Glowy, beautiful pores and skin throughout? Sure, please.
Protéger’s Dermal Sérum is available in two sizes. I personally have the bigger bottle, and whereas the value is steep ($115 for 200 ml), I discover that it’s justified by the truth that I can use this serum on each my physique and face. Plus, a small pump goes a good distance—it’s been months since I began utilizing the serum and I’m nonetheless not even midway by way of.
- Substances: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Natural Espresso Seed Extract, Natural Aloe Leaf Juice
- Measurement: 15/200 ml
- Use: Apply a skinny layer on face/physique post-shower earlier than any merchandise
I’ve been utilizing all the suite of Blue Lagoon skincare merchandise ever since I got here again from my spring European vacay. Now that I’m again stateside, I can affirm: my pores and skin is simply as blissful because it was after I was sleeping in late, consuming purple wine on the reg, and dwelling my most romanticized life. (That’s to say, glowing and lovely.) Blue Lagoon’s serum makes use of the brightening energy of vitamin C to spice up pores and skin well being from the within out. Now in my late twenties, I’m prioritizing merchandise that goal to concurrently help pores and skin well being whereas preserving it protected against untimely growing older. As a result of it’s a wholesome glow I’m after, Blue Lagoon’s distinctive product formulations are at all times a go-to in my routine.
- Substances: Blue Lagoon Seawater, Blue Lagoon Mineral Salts, Blue Lagoon Lava
- Measurement: 15 ml
This serum has gained magnificence awards and the favor of editors and dermatologists alike for good motive. You’ll like it for its means to battle superb traces and wrinkles whereas dramatically lightening solar injury and darkish spots. The formulation incorporates complementing antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic, which assist enhance the efficacy of vitamin C. It’s on the pricier aspect, however a few small drops go a good distance.
- Substances: L-ascorbic Acid, Alpha Tocopherol, Ferulic Acid
- Measurement: 30 ml
- Use: Within the morning after cleaning and firming, apply 4-5 drops to a dry face, neck, and chest earlier than different anti-aging skincare merchandise.
I’ve a good friend who swears by this face oil for fading zits scars, leaving you with giving brighter, firmer, and extra glowy pores and skin. Customers have reported seeing a drastic distinction and a just-got-a-facial-level glow in only one week!
- Substances: Pomegranate Seed Oil, THD Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Golden Turmeric
- Measurement: .5/1.18 fl oz
- Use: Therapeutic massage as wanted into face and neck, morning and/or night.
Our drugstore gem of the group, this serum removes dullness gently and successfully reduces discoloration. It has a waterless formulation and an hermetic UV-blocking tube to stop oxidation of the formulation and preserve it in its only state. It’s a nice drugstore possibility that has unbelievable vitamin C advantages for the pores and skin.
- Substances: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol
- Measurement: 1 fl oz
- Use: Each morning and night, apply dime-size onto finger ideas and apply to face and neck, gently easy into pores and skin.
Inexperienced magnificence merchandise can typically be lower than efficient or you must use them for a very long time to see any outcomes. This formulation is totally different. It’s probably the greatest ones I’ve tried and my present private favourite. I’ve observed a dramatic distinction in solar injury and scars fading. The serum’s formulation works to will increase collagen manufacturing and improves elasticity, leaving you with clear, easy, and radiant pores and skin.
- Substances: Aloe Leaf Juice, Ethyl (Vitamin C) Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide
- Measurement: 30 ml
- Use: Therapeutic massage 1-2 pumps onto face and neck.
This power-packed unhazardous formulation incorporates 5 totally different types of vitamin C, a handful of antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, and a peptide mix, making it wonderful for under-eye brightening and firming. Moreover truly working nicely, the air-tight packaging and pure formulation are main pluses.
- Substances: Energy 5C Vitamin Advanced, 8-Peptide Mix, Cucumber
- Measurement: .5 fl oz
- Use: Gently pat a pump of C-Tango across the eye space utilizing your ring finger.
Clinically confirmed and likewise made with clear, pure elements? Sure, please. This oil leaves pores and skin smooth, easy, and glowing. Its weightless hydrating formulation is made with squalane oil, vitamin C, chios crystal oil, and rose oil. It feels pretty much as good because it makes your pores and skin look.
- Substances: Superior Vitamin C (THD Ascorbate), Sugarcane-Derived Squalane, Chios Crystal Oil
- Measurement: 15/30 ml
- Use: Gently therapeutic massage a number of drops onto cleansed face and neck, morning and evening.
This clear and delicate formulation has two sorts of vitamin C stabilized by antioxidant-rich Japanese magnificence berry to provide you a translucent, youthful glow. Delicate fruit AHAs resurface uninteresting, uneven pores and skin as Japanese angelica root reduces the look of darkish spots and scarring.
- Substances: Japanese Angelica Root, Delicate Fruit AHAs, Japanese Magnificence Berry
- Measurement: 30 ml
- Use: Within the night, dispense one to 2 pumps and gently therapeutic massage onto pores and skin.
With efficient and inexpensive product choices, The Abnormal is a whole class unto its personal, proper? This serum is a extremely efficient suspension with a whopping 23% of pure vitamin C. It stays utterly secure due to the absence of water, is vegan and cruelty-free.
- Substances: Ascorbic Acid, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid
- Measurement: 1 fl oz
- Use: Apply a small quantity to face within the AM or the PM.
This potent light-weight cream works shortly to cut back the look of superb traces whereas additionally bettering pores and skin texture. Whether or not you’re a longtime Kiehl fan or not, you’ll need to check out this selection.
- Substances: Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hyaluronic Acid
- Measurement: 50/75/100 ml
- Use: After cleaning, apply two pumps over total face, avoiding the attention space.
This potent each day serum is made with a vitamin C superfruit complicated that protects in opposition to free radicals, evens pores and skin tone, plumps, and reduces the looks of superb traces and wrinkles. It’s a mild, calming, and nourishing mix that helps general pores and skin well being.
- Substances: Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Lemon Peel Extract, Noni Fruit Extract
- Measurement: 30 ml
- Use: Apply one to 2 pumps each day to scrub, dry pores and skin earlier than you moisturize.
Dr. Rogers’ Suggestions for the Greatest Vitamin C Serums
Hyper Pores and skin Brightening Darkish Spot Vitamin C Serum
This hardworking vitamin C serum dramatically brightens darkish spots.
- Substances: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Kojic Acid
- Measurement: 30 ml
- Use: Apply two pumps of serum to scrub, damp pores and skin and therapeutic massage gently. Use as soon as each day, both morning or night.
Dr. Rogers recommends this scientifically superior and award-winning serum. Not solely does it present antioxidant safety, but it surely improves the look of uneven pores and skin tone and redness too.
- Substances: Nutritional vitamins E & C and Coenzyme Q10, Licorice Extract, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
- Measurement: 30 ml
- Use: Within the morning and night apply a skinny layer to a clear, dry face, neck and décolleté. Will be utilized all around the face.
Check out this lotion. It incorporates probably the most secure and lipid-soluble type of vitamin C, in addition to squalane to moisturize and situation the pores and skin.
- Substances: Nutritional vitamins E & C and Coenzyme Q10, Licorice Extract, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
- Measurement: 1 fl oz
- Use: Apply to scrub pores and skin. Dispense a number of pumps into the palm of your hand and apply evenly onto clear pores and skin. Use as soon as each day within the morning or twice each day for added advantages.
Neutralize free radicals with this Dr. Rogers-recommended absorbent, highly effective serum.
- Substances: Pre-Tocopheryl, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hyaluronic Acid
- Measurement: 1 fl oz
- Use: After cleaning, apply within the morning and/or night to all the face, neck, and décolleté
This put up was initially revealed on Could 20, 2020, and has since been up to date.