What to Know About Vitamin C Serums

What are Vitamin C Serums?

Topical Vitamin C is one of the most powerful and effective anti-aging skincare ingredients on the market. It works to combat skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, tone, complexion, and wrinkles. It also is used to protect your skin against pollution and free radicals. That said, it is important to understand that not all Vitamin C serums are created equal, and they are not one size fits all. When choosing an appropriate Vitamin C serum for your skin type, it is essential to consider the type, concentration, and delivery method into the skin, as well as the bottle/dispenser.

What does Vitamin C do?

Vitamin C is a natural, potent antioxidant that protects against free radical damage. When you think of free radical damage, think of anything in our environment that we don’t have control over that can get into our skin and break down our collagen, causing fine lines/wrinkles, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation, and overall aging. Examples include cigarette smoke, pollution, dust, UVB rays, pesticides, and even some cleaning products. Vitamin C works by neutralizing these free radicals, making them unable to harm our skin.

Overall, Vitamin C serum can be beneficial for addressing:

• Uneven skin tone
• Uneven skin texture
• Aging skin and mature skin
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dark spots and discoloration
• Free radicals and UV ray damage

Things to consider when purchasing a Vitamin C Serum

When purchasing a Vitamin C skincare product such as a serum, look for certain signs of quality. The best vitamin C serums will contain 10-20% L-ascorbic acid, include vitamin E and/or ferulic acid, have airtight packaging, and dark or tinted glass if they are in a bottle. Vitamin C should always be stored in a darkened container to protect the contents from direct sunlight exposure, as sunlight can deteriorate the product’s potency.

When should Vitamin C be applied?

Vitamin C should be applied during your morning and evening skincare routines as the second step after cleansing and before your SPF. This ensures that your skin is completely able to absorb all of the product.

To correctly apply Vitamin C serum, first cleanse your skin. Dispense a small amount of the serum onto your fingers and gently apply it to your face, being sure not to pull or rub your skin aggressively.

Can Vitamin C be used with other products that contain active ingredients?

It is best to avoid using your Vitamin C with other products containing active ingredients (exfoliating products, retinol, etc.). Combining active ingredients can cause skin irritation. Our medical aestheticians will work with you to develop a thorough skincare routine that ensures you are using products properly and in the right sequence to receive the maximum benefits from them!

Which Vitamin C is best for me?

As aforementioned, Vitamin Cs are not a one-size-fits-all product. Reading and understanding the ingredients within your Vitamin C is an important step in choosing one that is appropriate for your skin type. For instance, if your Vitamin C contains pure L-ascorbic acid, it may be more irritating on the skin. Depending on your skin type (dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin), ascorbic acid could be very beneficial in aiding your skin, or you may need to look for something gentler.

Gentler options may include sodium ascorbyl phosphate or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. It is also important to note that Vitamin C serums containing acids oxidize more quickly than those that are non-acid forms. This means that when the product is exposed to light, such as every time you open the bottle, they may wear down and become less effective. This is why it is crucial to work with your medical aesthetician so that you are using a proper Vitamin C!

What Vitamin C products do you offer?

Here at CARE, we offer three medical-grade Vitamin C products:  ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, and SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF with Ferulic Acid. If you are interested in learning more about Vitamin C serum and how it may benefit your skin health, get in touch with us today! Our aestheticians are dedicated to helping you find the best vitamin C serum for your skincare goals.

Why Choose CARE Plastic Surgery?

Our medical aestheticians, Ashley and Bri, are the best of the best and are highly qualified. It is a priority of ours to make sure that you are well equipped with all the necessary tools to keep up with your amazing results from our med spa treatments. By using the medical-grade skincare products we offer, such as Vitamin C Serums, in combination with your treatments in our med spa, you are not only improving your skin but also maintaining your results! You can purchase our Vitamin C products both in-office and online. Our Raleigh/ Cary office can be reached at 919-374-2492.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin C

Is L-ascorbic acid the same as Vitamin C?

L-ascorbic acid is a form of Vitamin C that can be very beneficial to the skin.

Do Vitamin C Serums Cause Side Effects?

As with any skincare product, using Vitamin C serums in high concentrations can lead to skin irritation. Vitamin C may also cause reactions when mixed with certain active ingredients, such as other acids or retinol. It can also cause extra sensitivity to sunlight, so be sure to apply sunscreen after vitamin C serum.

What Type of Skin Can Vitamin C Benefit?

Vitamin C serums are safe to use on any skin type, such as sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and oily and dry skin. If you have questions regarding Vitamin C and if it is right for you, please schedule a consultation at our practice.

What is the Difference Between Topical Vitamin C And Oral Vitamin C Supplements?

From a nutritional standpoint, Vitamin C is a nutrient that your body needs for cartilage, blood vessels, and muscle and collagen in the bones. It also aids in the body’s natural healing process. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C protects your skin against free radicals. Because your body does not naturally produce Vitamin C, you need to get it from your diet. When used for skin care, Vitamin C also offers the same benefit of antioxidant protection.

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