Vitamin C has long been hailed as one of the skin care ingredients that really works. It's an antioxidant that can boost collagen production, help fade dark spots and even protect against sun damage. But not all vitamin C serums are created equal—factors like concentration and formulation make or break your results. That's why we spoke to experts about what you should look for when selecting a product. They gave us the lowdown on how to choose the best serum for your complexion, plus recommendations for boosting your routine with this powerhouse ingredient.
1. How does a vitamin c serum before and after work?
The first thing you'll notice when using a vitamin C serum is that it brightens your complexion and helps even out your skin tone. This is because the serum has antioxidant properties, which help scavenge free radicals that can cause premature aging and sun damage.
Another vitamin c serum before and after effect is that it reduces hyperpigmentation, like sunspots or melasma, by inhibiting melanin synthesis. In fact, it's been shown to improve the appearance of these marks in as little as two weeks of use, according to research.
Finally, if you're dealing with fine lines and wrinkles, a serum with vitamin c can help to plump and firm your complexion. This is because the serum encourages collagen synthesis, which can help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time, as well as smooth out the skin's texture, according to research.
If you're looking for a vitamin c serum for acne, look for formulas that also contain other anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe your skin and keep it from getting too dry or sensitive. Also avoid products with oil-control ingredients, since they can oxidize the vitamin c and make it less effective, says Herrmann.
When it comes to choosing the right vitamin c serum for your skin type, look for the words "ascorbic acid" or "L-ascorbic acid" on the ingredient list, as these are more stable and better for the skin. Ideally, the ingredient should be near the top of the list as well.
Finally, it's worth keeping in mind that Vitamin C and Copper Peptides Together can cause some skin irritation, so start with a lower concentration of the ingredient and add more as you get used to it. You should also avoid applying it too often, as doing so can irritate your skin and even lead to redness or peeling. And if you have very sensitive skin, it's important to always patch test any new product before you add it to your routine. For the best results, apply a thin layer of the serum in the morning before your moisturizer and sunscreen.
