Vitamin C-containing beauty products have an impressive safety profile. Evidence reveals that topical use of vitamin C for an extended period hasn’t shown any adverse effects. Vitamin C is safe to use with other skincare ingredients like retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and SPF. Thus, this wonder skin ingredient suit best for all types of skin.

Topical application of vitamin C diffuses well into the skin better in the form of ascorbic acid. It works by decreasing the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), letting the skin retain moisture. While the antioxidant activity of vitamin C lessens TEWL which enhances skin barrier function and makes the skin supple and youthful.

Vitamin C is an incredible beauty compound that helps fade pigmentation, and dark spots and smooth the skin’s surface to ease dullness. Applying vitamin C serums inhibits melanin production clears fades away hyperpigmentation and brightens skin appearance.

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The potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of vitamin C support, soothing the skin and reducing puffiness. It neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative damage to healthy skin cells, reduces redness, and irritation, and makes the skin clear, smooth, and even tone.

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Ways To Use A Vitamin C Serum

Though topical vitamin C is well tolerated, it is always best to do a patch test to check any risk of allergic reaction. Some mild irritation is normal, but if you experience any intense reaction, stop using the product and talk to your dermatologist. Vitamin C serum is usually applied once or twice per day. The general rule of thumb is to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturize. Make sure that your hands are clean when applying skin care products. Also, introduce new products one at a time, spaced out by a few weeks.

 Additionally, vitamin C can be safely used with other active components. A blend of zinc, tyrosine, and vitamin c has shown to increase the bioavailability of vitamin C 20 times more than just vitamin C alone. But when used alongside niacinamide-containing products it may make vitamin C less potent.

Vitamin C Products

Generally, the nature of serum stability is affected by two factors- product formulation and packaging. Some of the vitamin C derivatives that are formulated to retain potency for an extended period include L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. Also, ensure the product has a water-free formulation and the bottle should be opaque and airtight.

Side Effects

Vitamin C products are generally safe when applied topically. But people with very sensitive skin or allergies may experience a yellowish colour change of the skin. A few may have irritation like stinging, itching, and dryness after using topical vitamin C. This can be managed by applying a moisturizer over the vitamin C serum. For those with sensitive skin, one can start with a lower concentration of vitamin C to check how the skin reacts.