Vitamin C is one of the most useful antioxidants in skincare and a vital part of the morning routine if you’re tackling premature ageing and sun damage.
What’s great about it is that most of the products I rate come in an easy-to-layer format that’s simple to integrate into your morning routine so let me show you how its done.
I’m going to demo this using the classic, Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum.
What strength Vitamin C serum should I use?
I’m keen on preparations with 15-20% l-ascorbic acid, found in brands like Obagi and Skinceuticals. But start with 5-10% if skin is sensitive and you’re anxious about starting actives.
When Do You Apply Vitamin C Serum?
I use Vitamin C first thing as I want to harness those protective benefits against environmental aggressors, especially if you live in an urban environment like London. So here I am with a clean face, which I’ve gently patted dry.
How Do You Apply Vitamin C Serum?
I take 7 drops of serum and I apply it to clean skin as I want nothing to block its penetration. I’m going to treat my whole face. I do the 13 Dot Technique and then a little bit extra around the eyes and on the neck, then I glide it over my skin. These areas specifically are extremely grateful for the effects of vitamin C in terms of brightening, reducing pigmentation and firming the skin, as it helps with collagen assembly.
How Often Can I Use Vitamin C?
This is one for everyday use, ideally. If your skin is sensitive, do start off with every other day usage. And do a test patch initially if you’re worried, as the low pH needed for vitamin C absorption (around 3.5) can be irritating for some. If it’s too irritating, try a vitamin C ester like ascorbyl glucoside, as I’ve used in Flawless Brightly Serum.
What should I apply after Vitamin C serum?
Allow it to dry and absorb fully and then you’re ready for next steps. Now’s a great time for an acid. You can use azelaic acid if you’re blemish-prone or tackling pigmentation. Or try an alpha hydroxy acid if you’re just looking for a little extra radiance.
What about Vitamin C and Niacinamide?
It’s absolutely fine to use these together and indeed their action is complimentary.
What ingredients shouldn’t I use with vitamin c?
Don’t use benzoyl peroxide with vitamin C which can oxidize your pricey serum, which might make it ineffective. Retinoids are generally used at night and vitamin C is usually applied in the daytime so this isn’t a combination I recommend for practical reasons.
How should I store vitamin C serum?
We want to preserve its antioxidant power so store it in its box with the lid tightly screwed on so it doesn’t oxidise through exposure to air and light
Can I still use vitamin C serum if it changes colour?
Anyone who’s used vitamin C for long enough has probably experienced the change in colour that spells oxidation, usually when you’ve not screwed the lid on tightly enough. So I recommend discarding if it becomes significantly darker than a light straw colour.
So now you know everything you need to know to use vitamin C in your routine like a total pro. Please share this video with someone who needs this advice because I want to help as many of you as possible reach your skin goals and get bright clear skin!
