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Can I skip moisturizer after vitamin C serum?

Always layer your vitamin C with a moisturiser, face oil or sunblock in order to avoid darkening of skin.

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One of the most famous vitamin C serum benefits is that it has anti-ageing properties and thus is much sought after for every type of skincare routine. Safe for all skin types, it also hydrates the skin, brightens the complexion, treats inflammatory skin conditions, fades hyperpigmentation, reduces the appearance of dark circles, promotes collagen production, prevents the skin from sagging, protects it against sun damage, soothes sunburns and heals wounds. Phew! Now that’s a long list of benefits. But how does one use it?

When to use vitamin C serum: the basics

It wasn’t long ago that vitamin C emerged as a new skincare ingredient that promised porcelain, age-defying skin. Soon enough, it became quite the hype among skincare buffs (for obvious reasons) thanks to the many vitamin C serum benefits and now they rule the beauty markets. However, there’s one confusion that always revolves around this trending ingredient—whether to use it during the day or night. Today, we are going to settle it once and for all. Not only that, we will tell you the right way and proportion of vitamin C that you should be using on your skin. So, let’s begin, shall we?

Benefits to using vitamin C serum in the morning

The antioxidant properties in vitamin C protect the skin from sun damage, pollution and other free radicals that attack the skin throughout the day. This might be the reason why many choose to apply it in the daytime. When paired with sunscreen, the serum can also up the sun protection factor of vitamin C. Start your AM skincare routine by cleansing your face with a face wash, then apply toner and before applying moisturiser, spread a few drops of vitamin C serum all over your face. Allow it to absorb completely into the skin, then follow it up with a moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. You should always layer it with an SPF to reduce skin sensitivity. However, vitamin C doesn’t fare well with the harsh sun rays and might leave your skin irritated, especially if you have sensitive skin. It can also become less effective when exposed to light, so giving it enough time to absorb before stepping out in the sun is ideal. And look for gentle formulas that are meant to be used in the daytime.

Benefits to using vitamin C serum at night

Like we mentioned before, vitamin C serum benefits include anti-ageing properties as it boosts collagen, improves elasticity and repairs damaged cells. Using it before bed is safer and has far more beauty advantages; thus, we recommend you use it at night, before hitting the sack. Adding a vitamin C serum to your nighttime routine with just a couple of drops to your face should suffice. Tap it on your skin using your fingertips and leave it on overnight. Wash your face in the morning and apply SPF to avoid any skin irritation when you head out.

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How should you use vitamin C serum?

A little amount of the serum goes a long way in getting all the vitamin C serum benefits, so use only a drop or two. Use it after cleansing, toning, and exfoliating but before moisturising. Take a few drops on the palm of your hands and gently pat it on your skin. Give it a few minutes to fully absorb, and then seal it with a moisturiser. Also, if the product you are using has a high concentration of vitamin C, using it once at night should be enough, while a product with a lower concentration can be used twice a day. Also, no matter what skin type you have, remember to always step out with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 when you are using vitamin C on your skin. Even if you’re using it at night, apply sunscreen the next morning before heading out.

What are the best ways to get vitamin C in your diet?

While supplements and powders are available, the good news is that this water-soluble vitamin can be found in many fruits and vegetables, so you can easily get it! Some fruits and veggies that are a good source of vitamin C include:

Guavas

Red & yellow peppers

Kiwis

Lemon

Lychees

Papayas

Strawberries

Oranges

Vitamin C serum products to try

Unlike other popular ingredients like retinol and niacinamide, vitamin C serums are not made with the same processes or base. For instance, a product may claim to have vitamin C in it, but it could be in the form of citric extracts. This is different from L-ascorbic acid, which is actually a potent form of vitamin C. Make sure to pick the right concentration (preferably between 2% and 20%) and formula, depending on your skin type and concerns.

Lakme 9 to 5 Vitamin C+ Serum

One way to go is the . It is made with Kakadu plum extracts which are the world's richest source of vitamin C and vitamin E. This lightweight, non-greasy serum is your one-way ticket to healthy, glowing skin. It also makes sure to keep your face moisturised and works on smoothening your skin.

Lakme 9 to 5 Vitamin C+ Facial Serum

A more potent version is the which boasts 98% of pure vitamin C as it again uses Kakadu plums as its base. And despite its hardcore list of ingredients, it does not cause any irritation to acne-prone or sensitive skin and instead nourishes your face. Say goodbye to dull skin and get the best of vitamin C with this serum.

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Another favourite, is a multivitamin serum which makes the most of its ingredients to give an even complexion and texture. Along with vitamin C which strengthens your skin, E is used to maximise the benefits of vitamin C while vitamin F adds plumpness and glow to your face. And this non-sticky serum does it all without any added artificial scents, colours or paraben.

FAQs about vitamin C serum & when to use?

1) How to avoid a vitamin C serum from darkening your skin?

One of the mistakes that people often commit with vitamin C serums is to not layer them with a moisturiser. Vitamin C has a tendency to oxidise on your skin when it comes in contact with the environment and can turn orange or darker in colour. Always layer your vitamin C with a moisturiser, face oil or sunblock in order to avoid darkening of the skin.

2) What are the ingredients that you cannot pair with vitamin C serums?

A common mistake many make with vitamin C serums is to pair them with other products that may reduce their efficacy or cause peeling on the skin. The top ingredients you should never pair with vitamin C serums are retinol, AHAs and BHAs, benzoyl peroxide and niacinamide.

3) What are some vitamin C storage mistakes people tend to make?

It is important to use your vitamin C serum within three months, or the timeline the label indicates, after opening. You also need to keep it away from sunlight and avoid exposing it to the air as much as possible. Keep the lid tightly closed and check for "off" smelling odours from the serum before you use it every single time. Well, it looks like you should definitely add this product to your skincare routine as vitamin C serum benefits include strengthening your skin's barrier, fighting damage caused due to pollution and sun rays, improving skin texture and brightening up a dull-looking complexion.

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