When should you not use vitamin C?

Because vitamin C is an acid, you shouldn't combine it with other skin-care acids such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like salicylic acid, and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like lactic and glycolic acids. “Mixing with other acids at the same time can change the vitamin C's pH and render it useless,” Dr.

self.com - What Does Vitamin C Do for Your Skin? Experts Explain | SELF

What is the single best exercise to lose weight?

Here are the 8 best exercises for weight loss. Walking. Walking is one of the best exercises for weight loss — and for good reason. ... Jogging or...

Last updated Dec 16, 2022

Is Salmon good for you to lose weight?

Consuming salmon frequently can help you lose weight and keep it off. Like other high protein foods, it helps regulate the hormones that control...

Last updated Aug 15, 2018

Fizzy juice “chews through” 63lbs of fat

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Even if you only dabble in skin care, you’ve likely seen vitamin C serum touted as a beneficial beauty product. But what does vitamin C do for your skin, exactly? In short: Vitamin C is a “potent antioxidant” that can potentially help brighten dark spots, aid in smoothing fine lines, and neutralize skin-harming free radicals from the environment, including pollution and UV radiation, Sara Hogan, MD, board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, tells SELF. Before you run out and buy the first delightfully orange serum you see, though, there are some important things to consider, as not all vitamin C products are created equal. Depending on the product’s specific formulation and your personal skin needs, vitamin C can even be irritating or finicky in some cases, Angela Lamb, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice, tells SELF. But don’t let that deter you from giving this impressive, scientifically backed ingredient a try. Keep reading to find out why and how you should incorporate a vitamin C serum into your skin-care routine.

What does vitamin C do for your skin? | Vitamin C side effects | Is vitamin C good for acne? | What should you look for on the label? | What ingredients shouldn’t be mixed with vitamin C? | Is it safe to use vitamin C with retinol? | How do you use vitamin C serum? | Can I use vitamin C at night? | Should you keep using vitamin C if it changes colors? | How do you keep vitamin C fresh?

1. What does vitamin C do for your skin?

What exactly does vitamin C do for your skin? Well, it has the potential to help with a lot of issues, especially when applied topically in serum form. “Vitamin C has a wide range of protective and anti-aging effects for the skin,” Annie Chiu, MD, a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist on faculty at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, tells SELF. “Serums typically offer the highest concentrations of active vitamin C and tend to have better skin penetration compared to other vitamin C products, like creams and cleansers.” Here are a few of the biggies when it comes to benefits:

Vitamin C can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

That’s because the antioxidant can help your skin produce collagen—a protein that gives your complexion a firmer, bouncier feel, which in turn helps to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, Dr. Chiu explains.

Is coffee good for diabetics?

Some studies suggest that drinking coffee — whether caffeinated and decaffeinated — may actually reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If...

Last updated Aug 11, 2022

What can I add to my water to lose weight?

Weight Loss- Here are 5 best detox waters to help you burn fat during the summers: Lemon And Mint Detox Water. Lemon is the most used fruit during...

Last updated Apr 27, 2021

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

A potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Vitamin C can help brighten your skin.

With consistent use, your skin can become more even in tone—and downright glowy!— because vitamin C inhibits the over-production of melanin, the substance in your body that produces pigmentation in your hair, eyes, and skin. Some areas of the skin will create too much melanin which is what leads to hyperpigmentation. This often manifests as darkened skin discoloration, says Dr. Chiu.

Vitamin C can help protect your skin.

Yep, it may help prevent skin damage that can be caused by environmental aggressors, like UV rays, pollution, or smoke, among others. “Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps fight free radicals (unstable molecules in the body) that age the skin,” says Dr. Chiu. It has some possible healing effects too. “Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and boosts wound healing by helping cells migrate to the area of the skin injury,” she says.¹

Back to top

2. What are the possible side effects of vitamin C serum?

The most common side effects of using a vitamin C serum include skin irritation like tingling upon application, redness, and itching, but this mostly happens to “sensitive or reactive skin,” Dr. Chiu says. Always patch test an area of skin before you try any new product, especially a potent one like a serum. Many derms recommend applying a small dollop (a dime-size amount should do) to your inner arm for a day or two to see how your skin reacts before slathering it all over your face. Dr. Chiu warns that stronger formulations can sometimes have a low pH, which can be especially irritating for those with dry and/or sensitive skin. To be safe, she recommends starting with a gentler formula at first—one that contains less than 5% vitamin C—and then working your way up if you’d like. Most people can benefit from going up to 10% once their skin can handle it, and some can go up to 20%, as long as it’s applied only once per day.

self.com - What Does Vitamin C Do for Your Skin? Experts Explain | SELF

Will I notice a difference after one session of laser?

Indeed, even after your first laser hair removal session, you will see results. Unwanted body hair will start shedding after your first session and...

Last updated Jan 13, 2022

What is Mexico's favorite snack?

Gansitos. This is the gold standard of Mexican snack cakes, consisting of an irresistible filling of strawberry jelly and cream atop an airy cake...

Last updated Aug 16, 2022

Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

Promotion

Do sprouts increase muscle mass?

Sprouted Grains These sprouts are very small and alkalizing to the body and extremely high in nutrition. This group of grains are bodybuilders and...

Last updated Aug 15, 2022

Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Promotion

Why am I so hungry all the time?

You may feel hungry frequently if your diet lacks protein, fiber, or fat, all of which promote fullness and reduce appetite. Extreme hunger is also...

Last updated Mar 8, 2020