So one of my favorite products to use on my skin is vitamin C! It has so many amazing benefits like reducing acne scars and giving a natural glow. However, I made a few mistakes that actually dried my skin out when I first started using it. I had so many questions about it like “when do I use it"?” and “in what order do I apply the vitamin C?'“, or “what kind of vitamin C product should I use?”! Today, I am going to answer all the questions I had and list some important things you should know before diving into adding vitamin C in your routine. If vitamin C is already a part of your skincare routine, I have a few tips for you as well!

What Vitamin C does for your skin and why use it

1. It is an antioxidant meaning they help prevent the cell damage caused by harmful molecules

2. Helps slow down aging

3. It is a skin brightening agent that works to fade brown spots and can prevent future dark spots on skin

4. Has enzyme that stimulates melanin productions

5. Vitamin C limits the damage induced by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure

6. It is a healing agent for your skin

7. Accelerates production of collagen and elastin

When to use Vitamin C and how frequently you should use it

1. It can be used in the morning AM or at night PM- if using it in the morning you must use with sunscreen 

2. Recommended to use with vitamin E for extra punch but not if you have oily skin because vitamin e is an oil-soluble vitamin and can clog pores

3. Start using it twice a week if you are new to adding it to your skincare routine

4. Then progress to using it 5 days a week

5. I personally prefer to wear it in the morning to help with sun protection

Where to apply Vitamin C

1. Full face, neck, and chest - apply sunscreen over any area on top

2. In between what products

3. You should use it in the following order if your Vitamin C is a serum 

   • Cleanser → toner →  vitamin c serum→ make sure skin is slightly damp → hyaluronic acid → eye cream→ spf moisturizer

4. You should use it in the following order if your Vitamin C is a cream 

   • Cleanser → toner →  serum→ hyaluronic acid → eye cream→ Vitamin C moisturizer → spf moisturizer

What skin types should use Vitamin C

1. It is okay for all skin types but be aware of what percentage it is at.

2. If your skin is more sensitive- only go up to 5% concentration

3. If you are allergic to high acidic foods, try a little bit at a lower percentage first 

4. If you have oily skin- use a water based vitamin C. Look for the following on the ingredient list:

   1. L-ascorbic acid (water-soluble),

   2. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate or Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (water-soluble),

   3. Ascorbyl palmitate (fat-soluble),

   4. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (fat-soluble), etc

When NOT to use Vitamin C

1. Do not mix with benzoyl peroxide because it can oxidize vitamin C

2. Avoid using with other acids to prevent irritation

3. Do not use it with retinol. Retinol can make vitamin C unstable and less likely to penetrate the skin

4. Okay to use it with Niacinamide but not always recommended 

Product examples of Vitamin C

1. I prefer it in serum form

2. Look for vitamin C  in dark bottles or that are covered. Getting sun exposure to the product makes it less effective. 

3. If the product has turned brown- return and do not use it! Keep in a cool dark place

4. Replace every 6 months

5. Do not have the tip of the beaker touch your face...ever!

6. Favorites are no bs serum

7. Paulas choice booster

8. Paulas choice liquid serum

9. Triology cream

Thank you for reading!!

XOXO,

Krity 

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