Does Vitamin C Serum Really Work?

Interest in vitamin C serums is higher than ever, but it's hard to decide which products are necessary and which are just fads.

This blog explains what vitamin C serum is, its possible side effects, and why you should include it in your skincare routine.

 

What is Vitamin C Serum?

Let's start with the basics: a vitamin C serum is a high-dose vitamin C that is applied directly ('topically') to the skin.

A serum is designed to deliver high concentrations of ingredients into the skin. Serums are clear, gel-based, and thinner than traditional moisturizers.

Serum should be applied before moisturizer - think of it as a primer for your skin that helps the "top layer" (moisturizer) absorb quickly.

As you might have guessed, Vitamin C serum is packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant known for its many skincare benefits, helping to protect skin from issues like fine lines, wrinkles, dehydration, pigmentation, dark circles, and redness.

Vitamin C occurs naturally in your skin and is found in foods such as citrus fruits (such as oranges), Kakadu plums, tomatoes, tomato juice, and potatoes.

A 2015 study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that topical application of vitamin C (applied to the skin) increased collagen production in participants. Participants also saw a noticeable change in the appearance of their skin after just 60 days.

 

How does vitamin C protect the skin?

In short, vitamin C helps your skin repair damaged cells. It promotes the production of collagen - the most abundant protein in your body, which acts as a scaffolding material that holds your body together and provides its strength and structure.

Collagen plays a fundamental role in strengthening the skin, providing elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to drier skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Vitamin C is highly acidic, and when applied topically, your skin boosts its own repair processes by increasing collagen production. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.

Free radicals are atoms that are missing an electron. They are found in pollutants, cigarette smoke, and the sun's rays. When free radicals come into contact with your skin, they try to "steal" an electron from you, which damages skin cells.

Free radicals can build up and contribute to conditions like heart disease and cancer. The antioxidants in vitamin C act as barriers that "give" an electron to free radicals, preventing them from stealing yours.

 

Is vitamin C serum good for dark spots?

Vitamin C is not only good for dark spots, it's excellent.

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are common skin problems that can make your complexion appear uneven with "dark spots."

This is due to excessive melanin production. Vitamin C is a proven lightening agent. It inhibits melanin production, helps achieve an even skin tone, and provides a brighter, clearer complexion.

Is vitamin C good for dry skin?

Vitamin C is naturally acidic and removes dead skin cells, promoting skin cell turnover. This means it removes old skin cells and promotes the formation of new ones.

In short - vitamin C helps your skin stay plumper and fresher for longer.

Is vitamin C serum good for removing wrinkles?

Vitamin C is well known for stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

Collagen has already been mentioned; Elastin is responsible for keeping your skin stretchy and elastic. As we age, the levels of collagen and elastin in our bodies decrease. This leads to sagging and wrinkling of the skin.

Vitamin C increases the production of both proteins in your body, helping your skin look younger for longer.

 

Why is it worth using a vitamin C serum?

Why use a vitamin C serum when you can just drink a glass of orange juice in the morning, right?

A glass of orange juice is fine, but if you swallow vitamin C, only a small amount will reach your skin. When you apply it topically, in the form of a serum, it is absorbed directly into your skin, making it much more effective.

How do I apply vitamin C serum to my face?

If you struggle with acne, exfoliate your face with a men's facial scrub for better absorption of the serum.

Apply the serum to your fingers and then gently smooth it over your face, neck, and eyelid area.

Allow the serum to absorb for 10-15 seconds.

Then use a fast-absorbing, lightweight moisturizer for men.

 

Are there any side effects of vitamin C serum?

As with all skin care products, some people with extremely sensitive skin may experience mild irritation.

Before applying vitamin C serum to your face, take a small amount and apply it to an area that you can cover, such as your arm.

This test will show you if you will react. If there is no reaction after 24 hours, it is probably okay to use the product on your face.

 

What makes a good vitamin C serum?

Not all vitamin C is created equal. Finding a quality serum isn’t as easy as you might think. Many cheap (and some expensive!) serums use artificial and chemically produced vitamin C. Synthetic vitamin C is better than nothing, but it has a shorter lifespan in the body, only being effective for about two hours. Natural vitamin C stays in the body longer and is absorbed more slowly; so it’s available for a longer period of time. When looking for a quality vitamin C serum, choose a product that is made with natural ingredients.