Skins love it! Topical vitamin C serum can be a powerful addition to any skincare regime depending on the quality of the product and how it is stored. It is a strong antioxidant and free radical scavenger that help brighten up the skin and protect it from the effects of pollution and UV radiation.
Moreover, this little superstar nutrient plays an important role in the production of collagen. When it comes to skin, collagen is key. Vitamin C builds collagen, a protein that forms the connective tissue in our bodies like the skin. A lack of collagen can cause premature aging, wrinkles, saggy skin, and a lack of tone.
Eating a diet rich in vitamin C can be our first line of defense for youthful-looking skin and the second being good vitamin C serums for bright and glowy skin. Topical Vitamin C is usually a more effective form and generally preferred because the ingredients are more absorbable into the skin and it is easy to apply.
A good vitamin C serum takes care of
- Photoaging
- Hyperpigmentation
- Protects against UV radiation
- Dull looking skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin breakouts
Choosing the right vitamin C serum for bright and glowy skin
Generally, topical vitamin C serums are well tolerated by most skin types, but using too much can irritate the skin. For first-timers, you might want to consider consulting a dermatologist to find out which strength of vitamin C should work the best for you. Usually, you can look out for a 10% to 15% L-ascorbic acid. Decide on a topical vitamin C product based on your skin type. If your skin is on the drier side, look for something with added Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, or squalene. If you have oily skin you may want to go for something that says ascorbic acid on the label. For sensitive skins aim for a lower dose of about 5% vitamin C.
Store your vitamin C serum the right way
Vitamin C is not a very stable ingredient, which means you want to take extra care to keep it active and doing what it should – brighten up your skin. Here are a few tips:
- Shield it from sunlight.
- Store in dark container if you make your own serums.
- For DIY serum use a airless pump.
- Always close the container tightly to keep air out.
- Vitamin E and Ferulic acid help keep the formula stable.
- If your serum has turned dark yellow or brown it has oxidised and not good to use anymore. It should generally have a light straw-like color.
How to use vitamin C serums for bright and glowy skin.
You can use your topical vitamin C in the morning or evening on dry, clean skin. Follow with a moisturizer to help seal the serum and hydrate the skin. Some vitamin C serums can feel quite tacky on the skin – using a moisturizer afterward, will help take care of that feeling on the skin.
What not to use with vitamin C serums
Be careful of using retinol-based products with your vitamin C serum. It is better to use them at different times of the day than together as the combination can cause skin irritation. Use topical vitamin C at day and retinol-based products at night.
Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide products at the same time as the vitamin C serum, since it can make it less potent. If you have sensitive skin avoid using other acids and scrubs while on the vitamin C serum.
It may take a week or two to see the first results. When the skin starts to look a little brighter and firmer, you know it is working. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, stored in a cool place, or refrigerated to keep it fresh. Wondering about mixing serums? Find out all you need to know in the article Can I mix a vitamin C serum with collagen serum?
Here are the top favorite topical vitamin C serums for glowy skin
You may not know certain of these premium products, but they are seriously good vitamin C serums. Skins are different and react differently to a product, but these top-selling vitamin C serums are getting rave reviews across the board. Some are a little more pricey than others, but here you will find something to fit every pocket.
Teami Topical Vitamin C Serum
Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Salicylic Acid & Vitamin E Oil
Anti Aging Face Serum for Glass Skin | 1 oz
SKIN & LAB Vitamin C Serum
Hyaluronic Acid & Panthenol, Skin Brightening | All Skin Types
Cruelty-Free | Fragrance-Free | 1.01 fl oz
Cica Vitamin C Serum for Face
Korean Face Serum | Anti-Aging | Hydrating | for Dark Spots | 1.1oz
Obagi Professional C Serum 20%
Concentrated 20% L Ascorbic Acid for Normal to Oily Skin | 1.0 Fl Oz
Professional use
Volition Beauty Strawberry-C Brightening Serum
Strawberry Seed Extract & Kakadu Plum
Vegan, Paraben-Free & Cruelty-Free |30ml/1oz
Dermalogy by Neogenlab Vitamin C Serum 22%
Pure Ascorbic Acid | Vitamin E, Vitamin B5 & Niacinamide | 1.12 fl oz.
Neutrogena 20% Vitamin C Serum Capsules
Brightening | Rapid Tone repair | Treats Dark Spots | Evens Skin Tone | Oil-Free
30 Serum Capsules
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Reduces Discoloration and Blemishes
All Natural, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, GMO-Free | 1.02 Fl Oz
Create your own DIY vitamin C serums for bright and glowy skin
Creating your own batch of vitamin C serums for bright and glowy skin has never been easier. There are so many premium ingredients for DIY creators on the market today to pick and choose from. Creating your own vitamin C serum gives you control over the ingredients used and their freshness. Simply mix fine L-ascorbic acid into your favorite face cream, toner, or hyaluronic acid serum and not a collagen serum. You can also add it to your favorite essential oil for topical use or carrier oil such as olive oil. A preferred powder is one with smaller granules that dissolve easier. If prone to skin irritation, better to avoid mixing in products like AHAs, BHAs, retinol, or products that already contain vitamin C.
Store in a dark glass container away from sunlight or preferably refrigerated.
Our top picks of vitamin C powders for DIY vitamin C serums
Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder
Brightens skin tone | Acts as an antioxidant |Ascorbic acid & Panthenol
Zinc, copper, Camellia Sinensis leaf extract | 0.25 oz
BOS Essentials Vitamin C Powder
Ultra Fine Cosmetic Grade | Dissolves in water instantly |
The finest quality available (325 MESH) | 60g
The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder
Fine 325 Mesh Topical Powder w/ Vitamin C | Vegan | 20g
MakingCosmetics Vitamin C Powder
Lightening & Antioxidant | USP-Grade (L-ascorbic acid) | 1.8oz / 50g
(TOP RATED) Hyalogic Vitamin C Powder
Beauty Boost | Anti-aging | Mix with Your Favorite moisturizer
Topical Vitamin C w/ProVitamin B5 & Glutathione
21 Oz / 6 Gram (Approx. 60 uses)
Last thoughts on topical vitamin C serums for bright and glowy skin
Vitamin C serums are a great addition to any skincare regime to get that glow you always wanted. It is that one missing step between a cleanser and a moisturizer. Choosing one that becomes your absolute favorite may prove a tad difficult for some. Unless you are one of those people who always get it right the first time. Texture, smell, and strength are factors that influence choice.
All of the hand-picked vitamin C serums featured in this article are top-rated. The right topical vitamin C serums for bright and glowy skin can do wonders for your skin. Your options don’t have to end with a serum or cream either. There are amazing vitamin C toners and facial cleansers that can help brighten and even out skin tone too, which can be used alongside your favorite vitamin C serum.
If you still have questions about vitamin C serums and how to use them, a dermatologist will be able to address all your concerns and guide you on the right path.
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Disclaimer and cautionary note: The contents of this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice; the content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dermatologist, physician, with any questions you may have regarding any skin conditions or other medical conditions or when considering taking a dietary supplement orally or intravenously.
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