Vitamin C happens to be considered the superhero of skincare. Yet many people might not be using it to its greatest effect. Learn more about Vitamin C and its benefits for you skin. You might have already purchased your serum or you're planning to purchase a Vitamin C serum. The only question left is how to use your Vitamin C serum correctly? Gin Amber Beauty will answer all of your Vitamin C questions in this article.

Daytime or Night Time?

You might have heard that using vitamin C serum during the day while other skincare sources might advice that you put it on at night. We are going to look at arguments for both.

Remember that Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost skin protection when it comes to harmful free radicals. Free radicals are the culprits behind collagen breakdown, which results in unflattering skin blemishes such as:

• Wrinkling
• Dark Spots
• Fine Lines
• Loose, Saggy Skin

Applying Vitamin C before going out to the sun and adding sunscreen to the mix has the potential to provide enhanced protection from harmful UV rays. We all know that preventing sun damage is a foundational measure to take as you start and continue your skincare journey.

Please be advised that if you do use your Vitamin C serum during the daylight hours that you use a lower concentration -- no more than 10%.

On the other hand, Vitamin C has the potential to become unstable when reacting with light, even when you put on sunscreen. Some skin conditions might even be worsened when reacting to light, which could increase hyperpigmentation.

Higher-concentration serums definitely act better when applied in the night time. As we get ready to go to sleep, our bodies do important regenerative work during the night. Applying vitamin C at this time will ensure your skin is in the process of healing and repairing itself. A good Vitamin C serum will also reverse much of the sun damage you have undergone during the daylight hours. Vitamin C will also brighten your skin, which might be a little shocking in the daytime -- night-time would be a better time to apply a Vitamin C serum.

Layering Your Vitamin C Serum

Another important step is to layer your Vitamin C serum correctly. Although not all agree on the importance of ordering skincare products, most recommend applying ingredients in order. The most popularly accepted advice is to use products the thinnest products first and save the thickest for last. Thinner ingredient serums are meant to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Thicker ones cover the skin like a blanket.

Gin Amber Beauty recommends using Vitamin C serums after cleansers and toners. You can apply it to both wet and dry skin. Wetness increases the penetration but also the chance of irritation. After applying your Vitamin C serum, you can use thicker serums and moisturizers afterwards. We definitely recommend using moisturizers. Most importantly, do not forget your sunscreen! Make sure you invest in a broad-spectrum and effective sunscreen.

Remember that lack of sunscreen can render all your skincare products useless.

You can also mix different skincare ingredients in order to enhance your results. Common combinations with Vitamin C include niacinamide (also called nicotinamide), which is one of the two major forms of vitamin B3 (niacin). It's a myth you can’t mix niacinamide with vitamin C. You can also mix in ferulic acid and Vitamin E (1). You can also mix Vitamin C with retinol or AHAs and BHAs but do so carefully and with caution.

How to Apply Gin Amber Vitamin C Serum

Applying vitamin C is normally fairly straightforward. Drop some of your serum onto your palm. Many skincare experts advise using approximately a pea-sized amount. Apply Vitmain C serum to your face and massage it in. If you rub it in, be careful not to do it too vigorously because you can stretch your skin, break down collagen, and ultimately cause wrinkles. Start out by simply pressing the serum into the skin and monitor your progress/results.

Use Vitamin C serum for the face, the neck, the low neck line, and the backs of your hands, if you wish.

Remember to apply sunscreen after Vitamin C.

Finally, take the time to store your serum well. Vitamin C is an unstable ingredient that reacts quickly to water, sun, and air. To keep it effective for as long as possible, store your Vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place. Moreover, make sure that the bottle is opaque and dark. Never buy Vitamin C serums in clear bottles. Serums with ascorbic should not be used for longer than two or three months. Other forms of Vitamin C can last longer. Learn more about things you should know before using a Vitamin C serum.

Take a look at this video for some additional benefits that our Vitamin C serum can provide for your skin and skincare routine. 

How is your experience using Vitamin C for its skincare benefits? Gin Amber Beauty prides ourselves in helping anyone and everyone along in their beauty and skincare journeys. 

References

1.) Telang, P. S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 4(2), 143. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/