Vitamin C, the antioxidant frontrunner, promotes collagen synthesis, restores the skin barrier, brightens the skin, provides photo-protection and reduces inflammation. It comes in a multitude of topical formulations, including serums, face wash, and creams— and with controversial myths. Although widely utilized by many skincare devotees, topical Vitamin C is riddled with misunderstandings, some of the most popular of which will be dispelled here.
Myths About Vitamin C That Should Be Disregarded
If you want to incorporate Vitamin C into your beauty routine, there are a few myths about this popular skincare product that experts say you should disregard.
Vitamin C and other actives cannot be combined
When Vitamin C is blended with other active ingredients such as Vitamin E, it becomes more balanced and less irritable. For example, when combined with Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B, the skin-brightening and antioxidant properties become enhanced. However, certain powerful activities like AHAs and retinoids can be too harsh, causing the skin to dry out. This is why skin experts suggest using them in different skincare routine timing or skipping a day in between.
One should use cheap Vitamin C serum because they’re all the same
Many skincare products are made from Vitamin C. It can include formulas like ethylated ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and L-ascorbic acid. L-ascorbic acid is highly unstable which can oxidize quickly and cause discomfort. While others are not as unstable as L-ascorbic, they have comparable stability difficulties. This is why Vitamin C is frequently combined with Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, or ferulic acid in various concentrations to increase stability and control irritation. As a result, not all Vitamin C products are created equal. We suggest choosing one that is combined with natural ingredients or other essential Vitamins for the best result. Pick a suitable one by carefully considering the formulation and concentration, as compromising on the cost can do more harm to the skin than good.
Topical Vitamin C is not required if it is being consumed orally
Taking oral Vitamin C has little effect on the skin. It is meant to improve the immune system. When we apply Vitamin C topically, our skin absorbs it directly, transferring antioxidants quickly into the skin.
Vitamin C makes the skin look dark
Vitamin C serum discolors and turns brownish once it has oxidized. It can potentially stain the skin. However, all products are not the same, and a stable Vitamin C solution does not become discolored. Pay attention to the expiry date— Vitamin C serum has a shelf life of around three months or 90 days.
Vitamin C should be used only at night
We have all heard that vitamin C should not be used during the day because it can irritate the skin. But on the contrary, Vitamin C creams and serums neutralize free radicals caused by pollutants and ultraviolet radiation. Wearing it before applying sunscreen further leads to antioxidation and photo-protection. Combine the Vitamin C cream or serum with sunscreen during the daytime, and you’re good to go.
Vitamin C is not for every skin type as it sensitizes the skin
Vitamin C creams and serums, when used correctly, benefit all skin types. A good formulation, well stabilized and coupled with other complementing actives, does not sensitize or irritate the skin. Since concentration and frequency are the most important components, you should incorporate a low concentration product and a lesser count of applications in a week. Then progressively increase the usage frequency to keep skin irritation at bay.
Conclusion
Vitamin C products for the face are the latest craze in the skincare industry, and they’ve quickly become an essential part of our daily routines. Given that the skin reflects not just our outer appearance but inner health too, you should be well-informed about Vitamin C myths. If used correctly and consistently, this amazing antioxidant can do wonders for your skin. That said, remember always to double-check the information when applying any products to the skin. It is essential to choose products that are suitable for your skin and do not cause any damage. Products like Lotus Herbals WhiteGlow VITAMIN-C + Gold RADIANCE SERUM A are thin-textured skincare products that are highly beneficial to the skin.
