What Does Vitamin C Serum Do for Your Skin?
Vitamin C is in itself acidic, which means it’s able to clear away dead skin cells from the skin’s surface leaving it softer, smoother and brighter. Because Vitamin C is so acidic as compared to the PH of the skin, the skin is triggered to heal itself by accelerating the production of collagen and elastin when the serum is applied. The new collagen this produces helps the skin plump up and prevents sagging.
Another amazing talent that Vitamin C has is that it reduces scars, spots and hyperpigmentation. It’s a well-known “Brightening Agent” and is able to interfere with abnormal pigmentation through tyrosinase inhibition of the melanin pigment pathway. In other words, it can be used to lighten dark spots! Apply your vitamin C before your moisturizer for optimum results. Allow it to dry, then apply a moisturizer with SPF.
There isn’t a general consensus among skincare experts on when is the best time to apply your serum. Some say that daytime application is beneficial because it adds an extra layer of protection for you skin, helping to prevent free radical damage from the day. On the other hand, night application can reverse oxidative damage you experience throughout the day. However, most skincare experts will recommend the daily morning routine and building up slowly before you start to apply Vitamin C serum twice a day.
What Color Should My Serum Be?
Vitamin C is highly unstable in its pure form, which is why pharmaceutical companies like to blend it with a mixture of Furilic Acid, and or Vitamin E. However, the Vitamin C will still oxidize and turn brown over time. Make sure that you are applying a vitamin C that has not oxidized. Your serum should be yellowish in color, turning eventually orange, and, over time, become dark brown when oxidized.