As professionals, estheticians know that vitamin c is one of the best ingredients to use for the skin. It helps with skin aging, inflammation (which you don’t always know you have), suppresses free radical activity, brighten discoloration and even skin tone. (I’ve actually had clients tell me that it seems to lessen their hyperpigmentation but really their skin tone is evening out and the health of their skin has improved)
 
 
If you’re having some issues with your skin and you’re not sure which product is causing the issue then you should stop any that have acids, vitamin c or retinol. Wait a few days, then you can introduce one product back in at a time.
 
Here are some things to consider when choosing a Vitamin C serum…
 
Vitamin C should not cause dryness, redness or irritation. Check to see which kind of vitamin c you are using. Not all are created equal. Ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid are unstable forms and can sometimes irritate the skin, especially those who are sensitive. These acids have a low pH so therefore create an acidic effect on the skin. That can then encourage free radicals to have a party on your skin…counteracting the reason for using vitamin c. 
 
Research has shown that Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is the best to fight free radicals and skin aging. Don’t forget that free radicals are what can damage the skin.
 
Blackheads should get better with vitamin c, not worse. What can happen when you use the ascorbic acid, it oxidizes quickly on the skin therefore creating more blackheads. 
 
Watch the color of your vitamin c. You want it to be a lighter color. If it starts to turn brown or coppery then it has already oxidized and you will not get the full effects of that ingredient.

Click here for my favorite Vitamin C serum.

Grapeseed Oil
It's been around for a long time but there are so many oils that are beneficial to your skin these days that it's hard to keep track of what we should and shouldn't use. They are all good for different reasons but not good for all skin types. Coconut Oil is probably the most talked about but also one of the most pore-clogging oils so I always advise to avoid this on your face. 
The best part about Grapeseed Oil, it's not expensive. You don't have to pay a fortune to get the benefits of this amazing oil. Here are some reasons why I think everyone should be using Grapeseed Oil…
 
1. Great for oily skin- It can help regulate the oil production in your skin. Your skin cannot produce water so when it feels dehydrated, oil is produced. When you use products (skin care or makeup) that take away the excess oil, your skin will again, produce more oil. It’s a viscous cycle. Grapeseed Oil is a good way to hydrate the skin and help slow down the excess oil.
 
2. Great for dry skin- It is a great hydrator when you find your skin to be dry or even chapped. A lot of people think that applying moisturizer multiple times of day will help but it won’t. Moisturizer doesn’t penetrate so it can’t solve the problem. 
 
3. Fast Absorption- This is a lightweight oil so it will absorb quickly and not leave the skin feeling greasy. You can use this all over your body too. Mix with your body lotion/cream or alone. I apply it all over at night, especially on my neck, chest and breasts. The more hydrated my skin is, the stronger it will be. Just trying to keep things high and tight for as long as I can!
 
4. Antioxidants- Yes, it contains antioxidants so it will protect you from those nasty free radicals that are determined to destroy your skin.
 
5. Collagen- Grapeseed oil protects the collagen in your skin and that is what keeps your skin firm. It also improves the production of elastin and hyaluronic acid (which helps bind moisture to the skin).
 
6. Skin Tone- Used daily and consistently, it may help your skin become more even and brighter. Remember, the more hydrated your skin, the more supple it looks. And that makes you look younger!
 
7. Waxing- Whenever I would get my brows and lip waxed, my skin would get irritated and stay that way for a few days. As soon as I started using Grapeseed Oil every night, the irritation went away. In fact, you can’t even tell I’ve been waxed an hour later. For someone who has very dry, sensitive skin, this was and is a life-saver. 
 
8. Pregnancy- Women are so limited on what they can use when pregnant but Grapeseed Oil is all-natural, so of course it’s safe to use. This is also a great product to use on your belly. When your skin stretches, it becomes itchy most likely because the skin is dry. Keeping it hydrated will definitely help the skin feel and look better.