Vitamin c

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.