Is your vitamin C serum irritating your skin and causing inflammation?
Here, learn what the vitamin C side effects mean and how to stop them.
But we do know that vitamin C is very important for the skin.
Thats why theres been an influx ofvitamin C serums,moisturizers, and cleansers onto beauty shelves.
This led the skin-care duo to investigate what was upand share their findings with us.
Why does vitamin C irritation occur?
board-certified dermatologist and founder ofBTWN, a skin-care line specifically formulated for children, tweens, and teens
At a basic chemistry level, yourskins acid mantle3sits at a pH of around 4.5 to a 5.
Ingredients such as L-ascorbic acid, retinoic acid, and hyaluronic acid all carry a low pH.
This may cause some skin irritation, according to Dr. Zeichner.
Skin irritation can be caused byexpired vitamin C serum, too.
This creates hydronium ions, according to Veronique, which can lead to skin sensitivity.
Its tricky when you really mess with your skins pH levels repeatedly, says Veronique.
A lot of the barrier function compromises come from not paying attention to the pH balance and the microbiome.
Below are four of the most important things you should look for while shopping for a vitamin C serum.
4 things to consider before buying vitamin C products:
1.
board-certified dermatologist and founder ofBTWN, a skin-care line specifically formulated for children, tweens, and teens
Theformof vitamin C
Not all forms of vitamin C are created equal.
Ideally, you want a product that contains pure vitamin C listed as ascorbic acid or l-ascorbic acid.
Opaque packaging
Stick to vitamin C serums that come in dark, opaque bottles, tubs, and jars.
Light exposure hinders the positive vitamin C side effects.
Dr. Jeffy recommends reaching for water-based serums, which are absorbed more quickly than oil-based serums.
Consider, too, your other skin-care goals.
Need some vitamin C serum recommendations?
Here are a few derm-beloved favorites.
This potent serum neutralizes free radicals and protects your skin from oxidative stress while evening out uneven skin.
Studies show that this combination is very effective at protecting against aging.
How often should you apply vitamin C?
It might seem dangerous to apply vitamin C every day (it is an acid, after all!
Dr. Yadav recommends using it every morning in conjunction with sunscreen before starting your day.
Pairing upvitamin C with SPFcan help protect your skin against harmful UV rays and oxidative stress.
It depends on your goals, explains Dr. Jeffy.
If [youre] looking to improve the consequences of photoaging, then use it twice a day.
Its one of the most effective ingredients in the skin-care arsenal, adds Dr. Yadav.
I recommend it to all of my patients.
When should you not use vitamin C serum?
Can vitamin C serum cause skin irritation?
What does vitamin C irritation look like?
Symptoms of vitamin C irritation include redness, mild to severe burning, and stinging.
Hives, pustules, and inflammation can also occur.
When should I stop using vitamin C serum?
If your skin is highly irritated, stop using it, says Dr. Yadav.
Those skin types should not use a vitamin C that exceeds 10%.
Curious about the benefits of vitamin C?
The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health.Nutrientsvol.
12 Aug. 2017, doi:10.3390/nu9080866
Telang, Pumori Saokar.
Vitamin C in dermatology.Indian dermatology online journalvol.
4,2 (2013): 143-6. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593
Lambers, H et al.
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