In the world of skincare, Vitamin C serum has earned its place as a superstar ingredient. Renowned for its antioxidant properties, this powerful serum can help brighten the complexion, fade dark spots, and protect the skin from environmental damage. 

However, achieving the full benefits of Vitamin C involves more than just slathering it on. To truly unlock its potential, consider these pro tips for radiant and healthy skin.

Before diving into application techniques, let's talk about the often-overlooked aspect of storage. Vitamin C, especially pure form of Vitamin C known as ascorbic acid, is sensitive to light and air, and exposure to these elements can degrade its effectiveness. 

To preserve the potency of your Vitamin C serum, store it in a cool, dark place. Opt for opaque or tinted glass bottles, like our Vitamin C Serum, to shield the serum from light, and always tighten the cap securely after each use. 

Considering that Vitamin C Serum oxidizes, it's better to opt for a smaller sized bottle, rather than a big one.  You can even purchase a small sample, like this one,  dispense the Serum into the sample bottle, and store the remaining Serum in the refrigerator to keep its freshness.

Introducing a new skincare product, especially one as potent as Vitamin C, requires a gradual approach. In particular, if you're introducing a powerful, high-concentration of ascorbic acid (pure form of Vitamin C), such as Vitamin C Serum which has 20% of ascorbic acid, you'll want to start gradually. 

 If you're new to Vitamin C or using a higher concentration, begin by using it once or twice a week and gradually increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance. This cautious approach minimizes the risk of irritation and ensures a smoother transition into your skincare routine. Once your skin acclimates and is able to tolerate high concentration of ascorbic acid, you can use it every day. 

And as with any new product, we recommend doing a patch test. Apply a small amount of the product to a discreet area, such as the inside of your wrist, and observe for any signs of irritation or allergic reactions. This precautionary step helps you identify potential sensitivities before applying the product to your face.

For those with an extensive skincare routine featuring multiple products, the order of application is crucial. Vitamin C serum, being lightweight, typically comes before heavier products. 

The general rule is to layer products from thinnest to thickest consistency. After cleansing, apply Vitamin C serum, followed by other treatments or serums, and finish with your moisturizer. This allows each product to penetrate the skin effectively without interference.

An exception to this rule is if you are using our Vitamin C Serum with All-in-One Essence. All-in-One Essence is specifically formulated so that it can be mixed with Vitamin C Serum to reduce steps. If you are starting on Vitamin C Serum, this helps to build skin tolerance as well. 

But if your skin has built tolerance or you don't have sensitive skin, we recommend using Vitamin C Serum first so that it can do its magic to its fullest. 

To enhance the efficacy of your Vitamin C serum, consider incorporating gentle exfoliation, like our Exfoliating Cleansing Cream, into your skincare routine. 

Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing Vitamin C to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively. However, it's essential to strike a balance – over-exfoliation can lead to irritation. (Click here to read about signs of overexfoliation and what you can do to help your skin.) 

Choose a mild exfoliant and adjust the frequency based on your skin's response.

While topical products, like Vitamin C, play a significant role in skincare, internal and external hydration is equally crucial for healthy skin. In fact, if you apply potent products like Vitamin C on a dry skin, it can backfire! That is because a dehydrated and dry skin can lead to irritability, itchiness, and redness. Applying a potent serum on a healthy skin works wonders, but on an irritated skin, not so much.

Drinking an adequate amount of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, contributing to a plump and radiant complexion. 

And make sure you CLEANSE RIGHT. Often time, people use a cleanser that dries out the skin, leaving it feeling very tight and stripped. That would lead to irritation and redness. So make sure you are not using a cleanser that strips before using an active like Vitamin C. A gentle, non-stripping cleanser with a gentle cleansing agent, like our Mild Face Cleanser which uses a plant-derived agent called coco-glucoside, will leave the skin feeling refreshed but not stripped. 

Combining Vitamin C with other potent antioxidants have many benefits. Some of these antioxidants include vitamin E and ferulic acid. But one antioxidant that offers cascading power is the one we use in our Vitamin C Serum along with 20% ascorbic acid is EmblicaTM, 200x extracts of Indian Gooseberries.

Combining these together have many benefits:

1. Increased Stability: Cascading antioxidants in EmblicaTM help stabilize Vitamin C, preventing its degradation due to exposure to light and air. This enhanced stability ensures that the product maintains its efficacy over time.
2. Enhanced Antioxidant Power: When Vitamin C and EmblicaTM are combined, they have been shown to boost the antioxidant properties of each other. This synergy provides a more robust defense against oxidative stress, helping to neutralize free radicals that can lead to premature aging.
3. Collagen Synthesis: Both Vitamin C and EmblicaTM play a role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, and the combination of these ingredients can contribute to a more youthful and plump appearance.
4. Brightening and Even Skin Tone: Together, Vitamin C and EmblicaTM can help brighten the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and promote a more even skin tone. This makes the combination suitable for addressing concerns such as dark spots and discoloration.

As mentioned earlier, Vitamin C, known as ascorbic acid, is sensitive to light and air, and exposure to these elements can degrade its effectiveness. So freshness matters when it comes to Vitamin C.

To ensure you are getting the maximum benefits of your Vitamin C serum, regularly check the expiry date of your Vitamin C serum and replace it according to the manufacturer's recommended timeline. The recommended timeline usually looks like this on the product label. 

Incorporating Vitamin C serum into your skincare routine is a journey toward healthier, more radiant skin. And it helps prevent premature aging and brightens hyperpigment. By implementing these pro tips, you can unlock the full potential of Vitamin C and enjoy its transformative effects.

Remember, skincare is a unique and personal experience, so listen to your skin, adjust your routine as needed, and revel in the vibrant results that come with a well-crafted and informed approach.