Barefaced
by auria
Notes on change, skin, and the journey to your truest self.
by auria
Notes on change, skin, and the journey to your truest self.
Many believe that vitamin C can directly combat acne, but this isn't always the case. Applying vitamin C to skin with active breakouts can actually exacerbate the problem. While vitamin C is not known to cause acne, those with acne-prone skin sometimes experience increased breakouts after use.
Vitamin C’s primary role is to brighten the skin, even skin tone, and provide antioxidant protection. It doesn’t directly address the underlying causes of acne, like bacteria and inflammation.
If you're battling active acne, prioritize treating the breakouts first. Ingredients like:
Once your acne is under control, you can introduce vitamin C into your routine to address any residual hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin. Consider starting with a lower concentration formula to see how your skin reacts. For acne-prone skin, look for vitamin C formulations with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, which is believed to be less irritating.
More isn’t always better, especially when it comes to skincare. Using a vitamin C serum with a very high concentration, such as 20%, can irritate the skin, especially if you're new to the ingredient.
High concentrations of vitamin C can lead to:
For beginners, start with a lower concentration, between 5% and 10%. This allows your skin to gradually adjust to the ingredient without experiencing harsh side effects. 10% is often a good starting point for most skin types. You can always increase the concentration later if your skin tolerates it well. The goal is to provide benefits without overwhelming your skin.
Melasma, characterized by brown patches on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip, is a complex skin condition that often requires a multi-pronged approach. While vitamin C can contribute to lightening and even skin tone, it’s typically not a solo solution for melasma.
Vitamin C's brightening properties can help fade existing hyperpigmentation, including the dark spots associated with melasma. However, it cannot address the underlying hormonal factors or UV exposure that often trigger and maintain melasma.
While vitamin C alone may not eliminate melasma, it's a great maintenance tool after prescription based treatment. A more comprehensive approach involves:
Just like with any skincare product, you need to choose a vitamin C serum formulated for your specific skin type. Using a serum that's not suited for your skin can lead to irritation, breakouts, or simply ineffective results.
Are you rubbing the serum onto the palms of your hands?
Applying serum to the hands can lead to product loss.
The best approach involves:
Applying Vitamin C serum to red irritated skin can cause more harm than good because the face is already vulnerable to other products. Applying any Vitamin C serum onto a face in this state can potentially do even more harm.
Vitamin C serums will need to be avoided if the face is already irritated and inflamed to avoid any possible harm.
Always heal skin before applying Vitamin C to it to avoid extra redness, irritation, and damage to the skin. It is better to let the skin be normal and calm first.
Using salicylic acid and glycolic acid alongside Vitamin C serums can be overly harsh and cause unwanted damage to the face.
It is important to avoid the use of these products because the irritation caused will make the skin have dark spots, thus giving the skin a more dull look.
Although they should not be used together, both salicylic acid and Vitamin C are necessary for the face. However, it is better to use Vitamin C serum during the day and salicylic acid face wash for the face in the evening.
Though it is usually better to apply things to a damp face for better absorption, this does not apply to every single product. Vitamin C serums do not perform the best if applied to the face while damp.
If the skin does not have any irritation, it is possible to use a Vitamin C serum while it is damp.
If the skin is sensitive, do not use when the skin is damp. Instead, make sure that the skin is completely dry.
A common mistake many people make is the lack of use of sunscreen because it is one of the most essential parts of a good skincare routine.
By not using sunscreen, Vitamin C will be useless as the face is not being protected from harmful sunrays. As a result, it is better to apply sunscreen after you use a Vitamin C serum. This is especially important if you have dry skin.
Ensure that you protect yourself by using sunscreen alongside Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a valuable asset in your skincare regimen, offering brightening and antioxidant benefits. However, maximizing its potential requires mindful application and avoiding common pitfalls. By treating acne first, choosing the right concentration and formulation for your skin type, managing expectations for melasma, using a serum correctly, and incorporating sunscreen, you can unlock the true radiance of Vitamin C and achieve a healthy, glowing complexion.
While vitamin C itself doesn't directly cause breakouts, certain formulations or high concentrations can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin, leading to potential breakouts.
Vitamin C is generally best applied in the morning, as its antioxidant properties can help protect your skin from environmental damage throughout the day.
You may start noticing a brighter complexion within a few weeks of consistent use. However, significant improvements in hyperpigmentation and overall skin tone can take several months.
It's generally safe to use vitamin C with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. However, avoid using it simultaneously with AHAs/BHAs (like glycolic or salicylic acid) or retinoids, as this can increase irritation.
Store your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Ensure the bottle is tightly closed to minimize exposure to air, which can cause oxidation.
