Thinking of adding Vitamin C in your skincare routine? Remember these things

Vitamins are essential micronutrients for your skin health. They provide a variety of benefits, such as reducing dark spots, redness, and wrinkles. Vitamins also help moisturise the skin, and are generally critical for bodily health.

While various vitamin-based supplements and topical creams are available, vitamin C often turns out to be the top contender, when it comes to the matter of skin care. However, before you start vitamin C-based product shopping or creating serums or packs at home, learn more about some important tips that will help you care for your skin effectively.

Here’s why vitamin C is used extensively for skin care

Vitamin C is used to treat and manage various skin issues, like acne, loose skin, hyperpigmentation, dark spots and fine lines.

We previously spoke to celebrity dermatologist and wellness expert, Dr Kiran Sethi from Isya Aesthetics, Delhi, and she provided us with insights into why vitamin C is being considered the holy grail in skincare. “Any skin type or age group can use vitamin C. It has great benefits across all age groups,” said Dr Kiran.

Notwithstanding vitamin C’s benefits for the skin, it is also important to consider certain important factors when incorporating this vitamin in your skin care routine.

Here are three things you need to keep in mind before using vitamin C for your skin

1. Morning time is better suited for usage of vitamin C

Although there are no fixed timings to use any ingredient for skin care, vitamin C should be used in the morning as that is when the impact of ultraviolet radiation is at its peak. This will help protect your skin from harmful radiations, and prevent rashes, blemishes and skin burn. A study from the US National Library of Medicine states that “benefits include promoting collagen synthesis, photoprotection from ultraviolet A and B, lightening hyperpigmentation, and improvement of a variety of inflammatory dermatoses.”

2. Be mindful of the requisite concentration of vitamin C

Vitamin C concentration varies as per the product or the skin care technique (face wash, pack, serum etc.) used. The general range is between 5 percent to 30 percent. People with dry and sensitive skin should opt for lower concentrations, to avoid irritation. While, people with oily skin could use higher concentrations. There is however, no requirement to cross the 20 percent threshold, as the effects tend to plateau post that, as highlighted in a study by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

3. Be careful of any colour change

Vitamin C products should be colourless, as colouration indicates oxidation. Therefore, if you spot a serum or powder, which is yellow or brown in colour, then it is best to discard it. If you still persist on using vitamin C, regardless of the colouration, then you may risk developing pigmentation issues. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, published a study, as per which, yellow colouration signifies oxidised and unstable vitamin C content in a skin care product.

So ladies, go ahead and enjoy the skin care benefits of vitamin C, while also being cautious of the correct usage.