Vitamin C serum: A Dermatologist explains which formula works and who should avoid using it
One of the commonest products I see patients purchase online is Vitamin C serum. Nowadays this ingredient is so common it is added even to facewashes, sunscreens and every depigmenting agent as a fairy ingredient.
Many people spend thousands of rupees on these serums as they have heard its the “best” ingredient.
The truth is a little different. Vitamin C is a good depigmenting agent but it does not suit every skin type. we have to question about its efficacy when used in products like facewashes.
What does Vitamin C serum actually do?
L-ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant. it has mild depigmenting properties. Many people report that they get a nice “Glow” to their skin after using it consistently. It protects against free radical injury and sun damage.
Why Vitamin C serum causes acne breakouts?
vitamin C causes skin purges but many people get acne breakouts and acneiform eruptions after using vitamin c serums no matter how expensive they are.
why does this happen?
Possible explanations are that the base used to stabilise the molecule is heavy and silicone based or oil based. This causes oil glands or pores to get clogged up leading to acne breakouts.
Vitamin C is a delicate ingredient, and it can oxidise easily to prevent that the formulation and bottles are different.
People with acne prone skin often face worsening of acne or new breakouts.https://sahawasskinclinic.com/acne-scars-treatment-pune/
Can Vitamin C cause pimples?
Yes, in certain people with acne prone skin it can. with wrong formulation it can lead to breakouts
FAQ:
can teenagers use Vitamin C?
Vitamin C serum is a good treatment option for teeangers and people in their 20’s
- Can Vitamin C cause pimples ?
Yes, in certain people with acne prone skin
2. Can teenagers use Vitamin C?
YES they can if they dont get breakouts because of it
3. can pregnant women use Vitamin C?
Its generally considered Safe to use in pregnancy but consult with your dermatologist before using.
4. Can i use Vitamin C everyday ?
Yes, can be used everyday
5. Shall i use it in my AM or PM routine?
Vitamin C can be used in your morning or evening routine. Adding in the AM routine followed by sunscreen is a preferred way of using it
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-20s
MY Clinical expereince at Sahawas skin clinic:
In my practice, I often meet patients who have invested in expensive Vitamin C serums or products hoping to treat their pigmentation. Vitamin C can be a hit and miss ingredient. It rarely works most effectively alone to treat pigmentation. Using a wrong formulation can trigger irritation or even breakouts.
In Facewashes which stay on the skin for a minute or two, its usefulness is completely lost. It just adds to the price of the facewash.
I encourage patients to seek medical advice if over-the-counter skincare products are not producing meaningful results.
