This post has been updated: Dr Oz has just highlighted vitamin C as one of the anti-agers that will "drop a decade from your face". I agree that vitamin C is a helpful anti-ager, but I strongly disagree with his guidance: "Look for products that contain between 3% and 10% of vitamin C and include the active ingredient ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid." First of all ascorbic acid is far from the best form of vitamin C to look out for. It is the least stable and most likely to irritate. There are much more impressive types of vitamin C, such as MAP (read up on vitamin C in all its forms). And the 3-10% range is just arbitrary. There are fantastic serums such as E'shee's that has 20% delivered over time so that it doesn't irritate, clever stabilizing ingredients, others with lower percentages of stable Cs that work really well, or those (such as Nutra-Lift or M.A.D) that have complex formulas of different Cs. Here's my new update on last May's Five Best vitamin C serums. Read my article on how to choose the best vitamin C actives
Organic Vitamin C Serum with 22% Vitamin C Organic Eye Gel with 18% Vitamin C, Plant Peptide Complex & Cucumber Extract Essential Oil Roll On Set 10 ML - Sweet Dreams, Headache Relief and Breathe Easy Aromatherapy Wood and Glass Diffuser (200ml) Radha USDA Organic Moroccan Rose Water TonerSo many of you ask me what I use on a daily basis and I promise that post is coming soon...but one product that I can not live without is Vitamin C serum. It tightens your skin, helps lighten hormonal pigmentation (I was one of those that was cursed with horrible pregnancy melasma) and helps ward off wrinkles. I lather it on every SINGLE night before I go to bed. The only problem with Vitmain C serum is that it's one of the priciest skin care products on the market. I currently use this product and I have also used this one (yikes expensive I know). But today I am going to show you how you can make your own...for under $10! A dark colored glass bottle. I used an empty serum bottle.
Vitamin C powder (L ascorbic powder). You can find this at your local health food store that carries products in bulk or you can purchase here. %100 pure vegetable glycerine, which is a great base for serums and makes your skin extra glowy and soft. In a small bowl mix 1 tsp of Vitamin C powder with 2 tsp of vegetable glycerine. Crush the crystals up until they are completely dissolved (if you don't you will end up with a grainy serum) Carefully pour your serum into your glass bottle. Apply 3-4 drops onto freshly cleansed skin and gently massage in until fully absorbed. Keep in a cool dry place. * Update- if you are having trouble getting the crystals to dissolve, add a tiny bit of purified or distilled water to the mixture. This should completely solve the gritty problem some of you are experiencing. SO easy and you skin will thank you for this I promise. My recommendation is to use this only at night to start. If you think your skin can handle more go ahead and use twice a day.
Since this serum is all natural and does not contain any preservatives, only make enough to last you about two weeks. Vitamin C serum may cause temporary redness and that is normal, but if you have any burning sensation remove with cool water and lower the ratio of Vitamin C powder to vegetable glycerine. Enjoy and please come back and let me know how you like this if you try it out!9 Vitamin C Serum Benefits for the Skin 2. Does Vitamin C Lighten Skin? 3. Does Vitamin C Serum Help Acne? 4. Easy DIY Vitamin C Serum 5. Home Recipe Vitamin C Mask 6. Homemade vitamin C Facial Mask for Pigmentation 7. Homemade Vitamin C Cream for Face 8. Homemade Vitamin C Toner 11. Related Vitamin C Products 9 Vitamin C Serum Benefits for the FaceVitamin C does a lot for the body and the skin. On the body this vitamin helps to boost the immune system, guards from colds, increases the absorption of iron, helps with wound healing, protects from cardiovascular diseases, cataracts and even cancer.
Clinical studies have shown that topical vitamin C has multiple benefits for the skin. Serums, specially, are the preferred choice of many skin experts because they contain smaller molecules than skin care creams and are able to penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering all their benefits. According to the "Indian Dermatology Online Journal" the benefits of topical vitamin c serum are proportional to its concentration, but only up to 20%. It is also stated in this journal that we should be applying vitamin C serum after being exposed to sunlight and not before. So, what are the benefits of using vitamin C serum on the face and neck? 1- Vitamin C has antioxidant power which means that it counteracts free radical action, protecting the cells from damage produced by oxidation. 2- Vitamin C serum has anti aging benefits and will help diminish and delay wrinkles and fine lines. 3- Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen, so applying a vitamin C serum in young and aged skin will boost collagen production, providing firmer and younger skin.
4- Improves the skin's elasticity, texture and tone. 5- Reduces pore size. 6- Reverses damage caused by the sun. 7- Lightens dark spots. 8- Decreases skin redness 9- Reduces skin pigmentation. Topical Vitamin C for the Skin Does Vitamin C Lighten Skin?Vitamin C is a depigmenting agent which means that is able to effectively block the formation of melanin in the skin during sun exposure. It seems to have a mild lightening effect, but if you are looking to withen the skin a few shades vitamin C alone won't be enough. Vitamin C will brighten and reduce pigmentation and sun spots but is not really a bleaching agent. If you are looking for the best ingredients to lighten the skin you could try arbutin, kojic acid or azelaic acid. Does Vitamin C Serum Help Acne?Vitamin C serum is good for acne prone skin because it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to speed up wound healing. It also helps to reduce other acne related problems such as skin redness grease, pimples and blackheads.
Just use a small amount of serum, few drops, every day and give it time to work. According to the AAD, skin expert Dr Leslie Baumann, advises to avoid skin care products containing vitamin C for skin conditions such as acne and rosacea if your skin belongs to the sensitive type. If acne is your problem discover how lasers can help you and the best home devices to treat this skin condition. How to Make Vitamin C Serum Simple Homemade Recipes Using Vitamin CNote- Don't be tempted to add too much vitamin C to your homemade recipes because being an acid it can irritate the skin. Easy DIY Vitamin C Serum RecipeYou will need: 1 teaspoon aloe vera 1 teaspoon rose water 1/2 teaspoon vitamin C powder First, place the aloe vera gel in a bowl and the rose water in another one. Next, add the vitamin C to the rose water and mix very well until the vitamin C is dissolved completely. It takes a bit of time for the vitamin C to be dissolved, just keep stirring until is done.
Now, add this mixture to the bowl with aloe vera gel and keep stirring until is completely mixed. Because vitamin C is easily oxidized by air, light and heat is better to elaborate just a small quantity of serum and keep it inside a dark glass bottle. I keep mine in a small dark glass bottle with dropper and use only a few drops in the mornings. Keep it on the refrigerator for no longer than 7 days. A Different Point of View from a Dermatologist If you don't have time to make your own vitamin C serum have a look at Oz naturals serum. With 20% vitamin C content and many other anti aging ingredients this top rated serum is a dream come true for the skin. 20% Vitamin C Serum For Skin Home Recipe Vitamin C MaskYou will need: 1/2 teaspoon vitamin c powder (L-Ascorbic Acid) 2 tbsp green clay Mineral water or rose water Mix the green clay with either mineral water or rose water and make a smooth paste. Then dissolve the vitamin C powder in water and add to the clay paste.
Mix the ingredients well and apply over the face for about 20 minutes. For best results use this facial mask twice weekly. This facial mask is effective to improve the skin's texture, adding luminosity to the skin and achieving a clearer and radiant complexion. TIP- Get rid of dead cells and achieve a glowing complexion by exfoliating the skin with aspirin and vitamin C. Buy soluble vitamin C aspirin and mix it with a bit of water. Gently rub it onto the skin for about 2 minutes. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. Looking for vitamin C powder to make your own homemade recipes? Make sure it comes in an opaque container to preserve it from light like the one below. Vitamin C Powder For Skin Homemade Vitamin C Facial Mask for PigmentationYou will need: 1/2 vitamin C tablet 1/2 tbsp baking soda Dissolve the aspirins in the water. Crush the vitamin C tablet until it becomes powder and mix it with the aspirins. Add the baking powder. Mix very well and apply to the pigmented areas with a cotton pad.
Use at night and wear sunscreen the next morning. Note - This facial mask is quite strong so is advisable to test it is a small area first. If you notice a burning sensation or any redness don't use it. You can also decrease the quantities used on this recipe to suit your needs. Avoid if your skin is sensitive. What Do You Use Vitamin C Serum For:? Acne Wrinkles Pigmentation Skin Lightening Reduce Pore Size Improve Skin Brightness OtherSee results Homemade Vitamin C Cream for FaceYou will need: One teaspoon Shea butter 1 Pure vitamin C tablet or capsule The quantities here are small for just one or two uses. This is because vitamin C is easily oxidized reducing its efficacy. You could, however, increase the quantities but make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Is better to start using small quantities and let the skin adjust gradually. keep it for 5 or 7 days. Store in a dark glass inside the fridge. Crush the vitamin c tablet, add it to the Shea butter and mix well.
Now, add the rosewater and mix again. Apply over the skin with a gentle massage until is absorbed. For best results use at night, before bedtime. TIP- Get an instant cream with vitamin c by opening a vitamin C capsule and adding its content to your usual daily moisturizer. Alternatively mix the vitamin c powder with few drops of argan oil before adding it to the moisturizer. If you are too busy to make your own recipes you can improve your skin with Lumene vitamin C. Is an affordable product with great reviews. Brighten The Skin With Vitamin C Homemade Vitamin C TonerYou will need: 1/2 spoon vitamin C powder Distilled water or rose water Dissolve the vitamin c in a bit of distilled water or rosewater. Once is well dissolved add more water and mix well. Transfer to a dark glass bottle and keep inside the refrigerator. Discard after 5 days. Apply with cotton after removing your make up. Don't forget to shake well before each use. Tip - For great antioxidant power make a variation of this toner by using green tea instead of distilled or rose water.