Vitamin C, is a great beauty treatment, but can't be stabilized as it’s water-soluble, which means you cannot store it and needs to be replenished on a daily basis. That's why bottles of the product tend to be smaller, because the concentration is stronger and doesn't last as long. There are creams, lotions, serums and capsules to choose from or even powders to mix at home. The less expensive products are usually combined with other derivatives that allow for a longer shelf life. That's the main difference between the products you see on the shelves, which aren’t as active as the concentrated versions (serums) and are safe for daily use.
The concentrated products should
ideally be used as a course, or a few times a week, rather than on a daily
basis because it could, over stimulate the skin, resulting in redness or bumps
and lumps if too much oil has been produced. Natural products can also go
off quickly and could cause reactions, hence beauty companies use preservatives
to stabilize a product to ensure a longer shelf life. As a general rule,
anything without a preservative can oxidize within four weeks, so use it up or
throw it out. Recently, Vitamin C beauty products have become popular as
a quick, instant beauty boost, but understanding how and when to use the
products can bring faster and more effective results.
- Buying a smaller bottle means the serum will remain more potent. A larger bottle usually means the product is less concentrated. Look at the percentage of Vitamin C, 20% is normal to have an effect. Once opened, the shelf life automatically declines. Choose a glass bottle that preserves the product longer than a plastic one.
- Exfoliate twice a week, or if you have oily skin every other day. Products cannot penetrate a dead layer of skin as effectively, so try to keep it as clear as possible. A normal skin renewal cycle is a month, or in dry skin up to six weeks. Don’t over exfoliate as it could create skin sensitivity and a reaction.
- Use a serum before your moisturizer and after using a softening tonic. The tonic will prepare your skin and allow the serum to absorb more effectively; otherwise it will drag and sit on the surface. If you have oily skin/or it is humid you may not need moisturizer, but apply sunscreen afterwards.
- Skin reactions are possible as Vitamin C is active. If you get lumps or redness, stop using the product, as it is nature’s way of telling you that you don’t need it! If you still want to try using Vitamin C, use it as a mask that can be washed off or use a less potent formula only at night.
Allow a month skin cycle to see any
changes, although you may feel them straightaway. Don’t be tempted to use more
product to speed up results as it may over stimulate the skin cells. You can
use a product range that creates a synergy effect. This helps speed up the
process by layering the products and building up the concentration slowly.
Using Vitamin C inside and out is healthy and is essential for everyone. It
softens, heals and protects and is also a key ingredient in skin lightening products
and can also boost the skin after a harsh winter. It is the natural beauty
quick fix that works without harsh chemicals and smells good too.
