MIDDI - How to Shop for … a Vitamin C Serum
In search of the finer things in life — because the finest ones still cost too much.How to Shop for … a Vitamin C SerumFive tips for selecting the right vitamin C serum for your skin's needs.
After retinol, vitamin C is the skincare ingredient I get the most questions about. There are so many products with vitamin C in them now, but serums continue to be my favorite way to enjoy the benefits of this antioxidant. As someone who deals with hyperpigmentation from acne, antioxidants are a key part of my skincare routine for a bright, even complexion. But I have also fallen victim to the hype before and spent entirely too much money on vitamin C serums that broke me out, leaving behind new scars to deal with. If you need some help navigating all of the choices out there, here are five things to remember when shopping: 1. Consider your skin type. As is the case when choosing any skincare product, you need to first look at your skin type and what your complexion needs. Vitamin C is most commonly used for brightening the skin and reducing hyperpigmentation caused by acne or other injuries like scars or sun damage. It also supports collagen production to firm the skin. Whether your skin is dry or oily, sensitive, acne-prone or calm will determine the type of vitamin C serum that will work best. 2. Explore the options. The most common forms of vitamin C used in skincare products are ascorbic acid, ethyl ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbic palmitate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, retinyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbic phosphate. The most stable of all of these are ascorbic acid and ethyl ascorbic acid while magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is reported to be the most gentle and suitable for sensitive skins. Dermatologists recommend starting with a low concentration, between 8 and 10%, and working up gradually to 20%. 3. Choose your formulation. There are also different consistencies to consider when selecting a vitamin C serum. I don’t like oily serums. They can be pore-clogging and have led to some pretty awful breakouts and a lot of lost money. Water-based liquid or gel serums are my preferred formulation because they also layer nicely with other products. No matter the formulation, vitamin C serums can turn quickly if not stored properly. And no, you don’t need to run out and buy a skincare refrigerator—just look for either dark or opaque glass packaging or my personal favorite, an airless pump. Once the product darkens to a deep golden or brown color, it’s probably not doing much for you anymore. 4. Adjust the rest of your routine. To get the full benefits of your serum, you need to find the right place for it in your skincare routine. Typically, vitamin C is recommended for daytime use because it doesn’t always play nicely with stronger acids or retinol (there are some exceptions). As an antioxidant, vitamin C supports the effects of SPF, which you should apply daily anyway. I usually apply mine after cleansing and toning (with a non-exfoliating toner) and before any moisturizer or sunscreen. 5. Be prepared to wait. The true results of any skincare product will take weeks, if not months, to show. While I’ve noticed some improved radiance (i.e. glow) overall after a week or two with my favorite vitamin C serum, it takes at least three months for serious dark marks to begin fading. So as long as you’re not experiencing an adverse reaction like acne or a rash, stick with it for at least that long or one full bottle. Want more tips? Learn how to shop for dining chairs here.In case you missed it … MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments. |
Key phrases
Older messages
Seasonal Swap Meet
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Three finds to help you change up your autumn routine.
How to Shop for … a Weekender Bag
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Select the right bag for a short trip out of town with these five tips.
On the Move
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Three buys to help you organize your new home in a flash.
How to Shop for … Fake Houseplants
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Follow these five steps to spruce up your space with faux botanicals.
You Might Also Like
A Reading List for National Poetry Month 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Our partners, sponsors, and advertisers present some of their titles to help celebrate National Poetry Month. View this email in your browser A Reading List for National Poetry Month 2024 Our 2024
Week Ahead Tarot Reading from 4/29 to 5/6 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
You will want to stay on task this week. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Inside the chaos response to Meghan Markle’s jampire
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Let her eat cake, and sell jam, and towels, and a cooking show, and…
6-Second Sunday: On rituals, doctor damage, and hard beds
Sunday, April 28, 2024
6 Ideas. 6 Second Skim. 6 Minute Read. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
RI#221 - What AI can do today/Multilingue/Computer maintenance
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Hello people ! I'm Alex, the author of the Rabbit Ideas Newsletter. Every week I find useful resources online and share them with you. Let's check this week's links! 🌐 Websites * What AI
"Parable" by Nickole Brown
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Let us not with one stone kill one bird, Facebook Twitter Instagram Poem-a-Day is reader-supported. In honor of National Poetry Month, please consider making a gift to help cover the costs of this
“CNN” (SHORT STORY)
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Another day another presentation for creative director Philip Morris. Philip is holed up in a luxury hotel suite, sweating the details for a major strategy presentation to the new chairman and chief
The Gorgeous Dress Trend Taking Over For Spring
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Throw on and go.
12 Weeks to the Strongest Body of Your Life!
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Build A Better Body Today! Mens Health Shop logo Save 50%! On Sale Now! Build a stronger body This 12-week program is packed with workouts designed to help you get leaner, faster, more muscular, and
The merger self, the seeker self, and the difficult balance of intimacy and independence; attention as devotional practice; goodbye Moon
Saturday, April 27, 2024
NOTE: This newsletter might be cut short by your email program. View it in full. If a friend forwarded it to you and you'd like your very own newsletter, subscribe here — it's free. Need to