Guide On How To Use Vitamin C Serum On Face

What Is Vitamin C Serum?

Let’s start with the basics, what is vitamin C serum? It’s a concentrated, water- or oil-based skincare product that delivers a high dose of vitamin C (also called ascorbic acid or its derivatives) directly to your skin. Known for its antioxidant properties, vitamin C serum helps protect the skin from environmental damage, reduces hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen production, and enhances radiance.

There are various forms of vitamin C used in serums such as L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, and more. Each has different stability levels and strengths, making it important to choose the right formulation for your skin type.

What Does Vitamin C Serum Do?

If you're wondering, what does vitamin C serum do, here's a quick breakdown:

• Brightens dull, uneven skin tone
• Reduces the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation
• Boosts collagen for firmer, plumper skin
• Fights signs of premature ageing
• Provides antioxidant protection from UV and pollution damage

Regular use of vitamin C serum for the face can help your skin appear more radiant, even toned, and youthful.

Using Vitamin C Serum: Step-by-Step Routine

Incorporating vitamin C serum into your skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to apply it correctly for maximum benefit:

• Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin

No skincare regimen begins without a good cleanse. If you have oily skin or wear makeup too often, you can go for the double cleansing method. Start with vitamin C micellar water to remove any impurities and follow it with a gel face wash.

• Step 2: Tone (Optional)

A toner is ideal for removing any leftover impurities, hydrating your skin, and sealing off your pores. Invest in a soothing, alcohol-free toner and dab it all over your face before you move on to the serum.

• Step 3: Apply Vitamin C Serum

It’s time to learn how to apply vitamin C serum to the face. To achieve maximum benefits of vitamin C serum, pour three to four drops of the serum on your face and dab it evenly all over, including your neck. Avoid the eye contour area. The correct way to apply the antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum is to give it a few minutes to penetrate the skin well before moving to the next step. If you’re following the regimen at night, make sure you use the vitamin C night serum. Avoid rubbing your skin excessively, and let the product absorb into your skin naturally.

• Step 4: Moisturise

Once the serum’s all soaked in, hydrate and nourish your skin with a vitamin C face cream. The moisturiser helps hydrate your skin while creating a barrier against aggressors like dust and pollution.

• Step 5: Apply Sunscreen (Morning only)

If you’re using vitamin C serum in the morning, follow it with sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Vitamin C works beautifully with sunscreen to provide double protection against UV rays. Start out with lightweight serum sunscreens and use a mist sunscreen for effortless re-application throughout the day.

Pro Tip

Once a week, when your skin needs an extra bit of hydration and pampering, you can use a vitamin C sheet mask for your face. Leave it on for a few minutes and massage the excessive serum into your face. - optional

Morning vs. Night: When Should You Use It?

Using vitamin C serum in the morning helps shield your skin from daytime stressors like UV rays and pollution. At night, it works with your skin’s natural repair cycle to brighten and heal. We recommend using it twice a day if your skin tolerates it well. Start gradually and keep a note of how your skin reacts to it.

If you are using vitamin C serum for sensitive skin, look for serums with a lower concentration, always perform a patch test, and start by using it every other day to avoid irritation. Avoid combining vitamin C with strong actives like retinol or AHAs in the same routine unless recommended by a dermatologist.

Now that you know how to use vitamin C serum for your face, it’s time to get started with a regimen. However, make sure to read the directions mentioned on the box of your serum before including it in your skincare routine. Browse through our wide range of Garnier skincare products to build an effective vitamin C-enriched skincare ritual. You can also take the Garnier Skin Care Quiz to discover the perfect skincare routine for your skin type and needs. Additionally, explore the skincare tips section and start making notes on how to flaunt the skin of your dreams effortlessly!