Vitamin E “It helps in the biosynthesis of collagen and elastin, thus helping in skin building and rejuvenation. Alpha-tocopherol works as an antioxidant when combined with Vitamin C and can target free radicals. Vitamin E topically is also used to soothe burns and inflammation, and scars,” says Dr Sarkar.
The way it works is that Vitamin E helps the skin absorb Vitamin C better, boosting its brightening effects. Ideally, after cleansing toning, apply Vitamin C first, and then Vitamin E. You can add an adequate layer of sun protection to fend off sun damage before continuing with your usual makeup routine.
Both Vitamin B Serum and Vitamin C Serum will greatly benefit your skincare routine. Think of Vitamin B to aid in your healing and Vitamin C to aid in your brightening.
Additionally, topical vitamin C can help with acne through its anti-inflammatory properties that help control sebum (oil) production within the skin. In clinical trials, twice-daily application of vitamin C reduced acne lesions when compared to placebo.
The primary vitamins you should look for are Vitamin A and B3. Vitamin A, also known as retinoids, help clear acne as they help regulate skin cell turnover, which prevents pores from clogging. The second key player is Vitamin B3 because it possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce oil production.
But overall, stick to using water-based products and serums together. AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
In addition to exercising caution when applying vitamin-C serums to one's face, Ordovás says anyone with sensitive skin or allergies should be especially careful. "Some individuals may experience redness, stinging or itching when using high-concentration vitamin C products," he warns.
Well, when it comes right down to it, the choice is really in what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is incredible for the skin because of its ability to help brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, the best active ingredient for wrinkles is retinol.
As mentioned earlier, vitamin C is safe for daily use. In fact, daily usage is best when it comes to this ingredient. However, when using skincare with vitamin C, you need to be aware of the other ingredients that you're mixing it with.
Vitamin B can be used morning and night. Layer it underneath your vitamin C serum in the AM, and on its own or after exfoliating in the PM.
The short answer: Vitamin C can be unstable on its own (it could separate from the rest of product or change color and texture), but vitamin E helps keep the formula balanced. “When you use the two ingredients together, there is a synergistic effect, and vitamin E helps preserve the efficacy of vitamin C,” says King.
Aging skin
Vitamin E and Vitamin C are both crucial in the fight against aging. However, due to its capacity to increase collagen, vitamin C is particularly beneficial for treating the fine lines, wrinkles, and elasticity loss brought on by aging skin.
Vitamin C and E are a highly efficacious ingredient combination, as vitamin E is also an antioxidant. Research shows that using vitamin C and vitamin E together provides more protection against free radicals than using either ingredient on its own.
Step 4: Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturizer
This is because the serum helps the moisturizer gets absorbed better, and the moisturizer helps seal the serum's nutrients within the skin so they can work all day.