Get Rid of Dull Skin with a DIY Vitamin C Serum
Why making your own is better than store-bought
I’ll show you how easy it is to make your own Vitamin C serum for skin care and why you should make it instead of buying it.
We’ll also look closer at the benefits it offers to your skin.
Reasons to use Vitamin C serum on skin
For good reason, vitamin C serums are popular for many in their skincare routines.
They have anti-aging properties and help leave your skin looking smoother, brighter, and younger, among other benefits we’ll explore.
Environmental factors such as UV rays from the sun can break down collagen, the protein responsible for plumpness and elasticity, leading to wrinkles and premature aging.
Vitamin C helps neutralize the skin's free radicals before they can wreak havoc. This protective shield helps prevent sun damage and keeps your skin looking its best. It might also help reduce your risk of skin cancer.
As we age, collagen production naturally slows down. Fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. Vitamin C serums come to the rescue!
They stimulate collagen production, plumping up the skin and reducing the appearance of those unwanted lines.
Uneven skin tone
They help to inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This may help fade dark spots and prevent new ones from forming, resulting in a more even and brighter complexion.
For people with oily skin, vitamin C can help regulate skin’s oil production, minimizing shine and preventing breakouts.
Some vitamin C serums have moisturizing properties and can benefit dry skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated.
Sensitive skin can find a gentle vitamin C formula that soothes irritation and reduces redness. However, you would want to make one with less vitamin C.
However, a small patch test is recommended before applying over the entire face.
While generally well-tolerated, some people may experience a slight tingling sensation when they first start using vitamin C serum.
This is usually temporary and subsides with continued use. If it doesn’t, stop using it.
To minimize any potential irritation, it’s best to start using Vitamin C serum gradually, using it just a few times a week and then increasing the frequency as your skin adjusts.
Always apply sunscreen after using
Choosing the Right C for You
With so many vitamin C serums on the market, it’s important to find one that suits your skin type and needs.
L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of vitamin C, but it can also be unstable and irritating to sensitive skin.
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Gentler derivatives like sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Ascorbyl palmitate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate offer similar benefits that are effective and with less irritation.
To find the one that best suits your skin, you might want to make different batches of the recipe below and try the different types.
Buyer Beware Tips of Vitamin C Serums
Not all store-bought Vitamin C serums use sufficient Vitamin C to benefit the skin. Some companies skimp on using adequate amounts to cut costs.
Some forms of Vitamin C, especially Ascorbic acid, can be unstable and oxidize quickly. Once that happens, it doesn’t benefit the skin at all.
Many store-bought versions of Vitamin C serums may already have oxidized when you purchase them, making them worthless. For that reason, there is a strong case for making your own. You’ll know the ingredients going into it and that it is fresh.
If your homemade Vitamin C serum starts to have a yellowish discoloration, it has oxidized. Throw it out.
Many store-bought brands put a yellow or orange tint into them, so this cannot be detected.
Vitamin C Serum Recipe
Ingredients
Dissolve the vitamin C powder into the water, stirring until completely dissolved.
Add the glycerine and mix.
Pour into sealable jars and store in a cool, dry place.
Apply once daily to skin, preferably at night.
Product Recommendation: Glass Jars, Amber with Inner Liners and black Lids or Glass Amber Pump Bottles
You’ll want to use amber or dark-colored jars to help slow oxidation, which happens faster with clear glass jars.
By Val Garner - all rights reserved
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