When you’re constantly bombarded with all sorts of pricey skincare options, it can be a challenge to discern which products are worth springing for and which you can probably do without. Truthfully, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on most of your everyday products like cleansers, moisturizers and toners. But when it comes to more complex products like vitamin C serums, spending a little extra is going to be well worth it in the long run.
Why You Need a Vitamin C Serum
Honestly, everyone should be using a vitamin C serum as part of their daily skincare routine every morning. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that aids in collagen synthesis, helps to brighten skin tone and even protects against skin damage caused by exposure to UV light and air pollution (Dermatology Research and Practice).
Keep in mind, too, that you can get plenty of vitamin C and other important antioxidants through food and dietary supplements. But because oral and topical antioxidants utilize two very different delivery systems, making sure you’re getting both is hands-down the most effective way to make sure your body is able to benefit from these nutrients. You really can’t ever have too many antioxidants, so pile them on your plate and your skin.
How to Choose the Best Product
When it comes to choosing the right vitamin C serum, there are a few caveats about this ingredient that are hugely important. First, vitamin C can be unstable, so make sure you’re purchasing your product from a reputable source, especially if you’re looking online. This also means that vitamin C serums do deteriorate, so if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.
Secondly, you’ll also want to pay attention to the other ingredients included in the formula, as vitamin C reacts differently with each combined ingredient. This is another reason why it’s important to buy only professional-grade products that are formulated and packaged correctly (which is why they are more expensive).
Recommended Vitamin C Serums for Every Skin Type
Unless you have a Baumann Skin Type that’s prone to rosacea, a topical vitamin C serum should be part of your skincare routine, no matter your skin type. So when choosing a product, look for things like how long it will last and what other ingredients are included. Some of the best vitamin C serums out there include:
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic: This formula contains a synergistic concentration of 15 percent vitamin C, 1 percent vitamin E, and 0.5 percent ferulic acid to enhance free radical neutralization, while simultaneously improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles and brightening skin tone. This product is a little on the pricey side, but because it’s relatively stable and therefore longer-lasting than some other options, it’s worth the splurge.
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF: Similar to CE Ferulic, Phloretin CF contains a powerful blend of 2 percent Phloretin, 10 percent vitamin C and 0.5% ferulic acid. This patented combination also helps to boost protection against environmental stressors like UV light and pollutants, as well as improve the appearance of fine lines, discoloration and uneven skin tone. Like CE Ferulic, this formula can be expensive, but again, you really do get what you pay for in this serum.
SkinCeuticals Serum 10 AOX+: Serum 10 AOX+ also contains a combination of ferulic acid and 10 percent pure vitamin C to help protect your skin against damage and premature aging caused by free radicals. This product is less expensive than CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF, but it deteriorates more quickly. If you plan to use it within two months, though, this option is the way to go. Otherwise, you might want to spring for one of the more stable options above.
Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. and her team at Baumann Cosmetic Dermatology believe in proof, not promises. World-recognized for both cosmetic and general dermatology, our treatment strategies rely exclusively on evidence-based, scientifically verified products and procedures that promote skin health and a natural appearance. We combine effective medical procedures with individualized instruction on proper skincare, nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle in order to maximize the health of the skin and body as a whole while minimizing the effects of aging. For more, visit Dr. Baumann’s blog for daily updates Monday through Friday, or inquire about an appointment through Derm.net.