Why you don't need a Vitamin C Serum

You’ve probably heard it a million times by now that a Vitamin C serum is the holy grail for perfect skin. The promises made by skincare enthusiasts are endless. Brighter, firmer and smoother skin that makes you look younger. But before you run to the store to buy that overpriced Vitamin C serum you've been eyeing, pump the brakes. The truth is, you don’t need a Vitamin C serum. 

Yes, you heard that right. Many other ingredients can give you the bright and glowing skin without the irritation, oxidation and the price tag of the Vitamin C. In this article, I’ll explain why a Vitamin C serum is overhyped, and also share better options that won't break your skin barrier. 

Vitamin C doesn’t work for everyone 

Vitamin C serums are touted as a must have for any  skincare routine, but the truth is they just don’t work for all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, Vitamin C serum can actually irritate your skin. The concentration of Vitamin C in many serums is way too harsh for sensitive skin and instead of being your must-have, it just leaves you feeling miserable. 

It leads to increased skin sensitivity

Vitamin C works by encouraging cell turnover and boosting collagen production. For those with sensitive skin, this accelerated cell activity can lead to irritation. Vitamin C itself, often in the form of ascorbic acid, can sting and cause a tingling sensation on the skin. If your skin is easily inflamed, this tingling may lead to prolonged redness, itching and even breakouts. 

Formulation stability is important 

When it comes to Vitamin C serums, formulation stability is a critical factor that often gets overlooked. The effectiveness of Vitamin C in skincare products relies heavily on its ability to remain potent over time. Unfortunately, Vitamin C is notoriously sensitive to light and air exposure, which can lead to degradation and a subsequent loss of efficacy. 

Concentration and sensitivity go hand in hand 

Higher concentrations of Vitamin C may be too harsh for individuals with sensitive skin, causing discomfort rather than the expected benefits. Ascorbic acid, the most common form, has a low pH and can be irritating. Other forms like sodium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate are more stable and gentler on the skin. However, many Vitamin C serums still use ascorbic acid, which makes sensitivity a likely consequence. 

A personalized skin care approach is necessary 

Choosing a Vitamin C product requires careful consideration of its formulation, concentration, and potential interactions with other skincare ingredients. What works for one person may not yield the same results for another, emphasizing the need for personalized skin care approaches. 

Look for alternatives 

Instead of Vitamin C, one may look for other antioxidants that can provide similar anti-aging benefits without the irritation. We’ll be talking about the alternatives down below, so keep on reading! 

Alternatives to Vitamin C for brighter, younger skin 

Green tea 

Green tea extract serves as an excellent alternative to Vitamin C in skincare routines aimed at achieving brighter and clearer skin, offering a range of benefits for the skin. With its potent anti-inflammatory properties, it effectively reduces skin irritation, redness, and swelling. Rich in antioxidants, green tea extract provides robust protection against free radicals, safeguarding the skin from premature aging and environmental damage. Comparable to Vitamin C, green tea’s anti-aging attributes help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Argan oil

Argan oil stands as a versatile alternative to Vitamin C in skincare, offering a myriad of benefits for the skin. Renowned for its protective qualities, this oil serves as a shield against sun damage, helping prevent premature aging induced by UV rays. Moreover, its richness in fatty acids makes argan oil a superb moisturizer, effectively combating dryness and maintaining skin hydration. With potent anti-inflammatory properties, it proves beneficial in addressing various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. 

Alpha hydroxy acids 

AHAs, such as glycolic acid, play a vital role in promoting cell turnover by removing dead skin cells, resulting in improved skin texture, tone, and diminished pigmentation. Products like serums, toners, moisturizers, and exfoliators containing 5-10% glycolic acid are recommended, starting at 2-3 times a week and gradually increasing frequency. 

Our suggested pick in place of a Vitamin C serum would be the Leovard Elixir. True to its name it is nothing short of a magic potion with capabilities that encompass fighting off early signs of aging as well as combating blemishing and spotting to give youthful and radiant skin. It functions as a hydrating serum, boasting ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, tea tree oil, lactic acid, glycolic acid and many more which help it function just as effectively if not more as a vitamin C serum. Consistent use will help to hydrate, brighten and rejuvenate the skin, making it look fresh and radiant, from the inside out.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that a Vitamin C serum isn’t the end -all be-all for your skin. Sure, it has benefits, but so do a ton of other ingredients that are likely already in your routine. And not everyone’s skin reacts well to Vitamin C so you shouldn’t beat yourself up about not tolerating it well. Instead, opt for what does rather than putting time and money into a product that stings, irritates, and oxidizes. Instead of jumping on the Vitamin C bandwagon, take a closer look at your skin goals and concerns. Chances are, you can achieve brighter, firmer skin with other hardworking ingredients that play nice with your skin type. 

So until next time, keep glowing.