You know about the immune-boosting properties of Vitamin C. But, did you know that it also plays a role in healthier, brighter, and smoother skin? In recent years, Vitamin C has become a noteworthy item when it comes to skincare.
In this article, we talk about everything you need to know about Vitamin C serums, including why you should use it, how to apply it, what to look for, which brands you should try out, and how you can get the most out of your Vitamin C serum.
What is a Vitamin C Serum?
Essentially, a Vitamin C serum is a skincare product that’s packed with Vitamin C. It has the consistency of a gel or liquid and is topically applied to the skin. You can find Vitamin C serums wherever you normally purchase skincare products – at beauty stores, department stores, and even at some drug stores, too. On the packaging, you will typically see words touting its skin benefits, such as ‘collagen-boosting, ‘brightening’, and ‘firming’.
Tapping into those benefits is the main reason why you should consider adding a Vitamin C serum to your skincare routine.
The benefit of Vitamin C is that it’s an antioxidant, so it helps prevent the formation of harmful free radicals, which can go on to break down elastin and collagen. As it prevents the formation of harmful free radicals, it results in glowing, youthful skin.
Vitamin C and Vitamin C Serums: Importance and Benefits
You can get Vitamin C through the foods you eat, namely fruits and vegetables like oranges, broccoli, pineapple, cantaloupe, and Brussels sprouts. It’s a vital vitamin to load up on because it is essential for growth and development. It also plays a role in forming and repairing body tissue, as well as delivering antioxidants to fight harmful free radicals.
Vitamin C is also naturally present in the skin, where it helps promote antioxidant levels and collagen, as well as protects the skin from UV-ray-induced photodamage[1]. To get these benefits, you may be thinking about how to increase Vitamin C in your diet. Unfortunately, simply eating more fruits and vegetables isn’t enough. Why? That’s because the epidermis – the outermost layer of the skin – doesn’t have blood vessels to send nutrients to the skin cells.
However, Vitamin C can be applied topically – and that’s where Vitamin C serums come in. Vitamin C serums are best known for their ability to neutralize free radicals and improve aging skin. It can also improve elastin and collagen synthesis, which can improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines; help reduce inflammation; provide mild, natural exfoliation; and brighten skin.
Research also shows the effectiveness of the topical application. One study found that applying Vitamin C topically increased the production of collagen among study participants in all age groups[2]. Study participants noticed the effects after 40 days of treatment, and results were even more noticeable at the 60-day mark.
Another study showed that topical application of Vitamin C can help with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation[3]. According to the study, participants saw an average 73% improvement in skin pigmentation as a result of applying Vitamin C to the face.
Best Vitamin C Serum Philippines
Now that you know the importance and benefits of Vitamin C serums, your next question may be: What’s the best Vitamin C serum in the Philippines?
Whether you’re looking for the best Vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation, the best Vitamin C serum for acne-prone skin, or the best Vitamin C serum for overall skin health, we’ve got you covered! Below, we list down some of the top Vitamin C serum brands in the country.
- L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum eradicates skin dullness with a potent dose of Vitamin C. This potent 10% Pure Vitamin C anti-aging serum is dermatologist-validated for stability and efficacy, with its optimal concentration of Vitamin C. This cream formulate quickly absorbs to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and even skin tone. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum is packaged in an innovative, air-tight metal tube for increased efficacy and stability, shielding the serum from oxygen and UV exposure. This Vitamin C serum is ideal for uneven and dull skin tones.
Ingredients:917118/4, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Acrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate/Vinylidene Chloride, Copolymer, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Isobutane, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
- Laurent Cosmetics Pure Vitamin C Serum
Laurent Cosmetics Pure Vitamin C Serum is a pure, plant-based gel-type serum powered by Vitamin C. Formulated with Centella Asiatica extract, aloe leaf gel, aloe extract, hyaluronic acid, lycopene, hydrolyzed collagen, 4 vitamins, and 4 kinds of sea plants, Laurent Cosmetics Pure Vitamin C Serum is high in antioxidant properties. It soothes, brightens, and hydrates, helping you achieve radiant-looking, glowing skin. This Vitamin C serum is perfect for dull and uneven skin tones.
Ingredients: Vitamin C, Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic, Lycopene, Aloe Leaf Gel, Aloe Extract, Vitamins A, C, E, B3, 4 kinds Sea Plants, Hydrolyzed Collagen
- Neutriherbs Vitamin C Serum + Hyaluronic Acid
Neutriherbs Vitamin C Serum + Hyaluronic Acid is a potent skin solution formulated to reduce signs of aging and restore youthfulness. This Vitamin C serum contains antioxidants, which protect the skin from environmental stressors. It also brightens and lightens the complexion; provides deep hydration to the moisture barrier; fades discoloration and sunspots, and naturally, lifts and firms sagging areas. This Vitamin C serum is perfect for intensive skin repair.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate-20 (Vitamin C-20), Carbomer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Triethanolamine, Betaine, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Rose Canina Fruit Extract, Panthenol, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Parfum
- Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum is a lightweight, skin-perfect Vitamin C serum formulated to encourage a more radiant, youthful-looking complexion. Formulated with potent Vitamin C to help retexturize skin and reduce visible signs of aging, Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum brightens uneven skin tone while diminishing the look of wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen and sodium hyaluronate combine to smooth and moisturize – revealing skin that appears glowing and luminous. This Vitamin C serum treats acne, fades scars, moisturizes, improves skin elasticity, reduces fine lines, and visibly smooths and plumps up skin for a healthier, youthful glow.
Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Aqua (Water, Eau), Hydroxyacetophenone, Citric Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, PEG-25 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Triethanolamine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Silver Citrate, Zeolite
4 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Vitamin C Serum
Now that you know some of the best Vitamin C serum brands in the Philippines, here are some tips to help you get the most out of it.
- Use Vitamin C serums in the morning. You can still use Vitamin C products in the evening, but experts believe that you can get the most benefit from using them in the morning. Generally, Vitamin C products should be applied in the morning before heading out for the day, when UV radiation is at its peak. However, note that Vitamin C becomes less effective when exposed to light. So, give it time to absorb into your skin before going outside.
- Use the right Vitamin C concentration for your skin type and concerns. Vitamin C serums may contain a broad range of Vitamin C concentrations. Generally, they range from below 5% all the way up to 30%. Vitamin C can have different effects, depending on its concentration. For instance, those with sensitive or dry skin may want to stick with lower concentrations, which are less likely to be irritating. On the other hand, those with oily skin or pigmentation issues should go for higher concentrations.
- Store your Vitamin C serum correctly. In topical skincare products, Vitamin C is sensitive to air and light. When exposed to these factors, it becomes oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid, which is less effective and stable. Make sure to store your Vitamin C serums in opaque containers that are either air-tight or air-restrictive. Fortunately, many Vitamin C serums already come in appropriate containers.
- Notice if your Vitamin C serum has changed color. Your Vitamin C serum should be a light straw color, or colorless. If it is oxidized, it becomes brown or yellow, and is likely going to be less effective. You can still use it if you want, but it won’t benefit your skin as much, and very rarely, oxidized Vitamin C may even cause slight yellow discoloration of the skin. So, consider getting rid of any Vitamin C serums that have significantly changed color since you bought them.
The Bottom Line
A Vitamin C serum is a skincare product that’s packed with Vitamin C. It has the consistency of a gel or liquid and is topically applied to the skin. You can find Vitamin C serums wherever you normally purchase skincare products – at beauty stores, department stores, and even at some drug stores, too.
Vitamin C serums are best known for their ability to neutralize free radicals and improve aging skin. It can also improve elastin and collagen synthesis, which can improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines; help reduce inflammation; provide mild, natural exfoliation; and brighten skin.
If you’re looking for the best Vitamin C serum in the Philippines, some of our top recommendations include L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Vitamin C Serum, Laurent Cosmetics Pure Vitamin C Serum, Neutriherbs Vitamin C Serum + Hyaluronic Acid, and Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum.
To get the most out of your Vitamin C serum, make sure to use it in the morning, use the right concentration for your skin type and concerns, store your serum correctly, and get rid of any Vitamin C serums that have significantly changed color since you bought them.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All information contained on this website is for general information purposes only.
