How to Make the Most of Your Vitamin C Serum

If you’re hoping to level up your complexion’s radiance, it’s time to put vitamin C on your radar. The powerhouse skincare ingredient is universally renowned for its ability to revive luminosity, which has helped earn its status among an elite group of dermatologist-recommended ingredients. It works for all skin types and tones, ages and stages, and adding a vitamin C serum to your existing skincare routine can help brighten skin and so much more. 

But what is vitamin C exactly? Great question! It’s a water-soluble vitamin naturally found in skin and a highly effective antioxidant, which means it helps skin defend itself against free-radical damage. While our skin is subjected to free-radical molecules through everyday interactions with the environment, such as UV-light exposure, cigarette smoke and pollution, an imbalance can contribute to oxidative stress, which leads to premature aging. Antioxidants can help protect skin and minimize aging by neutralizing free radicals.

To reap the most rewards from vitamin C, start by choosing the right formula. There are a few types of the ingredient on the market, and they can be listed under different names on skincare labels. The best vitamin C serum will contain the most potent, heavily studied form, which is ascorbic acid. L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Vitamin C Serum  contains 12% ascorbic acid (a.k.a. pure vitamin C) in a formula that’s made without parabens, mineral oils or colourants. From inside to out, L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Vitamin C Serum has been developed for maximum potency.

Vitamin C is a full-service anti-aging hero, and the benefits of vitamin C include a more vibrant complexion with even skin tone, a smoother texture, pores that appear less noticeable and the visible reduction of the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It truly does it all! But every big star needs a support squad, so by adding a few simple steps to your routine, you can take those results to the next level. 

The most vital sidekick for vitamin C is sunscreen, which happens to be another derm-recommended must-have for all skin types. When sun protection teams up with vitamin C, it creates a dynamic duo that offers the best way to protect skin from UV exposure, which accelerates the development of dark spots, dry skin, sagging, fine lines and wrinkles. Apply a face cream with UVA and UVB protection, such as L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR Anti-Aging Day Lotion SPF 30, every morning after using your vitamin C serum. 

Freshly cleansed and hydrated skin is also better equipped to absorb any active ingredient like vitamin C. Morning and night, use a gentle cleanser and then apply a few drops of L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum before applying your vitamin C serum. It’s an ideal plumping primer that is lightweight, is absorbed quickly and doesn’t leave a tacky feel or residue.

Lastly, incorporating gentle exfoliation into your weekly routine will also help boost your vitamin C’s efficacy. How? Because dead skin cells left on the surface of your skin can create a barrier for active ingredients to navigate. Just be sure to choose wisely—not all exfoliants get along with the antioxidant. It’s best to avoid using AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids, immediately before applying vitamin C. Instead, try a gentle scrub or a hydrating clay mask. L’Oréal Paris Cleansing Mask for Sensitive Skin, which contains kaolin clay and glycerine, will help slough away dead skin cells and draw out congestion without over-stripping skin. Use it once a week to create a fresh slate—this will allow your vitamin C serum to penetrate more easily so you receive its full benefits. 

Try these bright ideas to boost the benefits of vitamin C today. They’re easy to follow and suitable for all skin types—your complexion will thank you!