If you haven’t already integrated a quality vitamin C serum into your daily skin care routine, here are five compelling reasons to got on the C serum band wagon.

1. Collagen Production – Topical vitamin C in the form of a serum, encourages collagen production.  Stable collagen production fights wrinkles and is responsible for the youthful plumpness of the skin. In this case, plump is a positive thing. 🙂
2. Skin Brightener – Vitamin C serum can brighten lack luster skin and fade hyper pigmentation (age spots), including under eye darkness,  creating smooth, more evenly pigmented skin. (At 45, people often guess me in my early 30’s. (I credit topical c serum and Tretinoin for this. Note: It’s a long term plan. You won’t see results over night.)
3. UV Protection – Topical vitamin C offers mild UV protection. It’s not a suitable replacement for daily facial sun screen, but the additional UV protection is yet another benefit of topical vitamin C for the skin.
4. Reduces Inflammation – Vitamin C serum has been found to reduce facial inflammation. This is particularly helpful for those who wake up with puffiness under the eyes.
5. Promotes Healing – Topical C serum promotes healing. This is wonderful for acne scars, small cuts and other blemishes.

Topical Vitamin C serums are most effective in concentrations of 10-20%. If your skin is dry or sensitive, it’s best to use a lower concentration as some irritation can occur, especially when you first introduce a c serum to your skin care routine.  Personally, I use a 10% formula. I’ve tried higher concentrations and it was too irritating for my skin.

I use Obagi 10% C Serum. It’s a little on the pricey side, but I’ve tried less expensive options, that didn’t product the same results. Vitamin C can be unstable in serums, it’s important to get a quality product that hasn’t been poorly packaged, or prematurely oxidized, both can render the serum ineffective. It’s best to use your C serum within three months of opening.