Vitamin C has numerous benefits ranging from fading dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and making skin appear brighter and more radiant. It also helps to firm and promote the production of collagen and elastin, prevents free radical damage, and can even make your sunscreen more effective. Despite being a highly recommended ingredient, it is also one of the most misunderstood. Let’s go through the most common myths and dispel them.
Myth or Truth: You need to use vitamin C every day.
While you can use a vitamin C product every day, you don't necessarily need to. The receptors in your skin can become saturated, so using a vitamin C product every other day can still provide full benefits.
Myth or Truth: You need to wait to apply other products after applying your vitamin C serum.
You don't need to wait to apply other products after applying your vitamin C serum. Layering products can actually help the serum penetrate better, so it's okay to apply other products immediately after the serum.
Myth or Truth: You can't use vitamin C if you have active breakouts.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can help treat inflammation associated with acne. Some vitamin C products are combined with a beta-hydroxy acid and are a good choice for those prone to breakouts. However, some patients may find that they break out with certain vitamin C products, so it's important to find a product that agrees with your skin.
Myth or Truth: You can't use vitamin C with other active ingredients.
This is a common myth that isn't exclusive to vitamin C. The concern is that combining products with different pH levels can inactivate each other. In truth, they can complement each other, for example, using niacinamide with vitamin C is fine. If you're concerned about oxidation or degradation, you can use active ingredients at different times of the day, such as Vitamin C in the morning and niacinamide at night.
Myth or Truth: Vitamin C should only be used in the morning.
Some experts believe you should use Vitamin C in the morning due to its antioxidant properties and protection from free radicals. Other experts believe it's best to use vitamin C at night to help repair and regenerate your skin while you sleep. In truth, antioxidant and collagen-stimulating properties of using vitamin C can be obtained at any time of day.