Know the necessary: Does Vitamin C really work for acne?

vitamin c facial serum for acne skin

Yeah!

You read that right, though Vitamin-C is worshiped as the ultimate god for healthy skin, it could still have the flaws. This isn’t to create panic but to reveal the truth.

Vitamin-C serums and supplements are best known for its antioxidant properties. Moreover, it is a natural brightening agent with collagen boosting and building up the cell turnover. These benefits make it an ideal ingredient to cure acne as committed by the beauty care products.

It is also mentioned, in general, that Vitamin-C serum for acne prone skin works wonders. It is also good for all skin types. However this is a half truth. Let’s help you understand what’s the whole of it. Vitamin C serum for acne prone skin

Types of vitamin-C, identify yours : 

 

Every skin type has its own tolerance level and it is important to identify what suits your skin the best. Vitamin C, though is the gold standard of the ingredient, but is found in various states. Hence, it doesn’t suit acne in most cases.

To understand this better, keep reading on.

  • L-ascorbic acid

The purest form and the champion of the skin care game, L-ascorbic is the most potent form of Vitamin C and  is most effective when formulated under pH 4. 

It effectively penetrates the skin, boosts collagen production which in turn helps in treatment of hyperpigmentation

It is great for oily and normal skin types but can be irritating for those with Dry and sensitive skin types. 

  • Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

This is a mild derivative of the bioactive form - L-ascorbic acid. Though mild, still Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a pack of similar skin brightening properties as the intense one.

The antibacterial properties help to combat acne-causing bacteria, in turn reducing the inflammation .

Additionally, it works best for all skin types and is effective at pH 7. It is even a better option for sensitive skin.

  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate -

Vitamin C serums with appropriate concentration of Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate ideal type vitamin C serum for acne prone skin. This is one of the most stable derivatives and is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C.

It has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the skin. Moreover, it hydrates the skin and nourishes it with antioxidants to keep it glowing.

This form of Vitamin C can also pair with Niacinamide unlike any other. It can aid hyperpigmentation and balance the skin. 

  • Calcium Ascorbate - 
  • Also known as Ester C, effective at neutral pH and is non irritating to skin. 

    It defends the skin against free radical damage and fulfills all tasks of vitamin C such as brightening of skin and collagen boosting. Calcium has its own benefits as well.

  • Ascorbyl Palmitate - 
  • This is a milder, more stable and fat soluble alternative with all in one boosting qualities of vitamin C. It is non-irritating for sensitive skin.

    It is beneficial for hyperpigmentation and reviving skin texture. Also, it aids in collagen production which helps in the treatment of pigmentation

    The right concentration matters -

    Higher concentration of vitamin C in the formulations could also be a reason for acne and breakouts. Aforesaid, every skin type has a different tolerance level, higher concentrations of vitamin C on a sensitive skin may just rupture the skin barrier instead of fixing the same. On the contrary, for acne-prone skin Vitamin C serum on a damaged barrier cannot help as acne itself damages it to an extent. 

    You just need to choose the right concentration. In any case it should not exceed 10-15 % . You must check for the appropriate formulations of vitamin C. Also, the pH is a necessary factor. 

    Whether it is for acne prone skin or dry and sensitive skin, Vitamin C serum works wonders when treating acne spots, hyperpigmentation or dark spots. It hydrates the skin, boosts collagen production and enhances cell turnover. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable treatment for acne. It balances the skin and keeps it healthy.

    To your daily skin care routine, vitamin C serum adds an extra punch of nourishment. 

    But the most important factor to keep in mind is that It is a boon only if it suits your skin type. Now, If ever you find that something isn’t right, check up with your Vitamin C serum. 

    Choose wisely, stay healthy!


    Sources:


    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemical-engineering/ascorbyl-palmitate

    https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-vitamin-c-serum-for-acne

    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-ascorbyl-phosphate 

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/