Suffering from oily skin, enlarged pores, and acne this summer? What if there was one product, a must have elixir, that could give you a sought-after glow, without making your skin seem greasy? According to skin care specialists at Harley Street Formulations, a top skin care clinic in England, Vitamin C serum is the daily dose of goodness that oily skin needs in order to shine the right way!
Oily skin means that overactive sebaceous glands are producing excess sebum resulting in greasy looking skin, enlarged pores and a propensity for breakouts. This is where Vitamin C comes in.
Why Oily Skin Happens
Before delving into the dynamics of how Vitamin C works, it is important to first understand the challenges of oily skin and the factors it is influenced by. Oily skin means that overactive sebaceous glands are producing excess sebum resulting in greasy looking skin, enlarged pores and a propensity for breakouts. This more often than not, hereditary. That is, if your parents have oily skin, chances are you might too.
If it’s not hereditary, it’s on account of hormones- puberty, periods, pregnancy, or menopause – all these hormonal shifts can turn your skin into an oil factory. Androgens, the male hormones present in both men and women, being the main culprits, hence why men need to be incorporating it into their skin care just as much as women!
As if that was not enough, the environment and the weather can increase oil production, especially in a hot, humid, and dusty place like Pakistan.
Yet, it’s important to understand that not just any product will magically fix your skin. Over-washing or using harsh products can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to go into overdrive and can actually result in the opposite of the intended result. Using the right products can help balance things out, hence why a Vitamin C serum is the best solution for your problem!
The Vitamin C Solution
This is where Vitamin C comes in. Scientifically, also known as ascorbic acid, it is a powerful antioxidant that has recently emerged as a game changer in skin care because of its multitude of benefits.
1. Antioxidant Armour
It is not a coincidence that Vitamin C is naturally present in fruits and vegetables- it is a vital nutrient that your skin craves. This citrus rich antioxidant prevents free radicals, that is, molecules that damage skin cells, from causing premature ageing, resulting in skin that is youthful and glowing, without the extra oiliness.
2. Brightening Powerhouse
You know that glowy skin that we keep talking about? Vitamin C brightens your complexion by inhibiting melanin production. This helps fade dark spots, acne scars, and age and sunspots overtime, resulting in a more even skin tone and that radiant glow.
3. Skin Collagen Booster
Did you know that your skin loses collagen- a protein that provides support to your skin- as you age? Well, you’re in luck because Vitamin C promotes collagen production, which is crucial for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. This means that the look of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin are notably reduced, keeping your skin plump and youthful.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Furthermore, because of its anti-inflammatory benefits, Vitamin C results in the quelling of inflammation of the skin, reducing puffiness, redness, and helping the overall healing process of the skin which in turn helps reduce scarring and roughness of the skin.
5. UV Shield
Vitamin C furthers the agenda of protecting your skin by forming a protective shield from harmful UV rays. But Vitamin C cannot act alone here. Your best bet for UV protection to prevent harmful effects such as sunburn, premature ageing or even skin cancer, is to pair Vitamin C with the Solero Sunblock SPF 100, truly a match made in heaven.
6. Acne Manager
For all the teens and tweens with acne concerns (or adults- we don’t discriminate!), Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the skin's natural healing process. It speeds the repair of damaged tissue which means less time for bacteria to spread and cause further breakouts, leading to clearer skin over time. This coupled with the Clariderm Anti-Acne Facewash will ascertain that oil free, healthy looking skin!
Choosing the Right Vitamin C Serum
However, it’s not a miracle product, and not all Vitamin C serums are created equal, especially for oily and sensitive skin. The first thing, especially those with oily skin and those already prone to excess sebum, need to know is to opt for oil-free formulas that won’t contribute to shine. Serums formulated with other powerful ingredients and antioxidants are excellent choices, to help regulate oil production, minimise pores, and prevent breakouts.
Incorporating Vitamin C into Your Routine
Now onto the actual act of applying a Vitamin C serum. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern, MD, the best way to do so is by using it under daily moisturiser (and SPF if applied during the day) since thinner products, like such a serum, should be applied first.
The idea skin care routine would include:
- Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil.
- Apply Serum: Apply a few drops of Vitamin C serum to clean, dry skin, gently patting it in. Use it in the morning to take advantage of its protective benefits against UV radiation and pollution (but really in the long run it will not matter whether it is applied at day or night time).
- Moisturise: Follow with a moisturiser to lock in hydration.
- Protect: Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 40 for the best protection.
Remember, though, consistency is key- Rome wasn’t built in a day! It will not matter unless it is used regularly, with patience and daily, consistent application is required over a period of time.
Embrace the Glow
The crux of what Vitamin C does it that it controls oil production by protecting and hydrating the skin because of which there is a decrease in the production of sebum and a reduction in shine, all while making the skin feel hydrated, firmer, and smoother, thereby making it a life saver!
Vitamin C is one of the most trending skin care products for good reason because of its multitude of skin care benefits, however, choosing the correct Vitamin C serum is of utmost importance. If you are truly in search of the perfect product, Rederm Aesthetics carries some of the best skincare products on the market. To browse our entire collection and the wide range of products for glowing skin, head to Rederm Aesthetics to start the process to better skin!
