Has your vitamin C serum ever irritated your skin?
When I was a teenager, I remember my dermatologist would always recommend that I use a vitamin C serum to treat my hormonal breakouts. However, it never really helped my condition, instead, it irritated my skin. It wasn't until 3 years ago that I finally found a gentle skincare routine that works for my sensitive skin.
What does vitamin C do for your skin?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps:
- Neutralise free radicals, such as UV rays and pollution, that damage skin cells.
- Brighten the skin tone by inhibiting melanin production, reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Support collagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity.
- Reduce signs of ageing, like fine lines and uneven texture.
- Calm inflammation due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Additionally, vitamin C serum can be beneficial when treating hormonal breakouts. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it helps calm inflammation, reduce post-breakout pigmentation, and support skin healing. While it doesn’t directly regulate sebum (oil) production, it helps create a healthier, less inflamed skin environment, which can indirectly support clearer skin.
Why doesn’t vitamin C work for some skin types?
Despite all the benefits, unfortunately, vitamin C is not always suitable for every skin type, especially if you have sensitive skin. Let’s break down why it might not work for you.
1. It’s acidic
Vitamin C has a low ph (around 3.5) while your skin’s natural ph level is around 4.5-5.5. This drop can disrupt your skin’s barrier function, leading to irritation, redness and flare-ups.
2. It can oxidise
Vitamin C is an active ingredient which is sensitive to air, heat and light. When it oxidises, it loses its beneficial properties, causing breakouts, irritation, and damage to the skin barrier.
3. It may be a high concentration
Vitamin C serums with concentrations above 15-20% can be too harsh on sensitive skin, triggering breakouts, a burning sensation, and inflammation.
4. Your skin barrier is weakened
If your skin barrier health is already weakened due to overexfoliation, flare-ups of existing sensitive skin conditions, or sun damage, applying vitamin C can worsen the condition.
5. Over-layering with other active ingredients
Sensitive skin often reacts poorly when layered with too many active ingredients. Avoid using vitamin C with exfoliating acids (BHAS and AHAS) and retinol, as this combination can further irritate your skin.
Can your skin glow without vitamin C serum?
While vitamin C plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, there are gentle alternatives that can help you achieve clearer, glowing skin without irritation.
Here’s a gentle, glow routine you can try today:
1. Applying our Purifying Mineral Mud Mask twice a week
Formulated with natural Dead Sea Mud, Zinc and Aloe Vera, this gentle creamy mud mask helps clear pores, detoxify the skin, and gently exfoliate while calming inflammation and redness.
2. Regularly exfoliate with our Refining Body Scrub
This mineral-rich gentle body scrub gently exfoliates, smoothes and softens the skin while supporting cellular renewal and skin barrier health. A perfect addition to promote clear, bright skin.
3. Deeply nourish with Defining Body Cream
Packed with natural Dead Sea minerals, this deep hydrating cream alleviates irritation and roughness, while helping to tone and protect the skin.