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Wed Nov 22, 2006 3:27 pm  |
I use CP Super Serum Mixed with 2X Super Cop Cream. This makes for a strong activity- NOT for beginners. But I have been using CP for 3 years. I started with regular CP Serum, heavily diluted with water.
CP and Vit C normally should not be applied together, as the CP can deactivate the vitamin C. It does do so in a test tube. However some people do use both togther at the same time, and find that the Vit C still seems to work. I personally use one in AM (copper) and one in PM (vit C) – separating them by 12 hours, which is the recommended option.
I am not a fan of toners, most are harsh and highly irritating to skin. So if you are referring to a standard typical toner/astringent that is high in alcohol, Witch Hazel, Menthol, Camphor etc. Then no I personally would not recommend it. I thing they do more harm to the skin then help.
There are some mild Alcohol Free toners, like the Nivea one or Neutrogena Alcohol Free one, that are also Irritant Free – but I donot know the pH. I have called the manufacturer many times, but no one can ever tell me the pH either. ;(
I guess I could just test it myself, But I no longer have those products around, I have used them in the past.
However, I think you point question is – How do I use a low pH C product (pH level of 2.3) after a high pH cleanser (above 5.5 – which most are)
There are a few options. Use a mild low pH cleanser first, which is what I do. One with a pH at 5.5 or below, but do avoid those with irritating ingredients (camphor, menthol, mint, etc) – and really a mild detergent is better then a harsh one. I actually use a detergent free product myself, but that is my personal preference.
If you cannot use a low pH cleanser, wait 20 to 30 minutes after cleansing to let skin pH drop to normal. (that’s how long it take) then use your Vit C.
Or use a low pH acid product first, like Paula’s Choice AHA or BHA liguid. (liguid will not hamper the absorption of a liquid or serum or gel Vita C product), Dianna Yvonnes AHA or BHAs, Skin Biology Exfol, or I Feel Pretty AHA/BHA liquid.
Any of these will work as a “toner”, and an exfoliate. If you want to use them as an exfoliate apply first and leave on the skin for 30 min, then the vit C product. Or if you know the pH of your Vit C, and your AHA or BHA, you can layer the Vit C ontop of the AHA or BHA after a few minutes as a Bi Phasic treatment if the BHA and AHA are not higher then the Vit C.
Or just wipe on skin for the “toning” effect, and then use you C after.
Its hard to know how “good” your product is. You need both an ingredient list, and the pH info from the manufacturer, and the Vit C Percent. If they donot give you the Vit C % - it is usually to low to be effective for collagen rebuilding.
Ideally, assuming you are using L-Ascorbic Acid, which is really the only one “shown” to rebuild collagen – you need 10% Vit C, at a pH of 2.3 or less.
It should be in an Opaque bottle, that is tightly sealed with a small opening or dropper. A large mouth or clear bottle lets in to much light, which degrades product fast. Even the best Vit C product, if of the proper levels and pH, will still will degrade in roughly 30 days realistically. Some may last upto 60 days, but that’s usually a stretch in many cases.
It should be light or clear so you can see when it oxidizes. (Vit C turns yellow, to yellow brown when it degrades)
If it is to expensive to replace in 30 days, its not a good option for you.
Other forms of Vitamin C, can be added to buffer the product, which raises pH, but can also effect ability to rebuild collagen. Some studies suggest that other forms “may” work in a similar manner, but so far there is not a lot of real data to support that.
Also see how your skin responds. You should SEE improvement. Skin should become firmer after 3 to 6 months. If it does not, then the product really is not doing well for you.
Vit C is no really a moisturizer. So moisterizing does not really mean anything as far as effectiveness.
Irritation is not an indication that it works either. I make a nice Vit C product for personal use, that is not at all irritating feeling to me, because of other additives, but I find it very effective.
Dianna Yvonne has some good Vit C products from what I under stand, and they are properly formulated. They are costly however, as most good Vit Cs are. But you can order samples. I believe http://www.skincarecentral.biz carries them also
I am sure there are others. |
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