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Sun Jan 20, 2008 6:26 am  |
I searched the forums because I know this has to be answered somewhere but I couldn't find it.
I see a lot of posts about Vit C serums and I'm still not clear on what they actually do, and why I would want to use one. I'm 39 with very young looking skin (thanks, Mom!) to the point that I'm sometimes mistaken for a college student since I live in a college town. Anyway, I have combo/acne prone skin that's been doing pretty well with using Dr. Haushcka CC, clarifying toner and normalizing oil. I'm using MMU over a Dr. H liquid foundation and thinking that is helping with my skin as well. I am starting to notice some laugh lines around my eyes (although, I have to admit, I kinda like them. really) and the parentheses lines around my mouth (I don't like those one bit).
Thanks to all of you I went from buying drugstore products and not thinking too much about my skin to being completely and utterly obsessed with having the right stuff and maximizing my skin care. I also am working very hard to stick to botanicals rather than products with manmade chemicals (thus the Dr. H).
any thoughts? suggestions? I'm eager to hear what you very smart people think.  |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 6:56 am |
| i recommond vivier, you could have a try. |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 7:50 am |
| Quote: |
| Vitamin C fights wrinkles by promoting healthy collagen. Its antioxidant properties repair damage caused by the sun and the aging process while helping prevent future damage. |
I copied this from another site becaus I would probably struggle a lot to express this half as good in my own words 
For me it was instant love. My skin brightened and seemed to finally have gotten what it had been missing. Sounds stupid to say it, but it felt like magic. As for the laughing lines, I still have mine, but like you, I kind of like them. At least when they're surrounded by healthy glowing skin
So I believe you'll see any results pretty quickly and that a sample is a good way to decide if it's for you or not. (The vitamin C samples tend to be generous and last for some time) |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 7:58 am |
I didn't have any luck with the various vitamin C serums I tried. I broke out each time I tried it. My moisturizer does have some Vitamin C in it, but I've since given up on serums.
I completely agree with Cadia about the sample...give a few serums a try to see if you find it's for you. |
_________________
32, Fair Skin, combo/break-out prone. Simple routine of REN No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm and Argan oil as a moisturizer; Clarisonic when needed. That's it! |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:23 am |
| I've been wondering this for adges. I think Vitamin C is like the most common vitamin, I have no idea why. |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 1:53 pm |
Thanks for the suggestions. How do you apply it? Do you put it on everywhere, or do you avoid certain areas? I read here that people complain of blackheads from it, so do you avoid the t-zone in order to minimize the blackheads?
and (she asks in an embarrassed voice) where do you get the samples??? :) |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:37 pm |
| L-ascorbic acid is type of c works for your skin. |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 4:04 pm |
| sgresnic wrote: |
Thanks for the suggestions. How do you apply it? Do you put it on everywhere, or do you avoid certain areas? I read here that people complain of blackheads from it, so do you avoid the t-zone in order to minimize the blackheads?
and (she asks in an embarrassed voice) where do you get the samples??? |
I put it everywhere  (Come to think about it, I do that with most of my products. Good thing my skin is not sensitive or reactive ) I never gotten any bad reaction to vitamin C, but if it gives you blackheads or break outs, it's probably not your magic nor worth continuing with. Just my opinion...
As for the samples, you could probably just ask for some. A lot of people here seem to do that. I don't. When I'm eager to try a specific product, I prefer to order a sample of it from a site where you are allowed to pick the samples you want.www.skin-etc.com does it like that and is a great shop, but not so great when it comes to organic products (I think?) so they might not be the best place for you though. |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 6:49 pm |
I did a web search and found this explanation of the benefits of Vit C serum. It also includes a VERY simple recipe to make your own, which many of the EDS forum members do. It's a good and inexpensive way to try it before you invest in a pricier "store-bought" one.
Vitamin C serum is believed to have the capacity for reversing the aging process, by breaking through the skin surface and offering the cells the required energy to revitalize and to get repaired, which becomes visible with the outer healthy glow. This serum also offers protection against environmental damages caused by sunlight, pollutants or harmful chemicals on one hand, it smoothes all the visible symptoms of aging like wrinkles and non-elasticity.
Many experts recommend using vitamin C serum on a daily basis since they prevent the cellular damages caused by ultra-violet rays. This type of cellular damage not only heightens the risk for premature aging, but also increases the possibility to develop cancer. It has been shown that 10% concentration of vitamin C can offer excellent benefit in stimulating collage and decreasing wrinkles. Additionally, it also lightens the darkness of pigmentation.
Here we will discuss how to make 10% of vitamin C serum at home. Obviously preparing this serum at home has some added advantages such as great savings, fresh, not oxidized for sure, etc. After you prepare, you can store the serum in your refrigerator for further use, however, it is better if you make it in small amount, so that you could be able to apply it fresh, active and un-oxidized over your skin area.
Important Precautions
Since the ingredients are active. The preparation we are going to discuss about will contain relatively low degree of pH, however, for some individuals it may turn to act like an irritant. If you find same in your case, you better try using quarter concentration in order to initiate. You must give this concentration a try since you find your skin is getting accustomed with it. Then increase the concentration slowly. For tingling sensation, wash off without delay.
Essential Ingredients
This homemade recipe to prepare vitamin C serum is divided into two parts, so are their essential ingredients. These two parts are (1) active ingredient and (2) base ingredient. Vitamin C serum prepared by active ingredient is meant to offer stimulation of collagen, reduction in wrinkles, prevention against sun and environmental damages. The active ingredient includes 1.0-1.2 gm vitamin C. This active ingredient should be L-ascorbic acid, however, not any sort of tablets.
For the base part, the required ingredients are 1 teaspoon glycerin and 1 teaspoon water.
Preparation
First take a small-sized distilled glass container and pour the L-ascorbic acid and water to dissolve. You may use a distilled stirrer to make the process faster. You just need to make it sure that the substance has become fully dissolved within the water. Now mix the glycerin in it. After that, put the mixture in a non-transparent glass in order to maintain gradation of vitamin C. Store the mixture in any dry cool place. You are ready with your own homemade fresh serum. |
_________________
Vehicle is a 1952 scratch and dent model....olive-ish, dry skin, long curly gray hair. Staples: Tazorac, 2mm Dermaroller, Anti Aging Light Stim, Devita Sunscreens, homemade C serums, some positive affirmations and whatever else it takes! Kicking and screaming the whole way... |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 7:50 pm |
I seem to get bumps from Vitamin C serums so haven't been able to use them consistently.
I just read that it seems to be the water soluble vitamin c (ascorbic acid) that can cause reactions vs. Ester C (Ascorbyl Palmitate) which is oil soluble. Not sure how reliable this is but for those who have had reactions, I thought it might be of interest. |
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Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:30 pm |
A couple of these post answer the first question.
Personally, I find that it keeps my skin tone even and a type of brightness to my skin. I feel that my skin looks firmer and the pores are a bit tighter. It is a really good preventive and I do find that it can battle the fine lines. |
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Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:12 am |
Thank you all so much! This forum is great! I will definitely try to make my own and I'll let you know how it goes.
Is there much of a difference between the homemade and the store-bought? I suppose there must be otherwise there wouldn't be so many store varieties. |
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Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:52 am |
| For those who have had success with Vitamin C - how long did it take before noticing a difference? And had you tried other Vitamin C products that did nothing before finding one that did give results? |
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32 years old, combination skin, working on lots of age-related changes (fine lines, dull skin, hyperpigmentation) since I hit the big 3-0. Loving the 302 line. |
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Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:55 am |
| ooh - great question! |
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Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:04 pm |
| I like vivier,it's help my face skin. |
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Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:17 pm |
I've had very good results with Vitamin C, using it once a day first thing in the morning. I've been using it now for a number of years and it's a non-negotiable must-have in my skincare regimen.
As I recall, it took about 4 to 6 weeks to see noticeable changes--more even skintone, lessening of melasma on my cheeks and eye area, and a general healthy glow to the skin. I know I definitely saw results before my first bottle was used up, because I was frankly skeptical and would not have re-ordered if the results hadn't been happening by then.
You might want to choose a C serum with as few other ingredients as possible until you know how your skin will react. That way if you have a negative reaction, there's a better chance that it's the C and not something else in the potion. Also, watch out for oxidization of the serum. It should be colorless (or very close to colorless). If you see it turn beige or brown, it is oxidizing and unstable. Unstable C is not only not helpful to the skin but arguably may increase free radical damage to the skin, which is exactly what you want the serum to prevent. So keep an eye on it--some brands are more prone to oxidizing than others. |
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Sun Jan 27, 2008 6:39 pm |
| Great thread! I have often wondered how important Vitamin C is. I would love to include this in my skin routine but I am afraid that my skin will become very dry. So, any ladies out there with dry skin who are using Vitamin C please tell me what brand you are using and how you are including this in your skin care. Thanks! |
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Sun Jan 27, 2008 8:12 pm |
Oh I am so glad you asked about this - I was wondering the same thing!!
I had a little sample of Vit C serum from mychelle, and I kinda dabbed it here & there.....on a wrinkle, then on a blemish, then on a dry skin patch... I just wasn't sure what it was for exactly.
I didn't really see a difference in any of the areas, but I'm sure I needed to use it more than one time. |
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Mon Jan 28, 2008 4:16 am |
| Thanks everyone!!! So I decided to try making my own first, and I started using it over the weekend. I'll report back in a couple of weeks and let you know if I see any difference. Thanks again to everyone for the super information! |
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Thu Jan 31, 2008 5:27 pm |
| So I am sad to say that I stopped after two days because of blackheads. I immediately got blackheads in places where I've never seen them before... So I guess the Vit. C serum isn't for me. Is there anything that's a partway decent substitute that doesn't cause the blackheads? I just started using JB blemish serum and I'm loving that - my few zits and scars are clearing up nicely. I wonder if that's enough for now? |
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Fri Feb 01, 2008 10:44 am |
What samples are you using???
I may ask for it too...
Thanks.
| Cadia wrote: |
| Quote: |
| Vitamin C fights wrinkles by promoting healthy collagen. Its antioxidant properties repair damage caused by the sun and the aging process while helping prevent future damage. |
I copied this from another site becaus I would probably struggle a lot to express this half as good in my own words
For me it was instant love. My skin brightened and seemed to finally have gotten what it had been missing. Sounds stupid to say it, but it felt like magic. As for the laughing lines, I still have mine, but like you, I kind of like them. At least when they're surrounded by healthy glowing skin
So I believe you'll see any results pretty quickly and that a sample is a good way to decide if it's for you or not. (The vitamin C samples tend to be generous and last for some time) |
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Fri Feb 01, 2008 6:24 pm |
Hi Jade
Of the watery kind, I know Cellex C, SkinCeuticals and Vivier offer samples, but I've probably left out lots of other brands doing the same.
If you prefer a thicker consistence and aren't against silicons, Benev has a nice one which is also available in sample size. Murad also have a sample size.
When I first tried vit C, I used Biomedic's. It hasn't got the highest percentage, but gave great results and it's very stable. It's a smooth cream with cones, but without fragrance and preservatives. I don't know if they have samples though.
There are many nice vitamin C products - if your skin likes and tolerates it. And I think that is something you'll see very soon, (like sgresnic and I did with our very opposite results) no matter which serum you try.
Hope I made some sense and that you'll be happy with the product you choose to try.
Cadia |
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Fri Feb 01, 2008 7:14 pm |
| sgresnic wrote: |
| So I am sad to say that I stopped after two days because of blackheads. I immediately got blackheads in places where I've never seen them before... So I guess the Vit. C serum isn't for me. Is there anything that's a partway decent substitute that doesn't cause the blackheads? I just started using JB blemish serum and I'm loving that - my few zits and scars are clearing up nicely. I wonder if that's enough for now? |
Out of curiosity, do you use copper peptides? They can react with Vit. C. and have caused discoloration in some users' pores, looking like a crop of blackheads has just popped up! Just a thought! |
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Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:06 am |
sadly, no - I don't use copper peptides. 
thanks, though! |
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Sat Feb 02, 2008 4:59 am |
| sgresnic wrote: |
| So I am sad to say that I stopped after two days because of blackheads. I immediately got blackheads in places where I've never seen them before... So I guess the Vit. C serum isn't for me. Is there anything that's a partway decent substitute that doesn't cause the blackheads? I just started using JB blemish serum and I'm loving that - my few zits and scars are clearing up nicely. I wonder if that's enough for now? |
Sorry it didn't work for you
Maybe a green tea serums would do the trick? From what I've read it seems to have excellent properties.
| Skin-etc. wrote: |
Of all of the antioxidants known, the components of Green Tea are the most potent. Antioxidants act to counteract the effects of free radicals, deactivating them before they cause harm.
Green Tea is a powerful antioxidant and soothing agent. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and a stimulant, green tea is helpful for sensitive and intolerant skin. |
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