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Tue Sep 14, 2010 2:38 pm  |
Hi,
Since I've been using the 20% L-Ascorbic Vitamin C serum for a few weeks, I noticed that my skin is bright and firm. Little lines under my eyes aren't easily noticeable now.
What benefits from Vit C do you see? |
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Tue Sep 14, 2010 4:20 pm |
| Natalyn wrote: |
Hi,
Since I've been using the 20% L-Ascorbic Vitamin C serum for a few weeks, I noticed that my skin is bright and firm. Little lines under my eyes aren't easily noticeable now.
What benefits from Vit C do you see? |
I've been using Obagi 20% Vit C and Skinceuticals Vit C for months and haven't noticed any effects on my skin.  |
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Tue Sep 14, 2010 4:33 pm |
| RussianSunshine wrote: |
| Natalyn wrote: |
Hi,
Since I've been using the 20% L-Ascorbic Vitamin C serum for a few weeks, I noticed that my skin is bright and firm. Little lines under my eyes aren't easily noticeable now.
What benefits from Vit C do you see? |
I've been using Obagi 20% Vit C and Skinceuticals Vit C for months and haven't noticed any effects on my skin. |
Don't feel bad RussianSunshine, studies I have read show it only works for 60% aprox. of people and they don't know why?  |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Tue Sep 14, 2010 5:28 pm |
I've used vit C daily for almost a year now. My skin is brighter and the color is more consistent - between the vit C and retin A, I've faded many of the pink spots I had on my face.
I've not noticed any impact on wrinkles unfortunately. |
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Tue Sep 14, 2010 6:14 pm |
I have been using Vitamin C for several years and I find it helps keep a nice even skintone and just a fresh dewy appearance to my skin.  |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Tue Sep 14, 2010 6:20 pm |
I really have not noticed a lot of difference to how my skin looks - one thing is nice is that I rarely have to use an additional exfoliant.
I have the hope that it is working on the cellular level and that even if I don't see changes to my skin, it is helping to negate damage from the sun/pollutants. It is cheap, easy to make... why not keep going!
I have started using tetra-C at night (mixed with oils). We'll see how that goes.
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42! Currently using: NCN All-in-One, Mito-Q cream, Eviron AVST, Osea, Grateful Body. Wouldnt be without: Rhassoul clay, avocado oil, Glorybe Herbals hydrosols and perfume oils |
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Tue Sep 14, 2010 6:30 pm |
| erg wrote: |
I really have not noticed a lot of difference to how my skin looks - one thing is nice is that I rarely have to use an additional exfoliant.
I have the hope that it is working on the cellular level and that even if I don't see changes to my skin, it is helping to negate damage from the sun/pollutants. It is cheap, easy to make... why not keep going!
I have started using tetra-C at night (mixed with oils). We'll see how that goes.
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I do exactly the same erg, LAA serum am and an oil serum with THDA in the pm!  |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Tue Sep 14, 2010 8:35 pm |
Help - My question is - I see you are using two different types of C serums - how necessary or valuable is it to use both types and to use twice per day? I thought C serum held within membranes for a period of time (days). I also thought that l-aa was a more potent form so long as it was not oxidized ....a secondary form may be "insurance" but not necessary.
Also, my understanding was once a day was sufficient for C serum use.  |
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Enjoying dermalogica with my ASG and Pico toner ** Disclosure: I was a participant without remuneration in promotional videos for Ageless Secret Gold and the Neurotris Pico Emmy event. |
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Tue Sep 14, 2010 11:15 pm |
Hi natalyn,
I'm using medik8's tetra-c. Unfortunately I havn't noticed any of the great effects you have. I like the way it feels when I apply it (its a light oil) and am hoping its doing some long term good for my skin, but that's about it so far...
Am thinking I will try LAA next & hopefully will see more immediate improvements like you have : ) |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 5:08 am |
Hi sistersweets!
I use LAA 3X per week in the morning (alternating with a coffeeberry antiox serum) and apply Tetra C mixed with oils 5 days per week at night.
I read somewhere - cant remember - that LAA and Tetra C act differently on the skin. That is why I use both. So the Tetra is definitely is my insurance!!
Tetra C feels so different on the skin than LAA. No stinging, etc. I mix it with renovage, Skin Actives AOB, vitamin E and avocado oil. So the C in the that serum is just one of a few goodies.
I hope that makes sense! |
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42! Currently using: NCN All-in-One, Mito-Q cream, Eviron AVST, Osea, Grateful Body. Wouldnt be without: Rhassoul clay, avocado oil, Glorybe Herbals hydrosols and perfume oils |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 11:31 am |
Hedging all bets! 
http://www.natural-skin-care-info.com/vitamin-c-serum.html
9 facts on vitamin C products and how to make you own C serum Is it all hype?
I recommend everyone put Vitamin C and E onto their face daily because they protect against UV induced cell damage. It is this sun damage that not only causes premature aging but also skin cancers. However Vitamin C has other properties including being one of the few ingredients that has a science base to show that it reverses signs of aging to the skin.
Vitamin C was originally used in skin care products in the form of ascorbic acid. At a 10% concentration and low ph, ascorbic acid has been shown to stimulate collagen, decrease wrinkle depth and have lightening effects on pigmentation. It was thought that a minimum 10% concentration was required but newer information indicate that lower concentration (5%) may have benefit. It is best to stay with products that have this concentration or above.
9 Facts about vitamin C serums
1. Consumer beware - not all products contain sufficient vitamin C to be of benefit Most products on the market do not have sufficient concentration to be of benefit to the skin. Many companies, keen to cash in on the market trends for antioxidants in skin care, put only miniscule amounts in and consumers unknowingly will buy a product that will be of no benefit. Unfortunately you cannot judge from the prestige or price of the product you buy, you need to look at the concentrations. See blog post on topical antioxidants.
2. Vitamin C does not work in everyone For reasons that are not yet known, Ascorbic Acid at a good concentration does not work in everyone. It may only be 60% of the population who get the age reversing benefits of vitamin C. Some people who do not respond to Ascorbic Acid however still get anti-aging benefits from the newer vitamin C derivatives. (Discussed later). Vitamin C, however is a potent antioxidant and you still should get the benefits of protection from UV induced cell damage even if it does not keep you looking younger.
3. Vitamin C in the form of Ascorbic Acid is very expensive Vitamin C is very unstable and difficult to get into a formulation this in part explains why ascorbic acid skin products tend to be very expensive.
4. Your Vitamin C may oxidise before you get to put it on your skin The biggest problem with Ascorbic Acid creams and serums is that because they are unstable, they are oxidised very quickly and once it is oxidised it does not provide any benefit to the skin at all. Even in stabilised formulations there is a risk that before you get your precious vitamin C cream or serum home, it will already be useless and worse may even because more damage to your skin than good.
5. Watch for yellowing of your serum- it indicates oxidation As it undergoes oxidation the ascorbic acid takes on a yellowish tinge, so it is important to check your creams or serums before you put them on your face, and if there is any yellow discolouration, DISCARD.
There is a problem with the colour check as the first stage of oxidation is colourless, so prior to going yellow it can be in an oxidised state that cannot be detected.
6. Do not buy vitamin C preparations that are tinted yellow or orange The second problem with using a colour test is that many vitamin C serums are tinted and you will not be not be able to detect if it is oxidised by visual checking. Why a company would do this is beyond me, when they know the difficulties of instability of vitamin C formulations oxidising. If you didn’t trust them you would think they are deliberately trying to mislead. Do not buy tinted formulations of vitamin C.
7. Vitamin C derivatives are more stable, less expensive and effective at lower concentrations There are newer derivatives of Vitamin C: Ascorbyl palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and some of these are proving as effective as ascorbic acid in collagen stimulation. Refer Smartskincare an excellent science based skin care site. These derivatives are effective in lower concentrations, are more stable and less expensive and as such may be a better choice. There is a battle among some of the big cosmetic houses as to which is most effective but the newest Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate if particularly promising, and seems to work in some people who are resistant to Ascorbic Acid.
8. There is nothing special about the base cream or serum that the vitamin C (or any other active product) is delivered in Thinking about it logically, if a product has 10% ascorbic acid in stabilised form, or 2% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (the active ingredient) then no matter what the cost it will be equally effective, as there is no base serum or cream that has properties that make it effective in anti-aging-and that is the truth.
This is illustrated with my recent comment on Boots no 7 perfect and protect - where a chain store anti-aging cream is matching up to more expensive prestige brands and winning. The reason: it is the active ingredients that has the effect, no matter what advertising trys to seduce you - REMEMBER THIS FACT.
9. You can make your own Vitamin C Serum There is however some ingredients that are now considered state of the art in modern skin care. Among these is a group of base ingredients that help protect the skin and maintain the intercellular network. Refer Cosmetic Cop - Paula Begoun cosmetic ingredients dictionary on natural moisturising factors. These do not have anti—aging benefit but protect the skin and assist in repair. Glycerin is one of these, other very good protectants and natural moisturisers are ceramides and silicones.
Glycerin is the one I am particularly interested in, as this next post I will give you a very simple recipe for a vitamin C serum made from glycerin and ascorbic acid you buy at the chemist store, so you can make your very own 10% ascorbic acid serum. This will cost you a fraction of what you would pay off the shelf and because you make it fresh you know it will not be oxidised and it will work. |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 11:35 am |
Great article! Thanks for posting.
DM, what percentage of tetra are you using? I am using 10% currently. |
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42! Currently using: NCN All-in-One, Mito-Q cream, Eviron AVST, Osea, Grateful Body. Wouldnt be without: Rhassoul clay, avocado oil, Glorybe Herbals hydrosols and perfume oils |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 11:47 am |
| erg wrote: |
Great article! Thanks for posting.
DM, what percentage of tetra are you using? I am using 10% currently. |
erg, I am at the 7% which was the highest recommended level at both Lotioncrafters and Bulkactives when I was comparing prices. So you are doing well with 10%? I may up it on my next serum since that is working out for you!
Glad the article was helpful! |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 11:54 am |
Yes, 10% is working fine! I have been using it about a month now.
I have seen a few DIY recipes out there for tetra using that amount.
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42! Currently using: NCN All-in-One, Mito-Q cream, Eviron AVST, Osea, Grateful Body. Wouldnt be without: Rhassoul clay, avocado oil, Glorybe Herbals hydrosols and perfume oils |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 12:14 pm |
| erg wrote: |
Yes, 10% is working fine! I have been using it about a month now.
I have seen a few DIY recipes out there for tetra using that amount.
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That's awesome erg, Thanks so much for posting! I will try that next time I mix mine up! |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 4:10 pm |
| I don't know if I'm competent enough to mix up my own vitamin c serum just yet. Can anyone recommend a favorite all-ready made serum? Thank you. |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 5:30 pm |
| adara_muse wrote: |
| I don't know if I'm competent enough to mix up my own vitamin c serum just yet. Can anyone recommend a favorite all-ready made serum? Thank you. |
Hi adara_muse
This thread Best Vitamin C Serum might be helpful.
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=26432 |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:29 pm |
| I forgot to tell you all that this is the third vitamin c serum I've tried. The first two vitamin c serums had no effect on my skin whatever. I don't know if it was due to the lesser concentration of C or different type of C or my skin is just selective or all of the above. But I am pleased with this C serum. I checked this morning. I used up almost the entire bottle in about a month. I got 2 more bottles waiting. I'm really glad I went with the 3 for 2 deal. I was afraid I'd be wasting money should I not like the serum. But I wanted the deal, so went for it. I'm glad that I fell in the 60% of the population that agrees with the L Ascorbic Acid. This is the first time something actually works on my skin. |
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Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:33 pm |
| butterfliesandflowers wrote: |
Hi natalyn,
I'm using medik8's tetra-c. Unfortunately I havn't noticed any of the great effects you have. I like the way it feels when I apply it (its a light oil) and am hoping its doing some long term good for my skin, but that's about it so far...
Am thinking I will try LAA next & hopefully will see more immediate improvements like you have : ) |
I hope you will get good results from LAA, too. Seriously I never thought to try the LAA. My first C serum I tried was the MAP, and it did nothing for me. The second one was from skinceuticals C E Ferulic, and maybe I got a bad batch because I bought the samples from ebay, but it also did absolutely nothing for me. |
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 12:51 am |
| I've used Dr. Renaud's Serum C for a few years now. It works instantly for me... makes my skin soft and hydrated, especially if I'm having a bad, dry skin day. As well, I use it before applying make-up to help prepare and hydrate my skin before applying foundation... my foundation goes on smoother. It's quite expensive so I don't use it everyday. Have been satisfied ever since I started using it. |
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 1:11 pm |
Yes, I noticed, too, the hydration benefit which I did not anticipate. I decided to give C serum another shot actually for the even skin tone and spot fading benefits which I have not yet seen.
Question - does anyone know if it's ok to continue to use C serum if it's changing from clear color to light yellow? I have about 1/4 left in my 1 oz bottle, and last night I noticed the color is changing to very light yellow. The instruction said to not use if it is dark amber. It is not yet that color. |
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 1:17 pm |
Once it starts changing color toss it - it means that it has oxidized. Once that happens the serum can actually create free radicals instead of reducing them.
That is why so many of us use the DIY version.. it is cheap so no worries when you need to throw it out. |
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42! Currently using: NCN All-in-One, Mito-Q cream, Eviron AVST, Osea, Grateful Body. Wouldnt be without: Rhassoul clay, avocado oil, Glorybe Herbals hydrosols and perfume oils |
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 1:20 pm |
| erg wrote: |
Once it starts changing color toss it - it means that it has oxidized. Once that happens the serum can actually create free radicals instead of reducing them.
That is why so many of us use the DIY version.. it is cheap so no worries when you need to throw it out. |
Agree with erg, it actually begins to oxidize while still clear, so once it hits yellow it is about midway oxidized. Sorry. |
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I'LL SEE YOU ON THE DARKSIDE OF THE MOON.... |
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 1:26 pm |
Actually I disagree with #8. When combined with vitamin E, C is much more effective. There are several studies demonstrating this and I was just looking at a pdf with a great chart comparing C alone with C and E. The antioxidants combined recycle each other. I'll try to find it the chart!
To answer the original question, I've been using it for several years and my face looks brighter, but I haven't seen any other effects. I was just reading the Yarosh book (as much as I could online) and it is interesting, he says that C, while it does build collagen, may decrease elastin in skin.
"There are several drawbacks to vitamin C, however. One is that it diminishes the levels of elastin, another type of cable in the skin. ..."
He references this study " "Ascorbate Differentially Regulates Elastin and Collagen
Biosynthesis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Skin Fibroblasts
by Pretranslational Mechanisms".
Food for thought~! I wonder if the tetra C version has this effect as well... |
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42, have used tretinoin since age 18! Replenix CF serum and eye cream, RAMicro, Glytone 2 lotion every other day |
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Thu Sep 16, 2010 1:30 pm |
| Oh no! I used it on my face both last night and this morning. What's going to happen now? |
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