Vitamin C is one of the most prevalent ingredients in anti aging serums. Yes, the same vitamin C found in citrus fruits and helps your body ward off disease is also good for your skin and helps protect it against signs of aging. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, repairs existing sun damage, and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While an excellent skincare ingredient, vitamin C is also unstable and oxidizes quickly. For this reason, vitamin C products often discolor or have a short shelf life. They may also include ingredients to help protect the vitamin C, but include an additive you don't necessarily need or want on your skin. While department and drugstores offer plenty of vitamin C serum options, you may find that making your own product also yields the best results.
Making your own vitamin C serum, according to a recipe found on eHow.com yields a serum with a concentration of 10%.
L-ascorbic acid, a potent form of vitamin C can be purchased online or in health stores. Tablets and pills may contain fillers that you don't want on your skin.
For your serum base, use pure glycerin, KY jelly, or a mild non-allergenic face lotion.
Dilute ¼teaspoon of the L-ascorbic acid in 1 teaspoon of distilled water (which you can buy at any grocery store)
Stir the water and L-ascorbic acid until totally dissolved, and then mix with one teaspoon of the base of your choice.
Spread the serum on your face and neck before bed, using either your fingers or a cotton ball. Leave the serum on overnight. Rinse off in the morning.
Extra serum can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is not recommended because of the fast oxidation rate of vitamin C. Use a dark bottle to store the serum in, which also helps prevent fast oxidation.
Make only a few days worth of serum at a time. This ensures the serum is always fresh and effective.
If you find the vitamin C serum to be too strong, or feel an immediate burning sensation or any type of inflammation, immediately rinse off the serum. Using less L-ascorbic acid in the diluted water mixture can make a reduced serum.
You can make other changes to help customize the formula to fit your skin. If you have dry skin, increase the amount of glycerin or other moisture rich base. You can also scent your vitamin C serum by adding rosewater to the mix.
While an excellent skincare ingredient, vitamin C is also unstable and oxidizes quickly. For this reason, vitamin C products often discolor or have a short shelf life. They may also include ingredients to help protect the vitamin C, but include an additive you don't necessarily need or want on your skin. While department and drugstores offer plenty of vitamin C serum options, you may find that making your own product also yields the best results.
Making your own vitamin C serum, according to a recipe found on eHow.com yields a serum with a concentration of 10%.
L-ascorbic acid, a potent form of vitamin C can be purchased online or in health stores. Tablets and pills may contain fillers that you don't want on your skin.
For your serum base, use pure glycerin, KY jelly, or a mild non-allergenic face lotion.
Dilute ¼teaspoon of the L-ascorbic acid in 1 teaspoon of distilled water (which you can buy at any grocery store)
Stir the water and L-ascorbic acid until totally dissolved, and then mix with one teaspoon of the base of your choice.
Spread the serum on your face and neck before bed, using either your fingers or a cotton ball. Leave the serum on overnight. Rinse off in the morning.
Extra serum can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is not recommended because of the fast oxidation rate of vitamin C. Use a dark bottle to store the serum in, which also helps prevent fast oxidation.
Make only a few days worth of serum at a time. This ensures the serum is always fresh and effective.
If you find the vitamin C serum to be too strong, or feel an immediate burning sensation or any type of inflammation, immediately rinse off the serum. Using less L-ascorbic acid in the diluted water mixture can make a reduced serum.
You can make other changes to help customize the formula to fit your skin. If you have dry skin, increase the amount of glycerin or other moisture rich base. You can also scent your vitamin C serum by adding rosewater to the mix.
