Vitamin C has become a highly sought-after ingredient in the field of skincare due to its antioxidant benefits and ability to improve skin brightness. It is known for its role in collagen production and preventing premature aging. However, the effectiveness of Vitamin C in skincare depends on various factors, such as the concentration, formulation, and frequency of use. Despite its popularity, many individuals still struggle to achieve desired results even after integrating Vitamin C into their daily skincare routine. In this article, dermatologist Dr. Aanchal Panth explains the most frequent Vitamin C mistakes and provides advice on how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Applying on active acne

Dr. Aanchal recommends treating active acne before adding Vitamin C to your skincare routine as using Vitamin C on acne-prone skin can intensify acne eruptions. However, it's important to note that acne is not caused by the use of Vitamin C. To reduce the chances of acne formation, she suggests using Vitamin C serums that contain Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. Once the acne has been treated, Vitamin C can be incorporated into the skincare routine.

Mistake 2: Using a higher concentration

Dr. Aanchal warns that using serums with high concentrations of Vitamin C can cause skin irritation and result in darkening and dullness. Dr. Aanchal advises that people who are new to skincare should not use a Vitamin C serum that contains a high concentration of 20% since it could potentially lead to skin irritation. Instead, she recommends starting with a lower concentration of 5-10% to avoid any adverse effects.

Mistake 3: Expecting it to correct your Melasma

Dr. Aanchal cautions that Vitamin C alone cannot treat melasma, a condition characterized by brown spots on the cheeks, nose, forehead, upper lip area, and sometimes the jawline area. Proper treatment with prescription medicines is necessary for melasma. However, Vitamin C can serve as a good maintenance therapy for melasma.

“Using Vitamin C serums alone without prescription medication will not yield noticeable results for melasma,” says Dr. Aanchal. However, incorporating Vitamin C serums into your skincare routine after taking prescribed medication can help maintain your skin and prevent melasma from recurring.

Mistake 4: Not choosing the correct serum for your skin type

According to Dr. Aanchal, it's crucial to choose the right type of Vitamin C serum based on your skin type. Using a drying formulation of Vitamin C on dry skin can lead to texture issues, while a thick-based serum on oily skin can result in poor outcomes. It's essential to check the formulation before selecting a Vitamin C serum. For oily skin, Dr. Aanchal suggests using a watery-based serum, whereas for dry skin, a cream-based serum is preferable.

Mistake 5: Rubbing serum on your palms

One common mistake is rubbing serum on the palms and then applying it to the face, which results in wasted product. To prevent this, it's recommended to pat the serum directly onto the face and gently massage it in for optimal results and to avoid wasting any serum.

Mistake 6: Applying Vitamin C serum on red irritated skin

Dr. Aanchal advises against using vitamin C serum if your skin is red or irritated for any reason. Ascorbic acid, a component of vitamin C, may cause skin irritation. Dr. Aanchal suggests that you should first treat your skin with moisturizers, sunscreen, or seek advice from a dermatologist if the irritation is severe. After your skin has fully healed, you can resume using vitamin C serum as usual.

Mistake 7: Combining salicylic acid and glycolic acid

It is crucial to maintain a low pH level when using Vitamin C, but combining multiple acids with it is not advisable. Instead, Dr. Aanchal recommends using a face wash that contains salicylic acid before applying Vitamin C. “Using both these serums together can cause increased irritation, leading to dark spots and dull skin,” says Dr. Aanchal.

Therefore, it is essential to avoid using salicylic acid and Vitamin C simultaneously. To minimize the risk of irritation, apply Vitamin C in the morning and salicylic acid at night.

Mistake 8: Applying Vitamin C on damp skin

Applying Vitamin C on damp skin can lead to better absorption, but it's not suitable for slightly sensitive skin as it can cause more irritation. It's recommended to use Vitamin C on dry skin to avoid any discomfort.

Mistake 9: Skipping sunscreen

To achieve the desired results, it is not enough to use Vitamin C serum alone. Regular application of sunscreen is also essential. For those with dry skin, Dr. Aanchal recommends applying Vitamin C serum first, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen. For oily skin, it is advised to apply Vitamin C serum directly, followed by sunscreen.

Conclusion
Incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine can provide many benefits, but it's important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to irritation and less than optimal results. By following the advice of a dermatologist like Dr. Aanchal Panth, you can effectively incorporate Vitamin C into your routine and achieve a brighter, healthier complexion. 

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