A thoughtful brand will include label instructions on how to store their serums. Many serums are yellow, but if your product takes on a brown or dark orange hue, it's time to toss because it's gone bad. If your serum starts out clear and turns yellow, that's also a sign it's oxidizing and will be less effective.

How long does it take for vitamin C serum to work?

4-12 weeks How Long Does Vitamin C Serum Take to Work? You will likely notice skin improvement 4-12 weeks after starting routine use of vitamin C serum.

Does vitamin C serum actually do anything?

“There is good literature that shows that vitamin C in particular can prevent brown spots, reverse damage from ultraviolet rays, and stimulate the growth of new collagen.” Other good skin serum options to target wrinkles are those with antioxidants including tea polyphenols and resveratrol.

How long does it take for vitamin C serum to lighten skin?

Results. Expect that your skin tone or dark spots will lighten over time. How long this takes will vary with each person but in general, you should notice a visible difference after 2-3 weeks, and a significant difference after 8-12 weeks.

Should I moisturize after vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serum is typically applied once or twice per day. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturize. It can be safely used with other active ingredients, although using alongside niacinamide may make vitamin C less effective.

How long should you let serum sit?

To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.

Does vitamin C lighten skin?

On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.

Does vitamin C dry out skin?

For those with sensitive, reactive skin, certain forms of vitamin C can be shockingly irritating, leading to dryness, peeling, and redness. But you shouldn't bin your vitamin C serums or moisturizers right after reading that.