Sandwiching a serum in-between your cleanser and moisturiser is often the difference between skin that looks fine and skin that looks great. Serums are formulated around one or several ‘active’ ingredients – the chemical compounds that actually work to change the behaviour of the skin (if only the skin on the very surface). Salicylic acid is one you might remember from those acne-spiked teenage years – and it’s still a great choice for oily skins – whereas niacinamide is the name to know for balancing oil production and strengthening the skin surface. For city dwellers, vitamin C is the antioxidant to keep pollution at bay. But the real godfather of the skincare actives is retinol: so much so, there’s a whole host of rules when it comes to using it. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a brightening agent that can help your skin get out of a dull situation. It can boost collagen production and fight against aging effects like skin sagging. Vitamin C can also aid in cellular repair and protect against damaging environmental factors. Full of natural sources of Vitamin C, this face oil is a great hydrator that improves skin texture while reducing fine lines and protecting against ageing. The takeaway? It’s not always the percentage of vitamin C but the form of vitamin C that’s most important for tolerance and effect, says Dr. Palm. If the specific serum you’ve been using seems to be causing a reaction or, on the flip side, not having much effect at all, ask your dermatologist if the particular form of vitamin C in your serum has been tested in published clinical trials: “This is the true mark of a well-thought out, tested, and formulated vitamin C preparation,” she advises. Face serums are designed to absorb more rapidly than a typical lotion, allowing your skin to be nourished, protected and hydrated sooner. So if you’ve been feeling like your face has suddenly turned duller, dryer, and more lined and wrinkled than you’d like (fellas, we’ve all been there), it might not be a bad idea to invest in a high-quality face serum that can be slipped into your skincare routine. Why Should Men Use Face Serum?

Here we are, the big one. You’ve got a decent face wash, know to slap on the SPF, and you even treat yourself to a face mask once in a while. You're already honed a decent men's skincare regime, but a good face serum will take your grooming operation to the next level. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to be particularly careful when it comes to choosing a vitamin C serum. Why is it that we get 20-25 years of growth and maturation to our peak aesthetics and physical ability, only to have 50 years of slow decline and undesired atrophy?While vitamin C serums help with a variety of skin conditions, it's important to target a product that fits your specific skin care needs. For example, some serums may contain ingredients that irritate the skin, so if you have sensitive skin, consult your dermatologist to determine the best vitamin C serum for you. As seasoned beauty reporters and skincare devotees ourselves, the Forbes Vetted team knows what it takes to find the best vitamin C serums for various skin types. Molly Calhoun, a regular contributor with experience covering a range of beauty topics, enlisted the help of Pritzker, dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, for her take on key formulations, ingredients and the most important things to consider in this category. Senior beauty editor Jane Sung, who oversaw the publishing of this article, has more than a decade of beauty industry experience conducting product testing and extensive research. Having produced a variety of skincare stories, we also tapped into our deep market knowledge to highlight products and brands that offer innovative, effective formulas. Together with vitamin E, this serum is the perfect weapon for free radical damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, and dark spots for all skin tones. It is also paraben and sulfate free. Texture improvement serums: These help boost the texture of your skin and its overall appearance. In addition, some texture improvement serums can help shed dead skin cells to unearth glowing, even skin underneath.

Just one Google of ‘Do Vitamin C serums really work?’ and you’re presented with no end of articles, containing comments from skincare professionals, all bigging up Vitamin C serums for a myriad of reasons. In general, it’s essential that your diet includes beneficial antioxidants — coffee, berries, and green tea are a few excellent and delicious options.

The Best Vitamin C Grooming Products

Another advantage of serums is that you can easily tailor them to your specific skincare needs. Brightening and colour-correcting Vitamin C serums, for example, are a different breed than an anti-ageing serum. In addition to being an affordable vitamin C serum, this one also boasts sodium hyaluronate and collagen, a concoction of ingredients that will target signs of aging while simultaneously promoting moisture and smoothing your skin. It’s free of phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and mineral oil. If you’re a regular shaver, you may wonder where a hydrating face serum fits into your routine. A face serum works well when applied after a shave, and right before using a balm or moisturizer. Don’t get discouraged if you think shaving will disrupt the effects of a face serum, because this is not the case! Applying a hydrating face serum after a good shave can leave you moisturized and ready to meet the day. Should I Ditch My Moisturizer? In serum form, vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that protects your skin from free radical damage, which can result in signs of aging,” says Melanie Palm, MD, board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, in San Diego, California.

Skin brightening serums: If your skin needs an antioxidant fix, a skin brightening serum is best. They can also help improve uneven skin tone. Not sure what vitamin C is good for? We’ve already briefly touched on the main benefits, but if you’re up for a bit of an ‘at a glance’ recap, which we’re alwaysup for, then here you go:If you’re worried about how vitamin C may work with other skin care products in your routine, Palm says this really depends on your sensitivity to active ingredients. Relaxing and effective, the Men’s Mini Detox facial works to clear pores and release muscle tension. The Vitamin C rich Antioxidant & Galvanic infusion will stimulate collagen production, lift and firm for a smooth and healthy complexion. Stamford NPJ. (2012). Stability, transdermal penetration, and cutaneous effects of ascorbic acid and its derivatives. As far as how long it takes to see a noticeable change in your complexion, “You can start to appreciate the results of a topical vitamin C in as little as a month,” says Pritzker. It can be used daily, “as long as it is tolerated well and not irritating the skin or causing an adverse reaction,” says Pritzker. However, if you’re new to the vitamin C serum scene, it may be best to start at a lower concentration or apply it less frequently because it can cause irritation. “You should not use vitamin C on compromised skin,” she says. You also need to be cautious using it with other actives, such as retinol.