How is Vitamin C making your acne worse?

For as long as we can remember, vitamin C serums have been hailed as the magic elixirs for the skin. Vitamin C is known for making our skin smooth, hydrated, and bright, which is why it has found a permanent spot in our skincare vanity. But what if we told you that vitamin C is the real reason for your acne breakouts and should be completely avoided by sensitive and acne-prone skin?

We’ve always counted vitamin C as one of the easiest ingredients to play with. But today, we’ll delve into three major reasons why vitamin C serum is bad for your skin and is not only breaking the barrier but also is the real cause of your acne.


Irritating sensitive skin
Many of us have heard sensitive-skin girls complain about using vitamin C, which has made their situation worse. This is because it is acidic in nature and creates a tingling sensation, which subsides for others but leads to redness and irritation. Sensitive skin can use a type of vitamin C, i.e., magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which is a water-soluble vitamin and is considered less potent than the pure version.



Worsens hyperpigmentation
When exposed to air and light, vitamin C oxidises and turns yellow or brown in colour. It soon loses its efficacy and worsens hyperpigmentation. The changes of oxidation increase when vitamin C comes in contact with clear light, making the situation worse and making your acne scars visible all over again.


Leads to dry skin
The acidic nature of vitamin C causes mild peeling when used in high concentrations. This leads to a cycle of dryness and peeling, which may not be noticeable in a day, but eventually, you will start witnessing the change. Vitamin C serums usually also have salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, which also cause dryness and might not be the best choice for dry-skinned girlies. This often leads to breakouts, which makes everything worse.


How to use it properly?
If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, then do not let your facial skin touch vitamin C serums. But, if you’re using them, do it properly.

Start with dry and clean skin: apply vitamin C serum and ensure your skin is clear and completely dry. You can dampen your skin a little with the serum, but make sure to dilute it, reducing its efficacy.

Take the right amount: start with a pea-sized amount of vitamin C on the fingertips and simply dab it on your entire face and neck, but avoid the eye area.

Massage it gently: After dabbing, create an even layer and gently massage it all over the face.

Allow it to sink in: do not layer it right away with a moisturiser or face cream, but let your skin absorb it and get adjusted to it, and then move on to the next step.