“I feel it’s potential,” Greenfield says. “Vitamin C is oftentimes solely certainly one of dozens of substances within the product, and plenty of of these non-actives might trigger a non-ideal response in your pores and skin, leading to what seems to be breakouts.”

Primarily, it may not be the vitamin C itself; a few of these different substances within the combine might trigger your pores and skin to react (suppose irritation, redness, and many others.) or instantly clog your pores. Run your vitamin C serum’s ingredient record by means of a pore-clogging substances checker (like this one from Zits Clinic NYC), and chances are you’ll discover that it accommodates a probably clogging ingredient. 

For instance your product is acne-friendly, but you’re nonetheless seeing breakouts: It might be from that irritation talked about earlier. The answer? Search for merchandise formulated for delicate pores and skin varieties, Greenfield says. 

“If one product just isn’t efficient or inflicting zits, don’t hand over fully on vitamin C simply but,” she provides. As an alternative, take into account switching manufacturers. Some serums are stronger (particularly, ones with ascorbic acid) however include drawbacks like elevated pores and skin sensitivity; if that sounds such as you, search one other, gentler type of vitamin C. Greenfield prefers one thing extra natural-leaning and plant-based, just like the REN Clear Skincare Glow Every day Vitamin C Gel Cream, because it makes use of plant-based emollients like sunflower seed oil and rosemary leaf extract. 

Lastly, in case your pores and skin merely doesn’t like vitamin C, that’s OK. You don’t have to make use of this ingredient topically to have nice, wholesome pores and skin. What’s extra, ingesting vitamin C by way of dietary supplements might even present the similar skincare advantages with out the fuss. 

In the event you do go the complement route, you’ll additionally reap the advantages of immune assist, enhanced iron absorption, collagen assist, and extra. Undecided the place to discover a trusty vitamin C? Listed below are our high 10 decisions to get you began.