The holy grail of skincare, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol can be described as the ultimate goal of flawless skin. Think max hydration, reduction of sun spots and, if you are lucky, some tightness for that sagging skin. What else can a girl want, right? All three combined and carefully used these here girlies might bring your young-looking skin back.

However, as great as they are, these active ingredients can be harmful. Especially if you have yet to learn what they are, why they are used and how they should be used. Remember, these are active ingredients, right? So you should be careful in choosing what is suitable for your skin.

Let’s Have A Look-See:

Ms Vitamin C

What is a Vitamin C serum?

Vitamin c serum is antioxidant (substances that help protect the skin’s surface from premature aging). It MIGHT improve a lot of skin concerns like dullness, sun damage and may potentially leave your skin radiant. As the Skin Republic beauty brand say, “leaves your skin with bright and luminous complexion.”

The Benefits of Using Vitamin C

• Brightens and soothes skin for a more radiant complexion
• Can reduce sun spots/hyperpigmentation
• Targets wrinkles and fine lines
• And promotes collagen production

When To Use It?

The beauty community suggest to apply Vitamin C serum in the AM after cleansing and toning. Do apply sun protection should you use it in the morning and NEVER MIX it with any form of retinol if you use it at night.

Step By Step Application

1. Begin with a gentle cleanser of choice.
2. Apply a few drops of Vitamin C serum. And rub it in (gently) on your face and neck.
3. And then lock it in with a moisturiser
4. Protect your skin ALWAYS with an SPF 50 sunscreen.

My Take:

My first experience with a Vitamin C serum was with the Standard Beauty brand. Then went on to Garnier Even and Matte Vitamin C Booster Serum. This was in 2020 when I first started to play with facial serums. I can’t tell you which Vitamin C brand was the worst for me. Neither girls helped me with what I wanted, and that is, “to visibly reduce dark spots”. Both brands left my skin feeling clammy and yukky. After six weeks, I gave up and stuck to the Niacinamide serum.

I’ll eventually buy into it again, maybe buy a more expensive version. Yeah, no, I’ll probably get back to using the Alpha Arbutin or Niacinamide serums which in my experience work better than Vitamin C.

And then Ms Hyaluronic Acid

Now this girl is my favourite. I bought the Standard Beauty brand serum three years ago and haven’t looked back. The skincare company have now improved their serum by adding plant peptides to help your skin firm up, reduce fine lines and increase hydration.

Peptides are amino acids that are the building blocks of certain proteins needed by the skin, like collagen and elastin. Using a serum or moisturizer that contains peptides can lead to firmer, younger-looking skin and maybe even fewer breakouts.

Healthline.com

What is Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

Science says we naturally produce hyaluronic acids largely found in the fluids of our skin, eyes and joints. It helps retain moisture and acts as lubricant in the joints and other tissues. As a topical serum, hyaluronic acid serum can help increase the moisture in your skin.

It’s the girlie who’ll leave you looking dewy, plump (not fat but an appealing roundness they say) and firmer. Remember when we age, we lose that firmness, so Ms Hyaluronic does that job for you. On their website, Standard Beauty notes, “Hyaluronic Acid can attract up to 1000 times its weight in water by binding it to the skin. The effect is the appearance of plumper, more hydrated skin.”

Benefits Of Using HA

• Unlike Vitamin C it DOES NOT BRIGHTEN THE SKIN but adds moisture to your skin.
• Resulting into a plump, firm and smooth skin
• As an anti-ageing ingredient it can stimulate/enhance skin’s firmness and elasticity

When To Use It?

I use it both in the morning and at night. I struggled with dehydrated skin for a while but after scrolling and research, Hyaluronic Acid popped up more than a few times. I had to try it out and was fortunate to land up with Standard Beauty brand and haven’t looked anywhere else.

After cleansing and toning/exfoliating my face, I mist my face before applying a few drops of Hyaluronic Acid and gently massage into the skin. Then follow with moisturiser after which I will apply SPF 50+ sunscreen.

Hyaluronic Acid is found in the skin naturally, but its natural function within the skin is not hydration, but rather drawing moisture from either the air or products that are applied afterwards. Therefore it is very important to apply onto damp spray and layer moisturising products on top.

Standard Beauty

My Take…

I’ll never be able to thank Ms Hyaluronic enough. Winter has nothing on me now. My skin is always looking dewy and yep has a bit of roundness that I sometimes dislike. I’ll continue using the Standard Brand Hyaluronic Acid until they do something weird to this product.

And lastly Ms Mam Retinol

Uhm for some reason Retinols freak me out! I keep reading how powerful this anti-ageing skin care ingredient is. One of the comments that scared me the most was the possibilities of burning my skin. They say, skin care gurus , “You have to be careful not to apply it too often as it might burn your skin”. Yakes! I love my skin. Apart from my hair, my skin is probably one of my favourite body organs.

What Are Retinols Anyway?

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and like Vitamin C, it has properties of an antioxidant. Vitamin A or retinols Might help with early signs of wrinkles, clearer skin and can stimulate collagen production. Unfortunately as we age, our collagen decreases resulting to fines lines and sagging skin.

Just FYI, Collagen is a natural protein in our skin that gives our skin fullness and structure. We’ll have a chat about this later on.

Retinol Benefits

• Treats acne by preventing clogged pores and may treat scarring from the acne
• Minimises fine lines and wrinkles
• Has the ability to increase collagen production

When To Use It?

It is recommended to start off with a pea-sized amount of a low percentage. You should use it once every few days then slowly increase the usage.

The other day, a girl probably 17/18 doing a Clientele Promo at a mall, sees me,  snaps her fingers and like a chiwawa barks “Mamzo” at me. The Nerve! Did she just call me? Manzo…seriously? I might try it again seeing that I’m clearly looking like a mamzo, Arg!!

Anyway, getting back to when to use this magical serum, research says preferably at night as it is sensitive to light.

Step By Step Application

1. Cleanse your face and PAT IT DRY.
2. Apply a thin layer to your entire face.
3. Finish with a (night) moisturizer

My Take…

One day, when I am brave enough, I’ll consider using Retinols. For now, as it happens I’m looking to try Neutrogena Retinol Eye Cream. Yep, the crow’s feet around my eyes are starting to be a nuisance. Apparently, eye creams with retinols is just what I need.

How To Layer Each Product…

Now that we have some idea what each of these active ingredients can do for your skin, let’s have a look-see how you add them into your skin care routine.

AM Routine

PS: Again before you start, read and do your research as much as possible. Educate yourself with each brand BUT most importantly, LISTEN TO YOUR SKIN!!

1. Cleanse with your cleanser of choice
2. Apply Vitamin C then wait for 30-60 seconds
3. Mist your face with thermal water if you don’t have a mist, sprinkle a bit of water
4. Apply Hyaluronic Acid Serum to your DAMP face
5. Then immediately apply your moisturiser to lock in that needed moisture you just added with HA
6. Lastly protect your skin with a SPF 50 sunscreen.

PM Routine

1. Cleanse and pat dry.
2. Some say you can apply a moisturizer first
3. Your face has to be quite dry before you add a Retinol, so go on and do something while you wait..
4. When skin is dry, apply a Retinol of your choosing
5. Apply a (night) moisturiser.

What I’ve Gathered…

The Holy Grail of Skin Care will brighten your skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. They’ll help you bring water into your skin leaving it firm, plump and glowing. And will leave your skin softer and smoother.

Have you tried one of these serums? Let me know what products you recommend, especially for Vitamin C, yeah?

Remember, when purchasing all three, first establish your skin type and your skin needs. If you have the means to visit a certified Dermatologist, then go discuss the correct serum and brands for your skin.

Chat soon.

Angy 

xx 

Ever wondered whether intimate hygiene products are worth it? Read more about it here.

Sources:

Real Simple: The Power Couple of Sun Protection: Vitamin C and Sunscreen

Software Skincare: Applying vitamin C serum: Before or after moisturiser?

Healthline.com: Peptides and Your Skin Care Routine

Vogue.com: 6 Essential Things to Know Before Using Retinol and Retinoids