Best vitamin c serum for oily, acne-prone skin

[sprocketta]

Hey all! I’ve been using the Farmacy cherry bright vitamin C for a long time and almost out of it. I love the smell and it feels good on my skin but not really sure if I am getting a lot more from it. I am trying to avoid anything with AHAs included right now as I was really overdoing it on those. Suggestions?

[Emy10]

Hey @sprocketta , what did you mean by overdoing AHA's?? Did something happened??

I use the Ordinary Natural Factors and AHA everyday, so far my skin really likes it, but if AHA arnt that great or that there's something about them, id like to know 🙂 thanks

[sprocketta]

@Emy10 I was using the Farmacy HONEYMOON GLOW AHA Resurfacing Night Serum with Hydrating Honey + Gentle Flower Acids 1 oz/ 30 mL  daily. My skin started getting irritated and burning the last couple times I used it. I couldn’t understand the sudden change but some folks suggested that perhaps it was just too much for my skin and the irritation had built up over time. It’s a pretty strong product, 10% aha, 1% bha and some flower acids as well. I’ve just backed off on AHA. I was using a less strong AHA daily before that, Paula’s Choice 6% aha gel. I’ve used that once since then without an issue but only want to use it once a week.

AHAs can be great for your skin and if yours isn’t irritated by them you don’t need to cut them out. I was sad this product became an issue for me because it was doing wonders for my skin.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@sprocketta I like my Paula's Choice Antioxidant Pore Purifier.  I *think* it may have Vitamin C in it, but it also has a other antioxidants.  It doesn't have AHA, but has .5% BHA.  I didn't think that half a percent BHA would do much for my skin, but it did.  The only thing I'm not in love with is that it doesn't come in an airtight container.  I got it from PC direct - I don't think this is one of the products Sephora carries from the line.

[sprocketta]

@greeneyedgirl107 Thanks. I was looking at the PC vitamin C booster but thought I’d ask  for recommendations. You know I love my PC. The product you’re suggesting does have vitamin C. The related article on PC says to use the booster for best brightening. What is it about this product that you like? I trust other folks on here and you are a PC lady like me.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@sprocketta What I like about the Antioxidant Pore Purifier (APP) is that it really does brighten my skin.  Plus, I was happy that I was giving my skin more antioxidants.  I also liked that it played well with my Retin-A.  I was at a loss as to where to place it in my routine, so I tried under my Retin-A.  My skin usually hates anything under the Retin-A -- not so with this one.  An added bonus was that it helped clear out the pores on my inner cheek area.  They're usually pretty good thanks to my routine, but this was the cherry on top to make me not have to worry about them really at all anymore.  I also love how lightweight the product is.

I owned the PC C15 Super Booster years ago.  I liked that it was so fluid.  However, this was a while ago and I think I was applying it incorrectly - I was trying to rub it in whereas now I'd pat it on.  It did give a glow, though - but for me it wasn't as noticeable as the APP.  My pet peeve with the booster is that it is not airtight.  I found the pipette system to really open the door for oxidation -- mine turned after several months.  At least with the APP the narrow squeeze nozzle seems to help.

That said, I think both product are good - I just prefer one to the other.  I guess it depends on how paranoid you are about oxidization.  Still, I do think someday I'll probably try the C15 Super Booster again and maybe just cut my losses when it turns again.  Side note: I'm really surprised that of all companies PC packaged it in such a poor way.

[sprocketta]

@greeneyedgirl107 That’s good to know. The bha is the only pure liquid product I use and I use a cotton round with it. I don’t like using straight liquids. Where in your routine does the APP go?

[greeneyedgirl107]

@sprocketta I use it at night.  First, I cleanse.  Then, I use a facial mist.  Then, BHA 9 on stubborn areas (my nose and a small part of my forehead).  Next, the APP.  After that, I apply my Retin-A and retinols where I can't tolerate Retin-A too well.  Then, it's moisturizers/hydrators.

[sprocketta]

@greeneyedgirl107 Thanks! I’m sold. Hopefully we see a good Labor Day sale.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@sprocketta PC should have something good for Labor Day.  Good luck - and let me know how you like it 🙂