How To Build Your Tolerance For Vitamin C Serums, From A Pro

Some of the most popular, top-rated vitamin C serums come with a hefty dose of the nutrient—we're talking 10% to 20% vitamin C. While this brings plenty of benefits for the skin, it's not always easy for folks to use, especially those with sensitive skin. 

So, you're often left using a super gentle serum that does contain vitamin C but maybe not enough for you to reap the full potential benefit.

The hack, Robinson says, is allowing for an adjustment period and utilizing other products to ease the blow of a strong vitamin C serum. In essence, you want to avoid the common mistake of ramping up too quickly.

He explains that vitamin C can cause sensitivity because, in its active state, it must be at a low pH, or acidic. Your skin's pH is around 5.5, and vitamin C falls below that, causing the two to butt heads if your skin is already sensitized.

"This acidic pH can irritate the skin if your barrier is weak or compromised," he notes. Take particular note—if your skin barrier is not compromised, your skin will better acclimate to vitamin C topically. 

This is similar to any active, really—if your skin barrier is already irritated, you're more susceptible to irritation from chemical exfoliants and retinol as well. 

Now, depending on your goals, you may not need such a strong vitamin C serum that you have to call upon this adjustment protocol. However, a potent formula can bring great success for anyone searching for noticeable changes in dark spots, brightness, and skin tone—more benefits of topical vitamin C here. 

Robinson suggests aiming for somewhere between 10% and 20% but considering a gentler formula to start out if you're new to the ingredient. 

If you want to reap the most benefit with the least amount of irritation, you'll have to adjust to your vitamin C serum gradually.