Start this month: Vitamin C serums

For us girls the going is super smooth as long as our cheeks (and foreheads and chins) are zit-free. As the bumps raise their ugly heads, we raise the roof! An acne harvest at any age is unwelcome but in your 30s and beyond it’s even harder to come to terms with. That's when the smart woman pulls out the big guns—Vitamin C enriched serums.

How it works

When it comes to the largest organ of your body—the skin—Vitamin C is the grand old man of antioxidants. Besides fighting skin damage, Vitamin C, present in serums in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid, is the only antioxidant that also boosts skin health, by promoting collagen (that lovely protein that makes your skin supple and keeps those nasty fine lines away) production. "Vitamin C prevents premature skin ageing, reduces the appearance of brown spots, helps boost healthy collagen production, and also increases the effectiveness of sunscreens and boosts your skin's defense against UV exposure," explains Dr Varun Katyal, consultant dermatologist and cosmetologist, The Skin Centre, New Delhi.

Make the most of it

"Vitamin C serums are the best, as they are power-packed and have a higher concentration of the ingredient, as compared to creams and lotions," says Dr Jaishree Sharad, of Skinfiniti Aesthetic Skin and Laser Clinic, Mumbai, and author of Skin Talks. "Look for L-Ascorbic Acid 8 to 15 per cent in the list of ingredients." Studies show that an L-Ascorbic Acid serum with a concentrate of over 20 per cent can fight even stubborn problems. But the formula is prone to oxidation. So ask your beauty advisor at the store for a product with an acidic pH, and make sure the bottle or tube is airtight. "If the container is UV-protected, all the better," suggests Dr Katyal.

Take care

Avoid products with silicones or an oil base. "These can aggravate acne and rashes, especially if your skin is sensitive," says Dr Sharad. "Also, if you have redness or extreme dryness of skin, avoid topical Vitamin C. Take supplements instead."

Vogue tip

Use your serum twice a day: In the mornings, before you apply your moisturiser and sunscreen; and at night, layer it under your night cream.