Vitamin C Serum VS Retinol Serum (Advantages And Disadvantages)

Advantages And Disadvantages


Vitamin C and Retinol Serum are the two most popular serums in stores today.  These serums are highly effective however not knowing the pro and cons of these serums may hurt your skin in a great way. In this post, I will be sharing with you the advantages and disadvantages of these serums including their comparison. To help you make a better decision when next you are buying a serum.  

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C serum is used topically as a skincare ingredient to help treat hyperpigmentation, blemishes, spots, acne scars and add extra protection against free radicals. 


Disadvantages of Vitamin C Serum

The disadvantage of Vitamin C serum is that some vitamin c serum contains vitamin c in its pure form known as ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid works at a very low PH, making it very irritating to many skin types, especially sensitive skin.  Another disadvantage of vitamin C is that it is a very unstable antioxidant in its pure form. It oxidizes quickly, which means it will not be effective for long once the bottle is open. Also, it can become a pro-oxidant that can cause more irritation, inflammation, and acne, This worsens the skin aging instead of improving it. 

Solution

To avoid these problems with vitamin c serum, Always buy vitamin C serum that contains vitamins C in form of sodium ascorbyl phosphate. It is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types and helps with reducing inflammation and acne.


Retinol Serum

Retinol Serum
Retinol Serum

Retinol serum is used to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and other hyperpigmentation issues. It also protects the skin from harmful free radicals. Although retinol is not a skin exfoliant, using Retinol will increase cell turnover which will bring out new skin cells faster and that will in turn help push out the old ones. 


Disadvantages Of Retinol Serum

Unlike Vitamin C Serum, It takes a long time to notice major positive changes when using a retinol serum. Retinol has some side effects on highly sensitive skin like irritation, redness, and skin breakouts. It is also advisable to stay away from the sun when using a retinol serum to avoid skin flaking. 

Which is Better Between Vitamin C Serum And Retinol Serum?

Vitamin C Serum VS Retinol Serum
Vitamin C Serum VS Retinol Serum


Choosing the best between these two serums largely depends on your preference and skin type. However here are some major comparisons between the two serums. 

  • Collagen production: They both produce collagen
  • Free radical defense: They are both anti-Oxidants 
  • Skin Hydration: Retinol can help hydrate the skin while Vitamin is not a good hydrant.
  • Cell turnover: Retinol increases cell turnover, which Vitamin C serum doesn’t.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Both Retinol and Vitamin C can help fix hyperpigmentation issues. 

Conclusion

When vitamin C is used in the right form (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) it has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. And can reduce acne. If used in its pure form (ascorbic acid) it can instead be highly irritating especially if you have sensitive skin, causing more harm than good. 
Retinol on the other hand can often be irritating in the beginning and should be used only a few times per week to start with. Over time, retinol will strengthen the skin and make it healthier, thicker, and more protected.

This is the information I have for you on Vitamin C Serum VS Retinol Serum. You can buy this product online through Jumia using this link. I hope you find them valuable. You can watch the video on this topic on our YouTube channel. If you have any comments or questions about this topic, please leave them in the comment section below, I will reply to all comments. Thanks For Reading.