vit C serum

[babySophieRose]

Just wondering if anyone makes their own and what you are using and how do you make it. Is it to be applied before bed and do you have to use SPF 50+ during the day? Is it really good? Thanks

[ClaudiaCutie]

I don't make my own because I am far too lazy, alas! But there are excellent instructions on MakupAlley, have a browse. You'll have to procure the various ingredients online and be very precise doing the measurements and prep. It's a level of committment beyond me but lots of people think the savings are worth it. I buy the Obagi C serum, admittedly it's £71 per bottle but (a) it has a very visible improving effect which I love (b) is ultra convenient (c) seems to be lasting ages (d) can be worn under makeup, without affecting makeup finish or longevity. I apply it in the mornings because it works under makeup - as do the staff at the doctors where I purchased it. I use a different serum at night which doesn't work under makeup and needs finishing up (Clarins one, not Vit C).

I use SPF15 primer on a weekday (in the office at work all day) and I've got some SPF30 sunscreen for layering on at weekends. I figure if I'm using SPF30 sunscreen and SPF15 primer and then makeup with SPF25 on top of that, hopefully the rays will be unlikely to penetrate all the different layers!

[Walnutcakelover]

claudie what strength do you buy if you don't mind me asking? I have the 12% strength.

[milktraylady]

Skinceuticals does various vitamin c serums.
Pricey but v v effective.
Worth looking into I'd say.
If you are in Essex/ south east pm me & I'll give you my facalists details.

[babySophieRose]

Thanks everyone, :) I will check out make up alley, not yet back to work after baby, so can't afford to spend much.

[QuinnFabray]

The Kiehls Vit C serum has had good reviews. I read that Vitamin C is very unstable and that it's pointless making your own serum, as even if you use it straight away, any benefit will have been lost. Therefore it's better to use a recommended prepared serum, that has ingredients to stabilise the Vit C.

I don't know exactly how true this is, and I guess it can't do any harm to have a go at home made, and see if it works.

[babySophieRose]

Claudia, is this the one you like? I am just thinking of waiting for another month until I start working again and getting the good stuff. Thanks
www.skinstation.co.uk/products/1457/shop.php

[ggirl]

oh I made my own a while ago , put it in the fridge and completley forgot about it

I got the recipe from here half way down page even got the dermaroller but haven't used it.

Quinn- I read somewhere that the reason you should make your own is cos the vit c cannot last in serums. Ya just don't know who to believe do you??

[gloucestergirl]

When the vit C oxidises it is useless and that is when there is no point in using it. There is a colour change from white to orange. So basically don't use a vit C prep that is orange.

Hmmm makes you think how many cosmetic companies have orange coloured vit C products and it seems so healthy and natural because the fruit orange is orange and contains loads of vit C. A big marketing con. Chemistry isn't that simple.

[ggirl]

so is it possible to stabilise it so it doesn't degrade?

[ClaudiaCutie]

Ah, apols for slow response! Walnut I didn't know about the 12% one. It's it's the 15% C Obagi one that I'm using as per the link posted upthread by BSR. I've been using it for a good while (Nov? Dec?) and it's not gone orange so I am assuming it's got stabiliser in it. I did try the Skinceuticals one first (thanks to a kindly beautician who gave me a fortnight's worth of sample to try) which is much more expensive and that didn't feel nice on the skin at all. Sort of pointy and stings a bit and sticky and smelled horrid. I stopped using it before it ran out.

The fact that the dermos staff and cosmetic doctors and their stuff used the Obagi was a bit of a selling point for me (rather lemming of me, admittedly!) and the fact that you can go serum/moisturiser/primer/foundation/go without making the foundation go icky was a key point.

[Walnutcakelover]

claudia sorry meant to say my serum is this one
www.dermacaredirect.co.uk/medik8-c-tetra.html
it's beautiful, I have noticed a big difference, even my husband has been giving me compliments. My face looks clean, radiant and even stubborn blemishes have nearly dissappeared, dare i say fine lines have softened.

[SofaCanary]

I mix a little Philosophy vit c powder with whatever serum I have on the go.

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_123542006199_-1?breadcrumb=Home%7EBeauty

[SofaCanary]

www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_123542006199_-1?breadcrumb=Home%7EBeauty

[frankietwospots]

Pretty sure Murad do one. Worth looking on Beauty Expert for good deals.