Do I need a Vitamin A, B and C Serum in MY skincare routine?

You’re scrolling on Instagram and come across a skincare routine post from an influencer with glowing, clear skin (which is probably filtered), it says ‘I can’t live without *this* Vitamin A serum!’ You save the post for later, or maybe even go straight to the website and add to cart. Sound familiar?

We are marketed to constantly; on adverts, reels, and even from our friends telling us what products they use! Then you read our blog, ‘Back to Basics: Why we need Vitamin A, B and C in Skincare?’; and we know you’re thinking, GIVE ME ALL THE SERUMS!

But do you really need it? Is a Vitamin A, B and C serum good for every skin type? The short answer is no, and here’s why!

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a hero ingredient for many but not for everyone. So, who should be using it, and how?

Vitamin A comes in various forms and strengths, making it one of the trickiest ingredients to choose. Some are hesitant to use it, while others have had bad experiences. But when used correctly, it can be transformative!

Who Should Skip Vitamin A

• If you’re under 25, Vitamin A isn’t typically recommended (unless advised by a Skin Therapist).
• Pregnant? Avoid Vitamin A unless your doctor suggests otherwise.

 

Tips for Vitamin A use

• Use Vitamin A at night on clean, dry skin, followed by a moisturiser.
• Always wear SPF during the day when using Vitamin A.
• Avoid sensitive areas like around the eyes and mouth.
• Start slow: every third night for two weeks, then every other night, and eventually nightly if tolerated.
• In your late 20s? Once a week might be enough. In your 30s? 2-3 times a week should suffice—unless your Skin Therapist advises otherwise.
• Don’t layer Vitamin A with leave-on AHAs (like Lactic or Glycolic Acid). Alternate days to avoid overstimulation.
• Less is more! A pea-sized amount is enough for your face. Overuse can cause sensitivity and waste product.
• For the neck, use any excess from your hands or a specific neck cream.
• Some flakiness is normal when you start using Vitamin A.
• It’s not an overnight miracle. Expect to see smoother, plumper skin with fewer fine lines after a few weeks.

 

Vitamin A ‘Retinol Response’

If you’ve used Vitamin A before, you might have experienced a “Retinol Response”—dry, red, itchy, inflamed skin. If this happens, stop using the product until your skin normalises. Then, restart slowly with a lower percentage or different form.

There’s much more to cover about Vitamin A, so stay tuned for our next blog!

 

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is the perfect serum for all skin types and you can add this to your routine from your early 20s, OR – if you have acne as a teen. B serums are great at helping balance oil flow, healing the skin AND have antibacterial properties.

There are 8 different B Vitamin complexes, though not all serums will have them all. Niacinamide (Vit B3) is the most used and known Vitamin B complex. But other B complexes to look out for are B5 (Panthenol) and B12 (Cobalamin).

How to use Vitamin B

• Vitamin B should be applied to cleansed, dry skin, before moisturising. It can be used both morning and night, and can generally be layered with other serums.
• Avoid the eye area and don’t forget to carry it down the neck and decolletage!

 

Vitamin C

Lastly, we have Vitamin C. Vit C is generally a great serum to start in your early 20s, as this powerful antioxidant is great to help the skin recover when you’re perhaps spending more time in the sun, out partying, and around pollutants. However, unlike Vitamin B, there are some skins that may not tolerate Vitamin C. Vitamin C can be quite stimulating; and like Vitamin A, it comes in many formulations and strengths. Some products are more tolerable than others.

Who shouldn’t use Vitamin C

• If you’re suffering from acne or have acne prone skin then vitamin C can be over stimulating.
• Vitamin C like Vitamin A can be great for many skin conditions but it needs to be the right formula and introduced correctly so advice from a Skin Therapist is a must.

 

How to use Vitamin C

• Apply to cleansed, dry skin both morning and night before your moisturiser.

 

Tips for Vitamin C Use

• If you’re using a retinol, then don’t use it on the same night as your Vitamin C. They are both stimulating and the skin can become easily irritated.
• Sensitive skins and people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may also need to be cautious and should always patch test the Vitamin C serum first. Or even gradually introduce new products, like you would with retinol.
• Be cautious on the type of Vitamin C you are using if you are acne prone, there are many great Vitamin C based products for breakout prone and problem skin, but some formulations can inflame breakouts, or even cause them. With that being said, don’t confuse an initial ‘purge period’ when you start a new active, for the active not agreeing with your skin. More on this in our blog on Introducing New Skincare.

 

Discover what products are best for your skin

While we can all benefit from a skin care routine, we don’t all need the same products or actives in our routine, they are highly individualised. It’s not a case of ‘anything is better than nothing’ when it comes to the skin. Sometimes using the wrong products can do more harm than good.

The best way to find out what products are best for your skin, is to book in with a Skin Therapist and have a thorough consultation. If you are wanting more information or would like to begin your skin treatment journey with us, simply get in touch.

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