Your guide to vitamin c serum vs vitamin c oil

When it comes to discussions about transforming the texture and appearance of the skin, one ingredient frequently pops up; Vitamin C. Which is understandable, as Vitamin C does an excellent job of targeting the specific skin conditions many of us are concerned about. 

But should you be adding Vitamin C into your skincare routine as a serum, oil or both?

In this article we’ll help you answer this question by taking a closer look at the skin benefits of Vitamin C applied as both a serum and an oil. 

Serums are formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients (like Vitamin C) and are generally water-based, giving them a thin, lightweight consistency that is easily absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin. A good Vitamin C serum will help correct a range of skin concerns from acne to ageing and dullness. 

Serums are generally applied after cleansing and toning. 

And here’s a tip: apply serum to your face when it’s still slightly damp from applying toner - this will help the active ingredients in your serum be absorbed by the skin.

Vitamin C Serum is best known for its protective and anti-ageing benefits for the skin, which makes it suitable for many different skin types and concerns including: 

• Dullness
• Hyperpigmentation
• Redness
• Fine lines
• Lack of firmness
• Acne
• Hydration

If you’d like to even out skin tone, brighten dull skin, calm redness and inflammation, fade dark spots and restore a radiant glow to your skin, you could benefit from using our Vitamin C Brightening Serum which contains 5% naturally sourced Vitamin C. The Low-irritation formula is designed to target the deeper levels of the skin, making it a very effective way to give your skin the brightening benefits of Vitamin C.

Unlike serums, which absorb deeply into the skin, facial oils are designed to work on strengthening the outer layer of the skin - acting as a barrier to help minimise trans epidermal water loss. This keeps skin hydrated and plump, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A good Vitamin C oil should be low-irritation, non-greasy and easily absorbed to help brighten dull skin.

Facial oils are generally applied after cleansing and toning onto clean, dry skin.To use your facial oil simply apply 3-4 drops onto fingertips and gently pat onto the face avoiding the eye area. Follow with your favourite essano moisturiser or night crème.

Many skin types and skin concerns can benefit from using Vitamin C Facial Oil:

• Dry and ageing skin types benefit the most from face oils, as they act as emollients by sealing and preventing any water loss. 
• Combination and oily skin types also benefit from face oils as they work with the skin’s natural oils to create balance. 
• Facial oil with Vitamin C is ideal for acne-prone skin due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. And it won’t clog your pores!

For a radiant glow, try our Vitamin C Super Glow Facial Oil. This low-irritation, easily absorbed facial oil contains 8 natural oils and extracts including Turmeric and Jojoba to even out skin tone, lighten the appearance of dark spots and leave the skin glowing.

For most of us, there really is no ‘versus’ when it comes to using Vitamin C in a serum or oil formulation. As serums are designed to work on the deeper layers of the skin and facial oils to protect the outer layer, it makes good skin sense to use both. 

• In the morning, cleanse and tone your face and then massage a few drops of our Vitamin C Super Glow Facial Oil into your skin. Follow with your preferred essano moisturiser and sunscreen. This will give your skin maximum protection and radiance throughout the day.
• At night, cleanse and tone, then, before your face completely dries, apply a few drops of Advanced Brightening Vitamin C Serum onto your fingertips and gently pat onto the face and neck. Follow with your favourite essano night cream. Your Serum will do its magic overnight and you’ll wake with a radiant glow the next day.

Tip: If you decide to use a Vitamin C Serum and Vitamin C Oil together, you would apply your Serum, before applying your Oil.

If you’re loving the effects of Vitamin C on your skin, make sure you take a look at the essano Vitamin C Brightening Radiant Skincare collection. And, if you have any questions about how to use Vitamin C Serum & Facial Oil, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram or email – we’d love to chat to you!