Packed with skin-loving goodies, the Cosrx hyaluronic acid serum comes with a combination of amino acids and ceramide np which are known to help protect and nurture the skin barrier.
Vitamin C
Main benefits
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects skin from UVA, UVB, and blue light. It also helps in skin repair, DNA cell repair, and fighting pigmentation and signs of ageing. It is suitable across all skin types and age groups.
Get cosy with
You can use it with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. If you’re applying them together, you should apply Vitamin C first, followed by hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
Keep at arm’s length
Don't use it with AHAs, BHAs, and retinol at once. You can use it in low concentrations of AHA and BHA in your routine on alternate nights – Vitamin C one night and retinol the other. Or Vitamin C in the morning, followed by AHA, BHA, or retinol at night. If you have acne-prone skin, be cautious while using Vitamin C – it can cause breakouts. It is best to do a patch test before.
How to best use it
L-ascorbic acid is a potent form of Vitamin C and gets unstable when exposed to light which is why some doctors suggest using it at night. But you can top it off with sunscreen and use it during the day because it also protects you from UV rays. Other forms of Vitamin C can be used during the day and at night.
After cleansing, apply 3-4 drops of Vitamin C serum followed by a moisturiser. Top it with sunscreen. It takes around 6-8 weeks to see the results.
Try
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum
A glow-boosting serum, this 15% vitamin C formula works towards brightening the skin and boosting vitality. If you use this in the day, don't forget to follow it up with sunscreen.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s – Glycolic, lactic, mandelic acid)
Main benefits
Glycolic acid has anti-ageing properties and is excellent for open pores, fine lines, ageing skin, and pigmentation. Lactic acid, on the other hand, has moisturising and skin-lightening properties.
Get cosy with
You can combine AHAs with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. AHAs and BHAs can cause dryness and irritation. Niacinamide has moisturising properties that make it suitable to layer with any of these actives.
Keep at arm’s length
Never combine AHAs with retinol or AHAs with BHAs because it can lead to irritation. You can use them on alternate nights, though.
How to best use it
Only use these in the PM. Take 3-4 drops of serum and pat it on your face with your fingertips. It takes around 3-6 months to see the result on your skin. Apply it every alternate night.
Try
iS Clinical Active Peel System
Known for their exfoliating properties, these peels by iS Clinical is designed to rapidly resurface and polish the skin. Use these as part of your PM routine and if you have sensitive skin, make sure to layer up with sufficient sun protection the next day.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
Main benefits
BHAs like salicylic acid help unclog pores and tackle blackheads and whiteheads.
Get cosy with
You can combine BHAs with niacinamide. Salicylic acid causes exfoliation and dryness of the skin. Niacinamide helps repair the skin and reduces the pigment, melanin, so they act against acne and blemishes together.
