DIY or not for Vit C first-timer
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skincare Tools & Do-It-Yourself Skincare

free skin care · Thu Feb 01, 2007 7:31 am

Ok, so after reading a lot of reviews on vit c products, I really want to try one but am wondering if I should get a brand like skinceuticals, attempt to DIY or buy from someone who DIYs lik carekate or candy. Any thoughts, especially since I haven't used a product like this before and am interested in sampling? Also, if I get one of these products do I need a special moisturizer with HA or something? Thanks!

free skin care · Thu Feb 01, 2007 8:25 am

good morning~ I think DIY is not a good option for your first time because you won't know what consistency you're going for -- I think find out what you like...if you like it. If you make it and hate it- you'd never know if it was just your concoction or C in general.

I know a lot of people are attached to their C- including me; I love, love, love MyChelle "The Perfect C Serum" 17%- I can't imagine what complaints anyone would have with this product....unless they make their own, which is the most cost efficient. Perfect C is very (retail) reasonable @ $40 for 15 ml. - I use it daily (2 pumps, plenty) and it lasts me about 2 months.

I'd be curious if Carekate or Candy have sampled this C (sold @ Whole Foods/Central Market/Henry's/Sun Harvest) and could compare the consistency to theirs....which I'm sure are lovely too. Smile

free skin care · Thu Feb 01, 2007 8:26 am

Well you're young and might not need something so darn strong. I make my own and it's really simple and you can always adjust the percentage that you want according to your needs. I've heard Candy's super C is really good from others. I'm sorry I can't recommend a brand since I haven't used any of them and have only made my own and tweeked it through the months.

Wait come to think of it, I did get a sample of I think it was Vivant's C Potency serum and I like it. Nice consistency, smells nice and leaves my face feeling soft.

free skin care · Thu Feb 01, 2007 10:33 am

I am actually new to DIY too and even though the vitamin C serums sound easy to make, i am worried about the effectiveness and stability of home made ones.

I am currently using skinceuticals c e ferulic and like it a lot but i think when i run out, i am going to go with the Garden of Wisdom Majik C serum since I know Markey (the owner) runs tests on her products. She also has sample vials that you can purchase first for about $8.

HTH,
Kristen Smile

free skin care · Thu Feb 01, 2007 10:36 am

thanks....by the way how do you like skinceuticals? I have been doing some research and am really interested but its so epernsive that I hate to buy something that is not only a new brand but also a new ingredient

free skin care · Thu Feb 01, 2007 10:45 am

Hi again gigiab6,

I forgot to say Welcome! Smile

The skinceutical serums are very expensive but I do love their C E ferulic acid serum because it has good stuff besides C in it. I actually like the texture a lot and the smell doesn't bug me either, it is described as a hotdog smell and I know some people can't stand that. As to its effectiveness, I can't really tell because I am on the younger side so I am using the serum to prevent rather than correct.

I hope that helps.

free skin care · Thu Feb 01, 2007 12:16 pm

Hi gigiab6 and welcome! - I use and love SC CE+Ferulic. If your skin is dry, the Vit.E in it will help. It helps mine. But I'm not acne-prone and don't know if E could trigger any in your experience. My guess is if E isn't a problem for you, you'll find CE+Ferulic will adequately offset dryness without requiring an extra moisturizer. SC has several C formulae to choose from. In my opinion, they're worth the price. I keep mine refrigerated to prolong stability. One major thing I like about Ferulic is that it boosts the effectiveness of sunscreen. I'm admittedly a SS fanatic and do everything I reasonably can to prevent photo-damage. BTW, I don't notice a scent that I'd describe as a hot dog smell! Rather, it smells medicinal on my skin.

I've read some members say they've experienced balling up of product with some of the DIY C sera. It seems to vary from person to person, and also seems to depend on what kind of other layers and/or makeup are applied on top. I agree that making your own C serum may be tricky. I considered it myself for a while but after digging into this issue, I wasn't confident I could formulate a product that would have the kind of texture I'm accustomed to with SC or other retail brands I've tried.

But why don't you try to get hold of some samples to try first? While I prefer SC, there are many reliable C products on the market.

free skin care · Thu Feb 01, 2007 12:59 pm

The tricky thing about DIY C serums is you don't want to to oxidize on you, or be too strong a percentage which will burn your skin. I second the recommendation (Hi Skincareaddicted!) to try one of Garden of Wisdom's C serums. If you have ? you can e-mail your specific skin condition to Markey, the owner, and ask for her recommendation or post your question on the GoW forum. Hers are great formulations and very reasonably priced.

free skin care · Sun Feb 04, 2007 2:05 am

Chocolat's (hi lady!) definitely right about the skin burning if the pH isn't correct.

gigiab6, whatever you decide on, let us know how it works out for you.

Kristen Smile

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