CERAVE VITAMIN C SERUM REVIEW| DR DRAY

Summary

In this video, the speaker reviews the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, discussing its potential benefits and limitations. They explore the science behind topical vitamin C, its role in skin health, and the challenges of its stability and penetration. Despite using the serum for four months without noticeable skin improvements, they acknowledge its moisturizing properties and provide tips for better absorption. The video concludes with a balanced view on vitamin C serums, emphasizing the importance of sunscreen over expensive serums for skin protection.

Takeaways

• 🔬 The video is a review of CeraVe's Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, which the reviewer has been asked to try by their audience despite their general skepticism about vitamin C serums.
• 🌟 The reviewer is a fan of CeraVe products, particularly their moisturizing cream, and has a history of reviewing these products positively.
• 🍊 Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is abundant in our skin but cannot be produced by the human body; it is depleted by UV radiation and other environmental factors.
• 🧪 Topical vitamin C is of interest for its potential anti-aging benefits, including reducing wrinkles, boosting collagen production, and preventing skin damage.
• 💧 The water-soluble nature of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) makes it challenging to penetrate the skin's lipid barrier, which is a significant limitation of vitamin C serums.
• 📉 The stability of vitamin C is an issue; it oxidizes easily, which can lead to irritation and skin discoloration.
• 🛡️ The serum uses a technology called multi-level t lamellar vesicular (MBE) to enhance the penetration and stability of L-ascorbic acid.
• 💧 The product contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are beneficial for skin hydration and barrier function.
• 🚫 The presence of denatured alcohol in the serum might be concerning for some due to its potential drying and irritating effects.
• 💰 The CeraVe serum is considered affordable and provides a good amount of product for its price.
• 🤔 The reviewer did not notice significant skin improvements after using the serum for four months, and upon discontinuation, no negative effects were observed.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video is a review of the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, discussing its benefits, limitations, and the presenter's personal experience with it.

Why does the presenter not typically use vitamin C serums?

The presenter does not use vitamin C serums due to concerns about their stability, the fact that they are non-drug cosmetics and can be expensive, and the belief that many perceived benefits are due to their moisturizing ingredients rather than the vitamin C itself.

What is the role of vitamin C in the skin?

Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in our skin, helping to protect against environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollution, potentially reducing damage that can lead to skin cancers, wrinkles, and fine lines.

What are the challenges with formulating vitamin C for topical application?

Vitamin C, specifically L-ascorbic acid, is water-soluble and has a charge, making it difficult to penetrate the skin's lipid barrier. It also oxidizes easily, which can lead to irritation and discoloration.

What is the significance of the pH level in vitamin C products?

A pH level less than 3.5 is needed for vitamin C to effectively penetrate the skin. This acidic environment helps the L-ascorbic acid to be absorbed.

What concentration of L-ascorbic acid is typically found in reputable vitamin C products?

Reputable vitamin C products generally contain 10-20% L-ascorbic acid, which is the most bioactive form of vitamin C.

What is the presenter's opinion on the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum's packaging?

The presenter appreciates the packaging of the CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum, as it protects the product from light and air, and allows for precise application.

Did the presenter notice any changes in their skin after using the CeraVe serum for four months?

The presenter did not notice any appreciable difference in their skin regarding hyperpigmentation or texture, but found the serum to be moisturizing and easy to apply.

What is the presenter's suggestion for enhancing the absorption of vitamin C serum?

The presenter suggests using a salicylic acid face wash before applying the vitamin C serum to lower the skin's pH and facilitate the uptake of L-ascorbic acid.

Can vitamin C serum be combined with other skincare ingredients?

Yes, vitamin C serum can be combined with various cosmeceutical ingredients such as vitamin A derivatives, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, peptides, and niacinamide, although some caution is advised with niacinamide due to potential increased irritation.

What is the presenter's final recommendation regarding the use of vitamin C serums?

The presenter does not discourage the use of vitamin C serums but emphasizes the importance of using sunscreen for skin protection and suggests that the benefits of serums may be more due to their moisturizing ingredients than the vitamin C itself.