The Way We C It

We do a lot to improve the quality of our skin and look younger.  Of the many solutions, creams, exfoliants, and serums that we try, how many are effective and how many just create more problems?  I have tried some pretty ridiculous products looking back and I have no idea why I would use some of the products that smelled so bad.  Furthermore, for years I was under the false impression that in order for a product to work it would sting and burn because that means that it is “powerful” and I can feel it working.

Luckily, I have since determined that the best products don’t hurt to use and they don’t cause further damage to my already sensitive skin.  In the past I have been a fan of Mario Badescu products particularly the face masks.  But the Vitamin C Serum falls pretty short of the mark.

It uses 7.5% ascorbic acid which is a form of Vitamin C.  The highest concentration that you should ever use is 20% and Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum falls short of that.  Sometimes it has been known to irritate skin.  The most well known sources of Vitamin C are in fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and others.  A lot of these are highly acidic so it’s not surprising that products which contain Vitamin C are likely to be irritating and acidic.  Have you ever squirted grapefruit juice in your eye?  It’s kind of like that.  But there are other forms of Vitamin C which may not be as irritating or painful.

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum Ingredients

• Propylene Glycol:Most commonly found in brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In  cosmetics this is used as a humectant to prevent moisture and water from escaping. It is recommended that users avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as it is a strong skin irritant and may cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage
• Ascorbic Acid: A water-soluble, natural form of Vitamin C that cannot penetrate the surface of the skin. Ascorbic acid loses its strength after 24 hours and breaks down rapidly. Oxidized Vitamin C increases  free radical formation and may cause skin irritation, burns and rashes
• Cucumber Extract: Soothes and refreshes the skin while reducing inflammation
• Hyaluronic Acid: Helps vitamin C penetrate deep into the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is often referred to as the “fountain of youth”, it  has the ability to retain and hold moisture to the skin, and also helps support the formation and maintenance of collagen. Once collagen production starts to deteriorate is when our skin loses it’s tone and elasticity
• Other Ingredients: Ale vera gel, collagen, lavender oil, ginseng extract

Pros

• Some quality ingredients
• Not too expensive
• Mario Badescu has good products

Cons

• Can cause acne
• Doesn’t make a huge difference in reducing scars, sun spots, or wrinkles
• No guarantee

Conclusion

Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum doesn’t have the strongest or best ingredients in the formula.  It can cause irritation so it’s really just another one of those products that works by causing pain and stinging.  A lot of people that have tried this product have reported increased incidences of acne.  It is supposed to reduce wrinkles and make your skin look younger and yet the majority of users didn’t see any results in that regard.  It can stimulate collagen production but due to the irritating qualities you may want to consider a product that is effective and less irritating.  Several consumers have recommended that you shell out a little more money for a higher quality product because they didn’t see results and won’t be using it again.