Unlocking radiant skin: how to use vitamin C serum
July 2, 2025
3 min read
Vitamin C is a staple of the skincare world. It’s known as a hero ingredient that can help brighten the complexion, improve the look of skin texture and reduce the appearance of dark spots, all while delivering visible radiance. Found in many brightening serums at different strengths, it’s also incredibly versatile, meaning it works for most different skin types.
It’s no wonder that vitamin C is a go-to in many skincare rituals. In this deep dive, we’ll look closer at the many vitamin C serum benefits and how to use a vitamin C serum in your skincare routine.
How vitamin C works in skincare
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C packs a real punch. Whether you're facing visible signs of ageing skin and discolouration, or you’re simply after a radiant glow, it offers a range of benefits for your skin to enjoy:
Antioxidant protection:
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants in skincare. Antioxidants work by neutralising free radicals which can come from smoking and UV exposure.
Brightening the skin:
Regular use of a vitamin C serum can lead to a more even looking skin tone and a youthful-looking glow to the skin. Lots of people also reach for a vitamin c serum for dark spots, as it can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
Improving skin texture:
Vitamin C can also offer an improvement into the overall texture of the skin, especially if you’re dealing with things like rough patches or dull skin. It can help promote cellular turnover, making way for a more radiant looking complexion.
Using vitamin C for glowing skin
The benefits speak for themselves – if it’s nourished, glowing skin you’re after, add a vitamin C brightening serum to your regime. Applying in the morning lets it work its magic against free radicals as you go about your day.
The benefits of Liz Earle’s Glow Serum with vitamin C rich in acerola cherry
Here at Liz Earle Beauty Co, we’ve worked hard to create our amazing new serum that can fit seamlessly into any curated regime. Scientifically proven to instantly boost skin’s luminosity*, our Restore & Glow™ Instant Radiance Serum has been packed with skin-loving ingredients to help illuminate your skin in just 7 days**.
Naturally rich in vitamin C, acerola cherry extract works to help brighten the appearance of skin , while niacinamide helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation. These have been paired with a naturally-derived exfoliant, prickly pear extract, to support surface cell turnover for a more even looking and smoother skin texture.
How to use vitamin C in your routine
Want to build an effective vitamin C skincare routine? This is how you can maximise its benefits:
Cleanse
Tone (optional)
Apply Restore & Glow™ Instant Radiance Serum
Layer with the right ingredients
Follow with moisturiser
Use sunscreen (in the AM)
Use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type to remove any dirt, oil and impurities to help prepare skin for the application of your serum. For a deep cleanse, we recommend our Cleanse & Glow™ Transforming Gel Cleanser. This melting formula transforms from a luxurious gel into a lightweight oil to effortlessly remove SPF, dirt, pollutants and make up, before rinsing off as a skin-softening milk to rinse away impurities.
Toning is an optional step but can be beneficial for prepping the skin. A good toner will remove any remaining impurities, preparing your skin for the absorption of your serum. Our Smooth & Glow™ Exfoliating Tonic leaves skin feeling resurfaced, without irritation.
Once your face is clean and toned, it's time to apply the serum. Dispense a small amount of our Restore & Glow™ Instant Radiance Serum into your hands and gently press the serum onto your skin.
Vitamin C loves to work alongside hydrating ingredients, so now is the time to apply any moisture-boosting serums or treatments. One excellent option is our Skin Repair™ Hydrating Serum, powered by plant-based hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom for an instant and continuous burst of moisture.
If you want to find out more about our powerful serums, check out this article.
Allow your serum a few moments to fully absorb into the skin before following with a moisturiser to lock in hydration. Our Revitalise & Glow™ Illuminating Gel Moisturiser quenches skin with hydration, exfoliates, and minimises the appearance of pores for a dewy-looking finish.
To complete your vitamin C skincare routine, use our Revitalise & Glow™ Radiance Reveal Night Cream to awaken every morning to renewed-looking skin. Rich in lavender flower extract, it works to support skin’s natural night time recovery and renewal process.If you're applying vitamin C serum in the morning, finish off your routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and neck. While vitamin C helps protect against free radical damage, it doesn't replace the need for UV protection.
Our Environmental Defence Cream Mineral SPF 25 is formulated with mineral UV filters and antioxidant plant extracts. It helps protect your skin from the elements and prime it for the day ahead. Offering broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, blue light and pollution while supporting skin’s natural defence barrier.
FAQs: Your vitamin C serum questions answered
Can vitamin C be used every day?
For the best possible results, use vitamin C daily for glowing skin. If you have sensitive skin, or don’t have much experience with using active ingredients in your skincare routine, start by using a vitamin C serum every few days and gradually build up to daily use.
When should I apply vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C can be used at any point during the day, but to get the most out of your formula, apply it in the morning – this will help provide your skin with antioxidant protection.
Can vitamin C serum help with dark spots?
Yes, vitamin C is a great ingredient to reach for to help with the appearance of dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
Is vitamin C serum suitable for sensitive skin?
Vitamin C is suitable for most skin types. If you’re unsure, begin by slowly introducing a vitamin C serum into your skincare regime, using it every few days before working up to daily use. If you have sensitive skin, you can also look for products with a lower concentration, or try a vitamin C face wash or cleanser, as this will come into contact with skin for a shorter amount of time.
How long does it take to see results from vitamin C serum?
Consistency is key with vitamin C. You’re likely to see better results after consistent use – and this can take up to three months. Why not try taking some vitamin C serum before and after photos to really see the difference yourself?
Conclusion: Achieve radiant skin with vitamin C
Incorporating a vitamin C serum into your skincare routine is an effective way to protect, brighten and smooth the appearance of skin. With its antioxidant powers and brightening properties, this powerhouse ingredient can help you achieve a more youthful, radiant looking complexion. Explore Explore Liz Earle Beauty’s range of powerful plant-based skincare and get ready to see visible results.
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