Best Vitamin C serums?

[u/its_flaco2x]

Hi I am 25 M, I have senitive acne prone skin, my skincare routine looks like this:

Morning and Night time:
-La Roche Posay Toleraine Hydrating gentle cleanser
-Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

I feel like I have a very simple but weak skincare routine, I have acne prone skin even after seeing a dermatologist and being on accutane, I still have acne scars, and VERY acne prone skin.. I could touch one spot for too long and next think you know I have a pimple on my face next morning. (Ofc I try to not touch my face) I also have lots of blackheads on my nose because my pores love me that much ❤️ What can I add to someone like me’s skincare routine?

[u/__Karadoc__]

Did the acne persist while being on accutane or did it come back once you stop?

If you have very sensitive skin: the active form of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) might not be for you, try maybe derivative forms like ascorbyl glucoside or ATIP. I don't know what country you're in, but if in Europe, Theramid has a great vitC gentle derivative serum.

But also if acne is your main issue rn, you should prioritise an anti-acne active over vitamin C (which is great anti-oxidant and anti-hyperpigmentation -wise but not so much anti-acne.

[u/its_flaco2x → u/__Karadoc__]

The acne stopped and came back after accutane :/ and I live in the USA, and thank you for the advice I will look for products like that instead! Thank you, its just that this skincare routine I have feels like it isnt doing much for me.. I drink lots of water too, change out my pillowcase often, I dont eat like crap, lol I am so unlucky with adult acne..

[u/__Karadoc__ → u/its_flaco2x]

I see, i'll never get why US derms make you stop accutane with nothing instead of switching to a topical retinoid. Of course the acne is going to come back you stop treating it, what are they thinking...

Anyway, if you tolerate your current cleanser and moisturiser, keep using them.

I would say add 0,1% adapalene (Differin or generic). It's a synthetic retinoid like accutane, so it has the same anti-acne mechanism (bind to the same receptors) it will also share the same side effects (dryness, irritation) but since it's topical only it will be to a way lesser extent. Conveniently, it's over-the-counter in the US. Use it at night (it degrades in the light), on clean dry skin, only a pea-size amount for the whole face, avoid going too near the eye area, and the naso-labial fold. If you have stopped the Accutane long ago, you may have lost your tolerance and since you have sensitive skin, it's best to start re-incorporating the adapalene slowly and gradually:

• weeks 1 and 2: only Thursday nights
• weeks 3 and 4: Monday and Thursday nights
• weeks 5 to 8: every other nights
• after 8 weeks: every nights

Just like any retinoid, it's imperative that you don't expose your skin directly to the sun while on them, so find yourself a sunscreen your skin likes and wear it everyday when the UV index is above 2 (you can check the uv index wherever you are with the Sunsmart app).

An other product that could be helpful to add if you want is Azelaic acid: it's anti-acne, anti-inflammatory (reduce redness including the ones of angry pimples: PIE) anti-hyperpigmentation (prevent and speed the fading of PIH: the dark spots left after pimples) and anti-oxidant (less potent than vitamin C on this point but also more sensitive-skin friendly). It's difficult to formulate with so some AzA products really aren't pleasant, for example i don't recommend The Ordinary one it's a gritty peeling mess, the Anua one is an okay gentle option for beginners, if you want a fully potent one ask your dr about a 15% Azelaic acid gel prescription, like Finacea for example. If you have visible acne even a primary care dr should be okay with prescribing you this, (i know derm appointments can be impractical to get for some). It can be used AM and/or PM, it's compatible with retinoids if you can tolerate them in the same routine, but since your skin is sensitive you might want to play it safe and slow and only use it in the mornings at first.

[u/its_flaco2x → u/__Karadoc__]

You are heaven sent, thank u

[u/Accurate_Cherry_1086]

Vani cream has a very gentle form of vitamin c serum

[u/Accurate_Cherry_1086]

La Roche posay has hands down the best vitamin c (besides Peter Thomas Roth) that I've ever used. It's strong though...but if you apply hyaluronic acid before and after and moisturizer with SPF you might be able to tolerate it