If you like taking charge of all the wedding prep, from planning the decor of each function to your makeup looks, you know you're the new-age bride. Taking charge of your skincare is then number one on the list for you. An essential part of winter wedding skincare is to start as early as 3-6 months before the big day to allow the products to work on your skin. The most important part of the wedding skincare prep is vitamin C serum –the unsung heroine or more like the bridesmaid of your routine. It's always there, doing the heavy lifting, but often overshadowed or misunderstood. This MVP of skincare is what you need this winter to make it your glow-inducing bestie. As the winter bride, what you need is to prioritise hydration to keep your skin plump and radiant. Like a bridesmaid celebrated for her multiple responsibilities, vitamin C is distinguished for its ability to combat dullness, address signs of ageing and fade pigmentation, bringing out innate glow.
01Introducing Vitamin C Serum Into Your Routine For That Bridal Glow
For all the brides-to-be, we asked renowned makeup expert and artist Komal Gulati on how vitamin C serum must be incorporated into your routine. "To add glow to your skin, one should start using a vitamin C serum about three months prior to the D-day, as the results take time to show on the skin." Vitamin C serum is a great way to amplify your skin's defence against external factors like damage from the sun, pollution and UV damage. In addition to allowing time to work its magic on the skin, Dr Chytra , an award-winning celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and TEDX speaker, recommends starting slow with vitamin C. "Don't douse your face in vitamin C and expect miracles overnight. Begin with a pea-sized amount in the morning (post-cleansing but pre-moisturizing). Layer it well by moisturising the skin post the serum and then following it up with SPF." Think of it as your pre-makeup primer for skin health. This magical antioxidant brightens dull skin, evens out uneven tones, and fades dark spots faster than your fiancé could say "I do!" Additionally, it helps in collagen production resulting in the reduction of the appearance of sagging skin and age spots. You can start with Pond's Bright Beauty 12% Vitamin C+E+A Serum, a non-sticky, non-irritant, quick-absorbing formula. This one targets blemishes and skin pigmentation and brings forth brighter skin.
02Why Vitamin C Is the Bridesmaid of Skincare
Every wedding has that one bridesmaid who quietly holds everything together. Just like that, vitamin C works behind the scenes too, locking in your skin glow. Think of it as the fairy godmother you've been waiting for or like that ultimate wingwoman who helps protect your skin and ensures that your face glows like a chandelier on your big day. Vitamin C effectively:
- Brightens dull skin and fades dark spots
- Boosts collagen production for firmer, smoother skin
- Shields against environmental damage with antioxidant protection This unsung hero deserves a spot in the limelight for many reasons:
- Glow: If you're aiming for that on-point bridal skin that every bride dreams of, vitamin C is one of the most reliable ingredients. For that lit-from-within radiance that would brighten the complexion and fade hyperpigmentation, vitamin C sets the stage for the ultimate bridal glow.
- Sun Protection: It's not just sunscreen that helps skin protect against the sun. Studies show that vitamin C can help shield the skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sun-induced damage like hyperpigmentation and premature ageing.
- Retains Youthfulness: This anti-ageing powerhouse fights oxidative stress and signs of premature ageing. It also helps in stimulating collagen production which is crucial for keeping the skin firm and smooth.
- Improves Skin Barrier: Vitamin C can improve skin barrier function, by retaining skin moisture thereby staying plump and healthy.
- Speeds Up Wound Healing: By promoting cell turnover and repair, vitamin C aids in healing minor wounds and acne scars faster.
03Tips to Keep in Mind to Prevent ‘Breakouts’ in Your Relationship With Vitamin C
Let's be real. We know we can't get that baby-soft skin in our 30s and 40s or even at 28. But the last thing we want is for our skin to break out further while we're trying to take care of it. Here are some dermatologist-approved tips and side effects of using a vitamin C serum for face:
- Dr Chytra suggests using a serum with 15% L-ascorbic acid vitamin C for best results without overwhelming your skin.
- Vitamin C is key for sun protection, and collagen production, which keeps your skin firm and bouncy—a must for close-up wedding pics.
- Don't forget to use SPF. Vitamin C is best used in your morning routine, as it enhances sunscreen protection against UV damage. So, pairing it with SPF creates a powerhouse duo against sun damage and pollution. This way you'll get the maximum benefits out of it.
- Dr Sravya Tripirneni Reddy recommends that one should avoid mixing vitamin C with other acids like AHAs or BHAs. This can increase the risk of irritation.
- Patch testing is a must, especially if you have sensitive skin.
04Wedding Glow Timeline
While results may vary, you can typically start seeing improvements in your skin within a few weeks of consistent use. Dr Sravya shares "To ensure radiant skin for your big day, start incorporating vitamin C serum into your routine at least 2-3 months in advance." Here's a wedding glow timeline to make it even more simple.
- 6 Months Before: Introduce vitamin C in a small concentration like 10-15% into your morning routine. Moisturize well with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Use SPF to shield.
- 3 Months Before: Switch to a higher concentration of vitamin C – perhaps 20%, if your skin has adapted well. This will help target stubborn dark spots and boost radiance.
- 1 Month Before: Nourish the skin by incorporating a hydrating, Vitamin C-enriched moisturizer for added glow. By now you would have addressed your pigmentation and breakouts.
- 2 Weeks Before: This isn't the time to add any new products to your routine. Pair your vitamin C serum with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or ceramides to keep the skin calm and balanced. You can also consider some TLC by booking yourself a glow-boosting facial.
- 1 Week to D-Day: Keep using your vitamin C serum, paired with moisturizer and SPF. The most important thing is to relax, stay calm and get lots of beauty sleep to keep your skin radiant.
05Lastly, is Vitamin C Worth The Hype?
Vitamin C has the potential to elevate your skincare routine to the next level. You'll see results like brighter skin that isn't dull anymore. The skin is more plump and firm as it helps with collagen production, reduced pigmentation, acne scars and sunspots, and your skin will feel healthier because of the skin barrier that was created by vitamin C. Apart from reduced discoloration, vitamin C can be used in several ways like a serum or cream form. This gold-standard skincare ingredient may not be a miracle worker overnight but with consistent use, can deliver luminous results.
