Should vitamin c diy serum be at 20% concentration

[annie71]

I noticed in the instructions for making up a vitamin c solution for the face the instructions were for a 5% solution.  The 2001 et al Dinnel study said that the vitamin c applied to the face should be at 20% for maximum absorption.  I was therefore wondering why you recommend only 5%?  Is this because 20% can be too irritating for many?

If my skin can tolerate higher than a 5% concentration would I benefit in applying a higher concentration?  Or does it not matter?  Sorry a bit confused.  Many thanks in advance

[thehalokid]

Im no expert but ill chime in!

I believe its cause of skin sensitivity- not a good idea to jump straight in with a 20% solution (I can testify to that)


while 20% may be the optimum for 'maximum absorption in reality thats gonna sting if its ur 1st time applying, also I would  Imagine the fact you have dermarolled prior to application is in some way going to impact absorption greatly.

Also (someone correct me if im wrong) but i believe the minimum the solution needs to be is 10% to get benefits, of course working your way up to what your skin can handle (as long as it not over above 20%)

Hope this helps.

[SarahVaughter]

The tissue levels were maximal at 20% concentration but the tissue levels are significant at 5% as well and this concentration is less irritating and less sticky. Also, to help prevent sun damage, it is more important to apply a lower concentration  regularly instead of a high concentration occasionally. (vit. C helps prevent sun damage.) Use any concentration up to 20% if your skin can handle it. The higher the concentration, the more benefits, with the optimal skin concentration reached at 20%. But 5% still is very good.
 
There is a sentence in our dermarolling instructions:

"If the vit. C serum is too irritating to your skin, add more water. If your skin shows no irritation you can add more vit. C powder to your container."

Attachment from https://http://www.owndoc.com/pdf/vit-c-percutaneous-absorption.pdf

[annie71]

Thank you for the helpful reply