1. What is a serum?
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a. What is the difference between ampoules and serums?
2. What do vitamin C serum ampoules do?
3. How to integrate ampoules into your routine
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a. How to use Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Ampoule Serum
b. Do you apply serum before moisturizer?
New scientific discoveries are keeping the skincare game interesting, and packaging innovations aren’t to be overlooked. In fact, this is where the envelope is being pushed. But no matter how savvy you are with your skincare routine, it can be overwhelming when you’re seeking a new formula that comes in a completely different delivery method.
The ultimate anti-aging tip is to add a precisely dosed skincare capsule, technically known as an ampoule, to your routine. These ampoules help push the efficacy of ingredients by preserving powerful actives for longer periods, such as vitamin C. The packaging helps prevent exposure to air and sunlight, thereby preventing oxidation and preserving its efficacy. Ahead, we break down everything you need to know about using vitamin C serum ampoules and how it differs from a vitamin C serum.
1. What is a serum?
Lighter than moisturizers, the best face serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients, allowing enhanced delivery of active ingredients for targeted results. Serums are particularly suited for the task of delivering active ingredients since they are made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate the skin more effectively and deliver a high concentration of active ingredients for a targeted concern. Whether it’s a serum formulated to soften wrinkles, boost skin hydration or bestow the skin with an overall glow, serums are a great tool for targeting specific skincare concerns.
The number that follows the SPF indicates how quickly the sun's UVB rays would take to redden your skin (when using the product exactly as directed) versus the amount of time without any sunscreen. “The SPF on the bottle is only as good as the way that it’s applied,” says Dr. Sonya Abdulla, a Toronto-based dermatologist. Unfortunately, most people wear sunscreen incorrectly, applying a thin layer that provides only about half of the claimed SPF value. “This means using enough sunscreen and re-application regularly will give you the protection on the label,” she says. Using a higher SPF value increases sunburn protection. For example, a suncare product with an SPF 30 means it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you weren't wearing sunscreen.
a. What is the difference between ampoules and serums?
Both ampoules and serums are designed to be applied after skin has been cleansed and before moisturizer is applied—but does that mean they are the same ? Not exactly. Ampoules are lighter in weight and even more concentrated than a serum; think of them as a booster for your skin. Each individual vial is designed to be used within a day, and the contents only have select ingredients in optimized doses. Having fewer ingredients in more effective concentrations can make it easier for people to address specific concerns, further customizing their skincare routine—and ultimately, providing faster and more meaningful results.
2. What do vitamin C serum ampoules do?
Ampoules are a great anti-aging treatment to add to a routine because of how quickly they work. These ampoules feature one or two ingredients to help with a specific skin concern and are typically at highly effective concentrations, so they are mostly intended for short-term use. Think of them as an elevated anti-aging serum.
Some active ingredients work better than others in ampoules, as for vitamin C it thrives in this format. This mild exfoliant brightens the face, evens out skin tone, limits UV damage and increases collagen production. “Look for formulations with a concentration of 10% or more for maximum effect,” says Dr. Sonya Abdulla, a Toronto-based dermatologist. The higher the percentage the faster you’ll see results, but vitamin C does have its limits. Its effectiveness will max out at around 20% because the body can’t store the water-soluble vitamin.
The stability of these molecules is also of utmost importance. vitamin C is a notoriously difficult ingredient to include in skincare formulations since it breaks down when exposed to oxygen and light. That’s why tinted single-use ampoules are the perfect solution, making this popular antioxidant even more powerful. Since you’re supposed to use all of the ampoule’s contents within a single day, this means it has very limited exposure to oxygen.
One of the best vitamin C serum ampoules is Vichy’s LiftActiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Ampoule Serum. Each anti-aging ampoule is highly concentrated, with only 10 ingredients. The stars of the formula are 10% vitamin C (to brighten skin) and phyto peptides (to visibly firm skin). Both active ingredients are loved by dermatologists for their efficacy. These ingredients are clinically proven to improve wrinkles and fine lines and are the best additions to ampoules for healthy, radiant skin.
3. How to integrate ampoules into your routine
Ampoules bring an amped-up version of your typical serum to your skincare routine. So, should you apply them the same way you would a serum? Can ampoules and serum be used together? How do you apply your serum-like ampoules?
First thing’s first: When it comes to ampoules, there are no hard and fast rules for usage. Break open a glass serum ampoule when your skin is stressed and needs some additional TLC or leading up to an important event. In terms of frequency, you can do it a few ways; use for 10 consecutive days (morning and night) to boost your skincare routine or to tackle a specific skin concern. Alternatively, ampoules can also be used long-term and become a permanent step in your skincare routine.
a. How to use Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Ampoule Serum
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1. Gently tap the top of the ampoule.
2. Using a tissue, break the glass ampoule.
3. Attach the reusable applicator, and remove the cap.
4. Shake downwards and squeeze half of the contents into your hand.
5. Using your fingertips, apply half of it the morning and half in the evening on your face, neck and décolletage.
6. Close with the reusable cap to keep it fresh for the next use.
7. When you throw out the glass ampoule, be sure to keep the reusable applicator so you can attach it to the next one.
Pro tip: After application, extend any extra product onto the backs of your hands. This is also an area that can benefit from a skincare boost.
b. Do you apply serum before moisturizer?
Depending on how intensive your skincare routine is, you can either layer your ampoule under your serum or skip serum altogether on the days that you decide to use your ampoule. Either way, always apply to freshly cleansed skin for the optimal absorption of active ingredients. Lock in all those powerful ingredients and protect your skin barrier by applying your favourite moisturizer followed by your sunscreen.
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