A multitude of skin care products and ingredients have become widely available recently, which can confuse customers as to what to buy and use on their face.
Rosehip oil and vitamin C are two of the famous ingredients commonly used in cosmetics. If you have been struggling to choose which one to invest in, you are at the right place. This article will dive deeper into the uses, pros, and cons of these two ingredients.
Rosehip Oil Versus Vitamin C for the Face
| Rosehip Oil | Vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Rosehip oil has anti-inflammatory and also antimicrobial actions. | Vitamin C repairs and improves the skin barrier. |
| It creates a moisture barrier on the skin and hence does not let your skin get dry. | It allows your skin to hold moisture and prevents or lowers water loss. |
| It is helpful in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines over time. | It reduces puffiness and redness on your skin. |
| If kept for a long time, rosehip oil tends to turn a little yellow. | If oxidized, the vitamin C-containing product may darken over time. |
Rosehip Oil
As the name suggests, rosehip oil is derived from the rose plant, mostly from Rosa canina and its related varieties. The oil, which is abundant in nutrients, is extracted by pressing.
Rosehip oil is also full of unsaturated fatty acids that are great for your skin. The essential fatty acids in the oil are omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, namely, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and oleic acid. (1)
Rosehip oil is richest in linoleic acid, and this fatty acid is very light compared to the others. People who suffer from clogged pores or acne breakouts have lower levels of linoleic acid. So, rosehip oil can be good for such people.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most well-known ingredients when it comes to maintaining smooth skin with an even complexion. Consuming vitamin C through the diet or using topical products such as a serum provides a lot of benefits to your skin.
Vitamin C is safe to be used on any type of skin. It can also be used together with other skin care products containing retinol and sunscreen. (2)
Benefits of Rosehip Oil
- Prevents acne breakout: Rosehip oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, which is helpful in controlling excess oil and preventing acne. Since it is noncomedogenic and lightweight, it does not clog the pores. (3)
- Moisturizes the skin: Rosehip oil is very rich in fatty acids; thus, it creates a moisture barrier on the skin and does not let your skin get dry. It is therefore very good for dry skin. (3)
- Prevents wrinkles and fine lines: Rosehip oil contains vitamins A and C, which have soothing effects on the skin and promote collagen formation. This is helpful in the reduction of wrinkles and fine lines over time. (3)
- Prevents discoloration: Rosehip oil can lighten dark spots or patches and reduce any discoloration over time. It can also subdue redness as it is anti-inflammatory in nature.
- Provides antioxidant effects: Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants, which is a helpful quality in fighting off aging and related signs on the skin as it curbs the effects of free radicals and inflammation. (3)
Benefits of Vitamin C
- Hydrates the skin: Research has shown that healthy skin contains high amounts of vitamin C. Thus, it can be concluded that vitamin C promotes skin hydration and lowers trans-epidermal water loss, allowing your skin to hold water better. (4)
- Brightens the skin: To make sure that the skin is not appearing dull or has pigmentation, vitamin C is the way to go. This is because this vitamin makes the skin glow. Vitamin C is also known to inhibit the production of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for skin color. Any type of hyperpigmentation and dark spots can be faded using vitamin C, hence brightening your skin. (5)
- Helps provide even skin tone: Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and also is a good antioxidant. It has a skin-soothing action that reduces puffiness and redness on the skin. Vitamin C will neutralize free radicals in the skin that cause oxidative damage, thereby preventing skin irritation or inflammation. This will result in an even skin tone and a better complexion. (6)
- Prevents under-eye bags: Vitamin C can hydrate the under-eye area, plumping it a little more and reducing any under-eye bags or circles. It is very effective in lowering redness and discoloration caused by under-eye bags. (6)
How to Use Rosehip Oil and Vitamin C Serum
The right way of using skin care products is to apply the ones with the thinnest consistency first and then move to the ones with the thicker consistency.
If you layer the formulas in this manner you will get the best possible result, and your skin will be replenished and nourished. Moreover, always start with your cleansers and toners and then move up to thicker formulations.
Serums and oils are always applied to clean skin, after which you can apply moisturizers and other products. So, the best way to apply rosehip oil is to put it after a serum. When it comes to vitamin C, it should be the first product on your face after you have washed it.
If you wish to incorporate both of them into your routine, the easiest way is to use vitamin C in the morning and rosehip oil in the evening before you go to sleep.
Which Is Better: Rosehip Oil or Vitamin C Serum?
Determining which product is better for you will depend upon what your goal is for your face.
If you’re trying to get rid of hyperpigmentation or dark spots, then vitamin C is a better option, but if dry skin is your main concern, then you should try using rosehip oil.
You can also use both vitamin C and rosehip oil alternatively or incorporate one in your morning routine and the other one in the evening. This way you’ll get the benefit of both.
After How Long Does Rosehip Oil Show Effects?
Rosehip oil can take around a few weeks to provide results. If used regularly, it will also not cause any unwanted reactions. However, if you experience side effects, stop using it and seek medical help.
What Are Some Side Effects of Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil is generally considered safe, but sometimes, a few people may experience not-so-serious side effects while using rosehip oil. These side effects may include the following:
What Are Some Side Effects of Vitamin C?
Very rarely, vitamin C can cause the following side effects:
- Some level of stinginess
- A little dryness
- Irritation
- Tingling sensation
Does Rosehip Oil Clog Pores?
Rosehip oil is very gentle and does not clog pores. It is moisturizing and regulates the skin’s sebum/oil production. Rosehip oil contains natural oil and prevents future acne breakouts.
To avoid clogging of pores, cleanse your face with a cleanser every day. Good-quality and not-so-harsh cleansers are known to keep the skin healthy.
Using a hydrating face mask and face scrubs is also great for getting rid of dead skin cells or their buildup, which is known to clog pores. (7)
Most-Asked Questions About Rosehip Oil and Vitamin C
Does rosehip oil make the skin oily?
Rosehip oil, derived from natural sources, will reduce oil or sebum production and thus will not make your skin oily. It also fights free radicals and is good for people with oily skin.
This oil is also known to have an extremely amazing effect on acne scars and other skin problems. You just have to make sure you apply it evenly on your face. (8)
Why is my rosehip oil turning yellow?
If kept for a long time, rosehip oil tends to turn a little yellow. But don’t worry, this change is normal and does not interfere with the product’s effectiveness or cause any negative impact on the skin.
My vitamin C has changed color. Can I still use it?
It is important to check the expiry date of the product you’re buying. If your vitamin C serum or any skin care product containing vitamin C has darkened and/or has changed color, it means that vitamin C has been oxidized. The product is safe to use, but it will not provide skin benefits.
Can vitamin C protect my skin from sun damage?
Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that prevent damage caused by oxidative stress from the UV rays of the sun. It will also lower the levels of photodamage caused to the skin as it fights free radicals and promotes skin health. (9)
Which is better for reducing acne and hyperpigmentation, rosehip oil or vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C penetrates the skin the best in the form of ascorbic acid and leaves the skin hydrated. It also allows your skin to hold moisture and prevents or lowers water loss. It repairs and improves the skin barrier as well.
Moreover, vitamin C is helpful in fading dullness or pigmentation, making you look youthful. It inhibits the production of melanin, because of which dark spots and hyperpigmentation can be avoided. (2)
Can rosehip oil cause breakouts?
Rosehip oil is a dry oil, which means it will get absorbed in your skin very easily and will not clog pores. Thus, it will not lead to breakouts or other problems such as whiteheads or blackheads.
You can use it without any concern and even if you have oily skin you should not be hesitant in applying rosehip oil. Although if you still have some questions you should visit a dermatologist to get all your answers.
Final Word
Rosehip oil is a great naturally derived remedy for a lot of skin problems. It is known to aid in the improvement of the appearance of the skin by reducing scarring and discoloration. It enhances the health of your skin because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure you use it evenly all over your skin.
Vitamin C, on the other hand, helps reduce hyperpigmentation, provides the skin with hydration, and gives it an amazing glow. It also has UV protective properties, which is why it works very well during the day and also at night. It reduces and heals blemishes and wounds while promoting overall healthy skin.
To get the benefits of vitamin C, make sure that you are consistent in using it regularly in your skin care routine.