One of my patients was telling me about the good results she got from one of the ISDIN products we carry: ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican. Since she also had suggestions about how to use that product, that she learned by trial and error, I asked her to write a review and share her tips for using the Vitamin C ampoules.
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When Dr. Golomb recommended I try the ISDIN Flavo-C Ultraglican ampoules I jumped at the chance. I’ve been reading about the benefits of Vitamin C serums for years but never made it part of my skincare routine.
I have very fair skin and I’ve read that layering an antioxidant like Vitamin C under your sunscreen provides extra protection from sun damage that causes wrinkles or crepey skin. Another Vitamin C benefit I was interested in was to stop more dark, pigmented spots from appearing on my face.
My research also indicated the problem with Vitamin C is that it is unstable when exposed to light and air. The delivery method of this product ensures that isn’t an issue. You get a box of 30 dark glass ampoules. You use ½ of an ampoule once a day, emptying the ampoule completely within 24 hours.
When you open an ampoule and apply it to your face the first thing you’ll notice is a light, floral fragrance that dissipates quickly. I love the smell. It’s like a little pick me up in the morning. The product is not greasy and easily absorbs into the skin as you massage it into your face, neck and chest. The first thing I started to notice after using the product is that my skin looks and feels smoother. My brown spots are less noticeable too. I’ve been using the product for four months.
So now that I’m a Vitamin C serum convert, I will admit that this particular product is a little more work to use than others. Here are my tips for not wasting a drop.
- There are directions in four languages on the inside of the lid of the box. I ended up highlighting my language so I could find them the next time I needed to refer to them.
- The instructions say to shake the ampoule before you break off the neck (and tap the tip after shaking to move the product down into the ampoule). I always forget to shake it before opening! When you shake the ampoule the serum becomes cloudy showing the ingredients are mixed. If you forget to shake the ampoule before removing the tip, you can gently put your finger over the opening and shake. Be careful, it is cut glass, but it is scored to break so it is not jagged. You can also gently shake the serum when the applicator tube is on the ampoule.
- Find a tall plastic cap (around one inch in diameter) to store the ampoule that’s currently in use in an upright position. I use the cap from hair mousse. This keeps the ampoule from tipping over and the applicator tube from falling off and all your precious serum from ending up on the bathroom counter!
- After you’ve used the applicator tube a few times on new ampoules, the product will collect inside it and make it slippery. Clean the base of the applicator tube with a cotton swab before inserting it onto a new ampoule to get a secure fit. Putting a few drops of alcohol into the applicator once in a while will clean it nicely.
- When placing the applicator on a new ampoule, remove the cap from the applicator first so the air pressure doesn’t pop the applicator off of the ampoule.
This product, like many other Vitamin C serums, includes a form of Vitamin E (Tocopherol) that increases the potency. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that helps to prevent sun damage from UV rays. It softens the skin and smooths the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, it is a preservative for the other oils in the serum.
I’ve learned that both Vitamins C and E reduce skin inflammation, which I appreciate because I have rosacea.
