Have you ever wondered if you're using your expensive vitamin C serum correctly? Many skincare enthusiasts face the question: Is moisturized or dry skin the key to optimal results? In this article, you'll learn why your skin's moisture level plays a crucial role and how to unlock the full potential of your vitamin C serum—specifically, our Glow Serum from Tru Cosmetics. You'll discover the scientific background and application tips that are perfectly suited to your individual skin type.

Vitamin C Serum – Effects & Uses

Tru Cosmetics' Glow Serum combines 10% vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and 5% niacinamide in a synergistic formula that addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that not only neutralizes free radicals but also actively stimulates collagen production – a process that naturally declines with age.

The scientific efficacy of vitamin C is based on its ability to inhibit tyrosinase – an enzyme responsible for melanin production. This reduces hyperpigmentation and promotes a more even skin tone. At the same time, it protects the skin from UV-induced damage by acting as a second line of defense after your sunscreen.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3) perfectly complements this effect by:

• Improvement of the skin barrier function

• Reduction of inflammation and redness

• Refinement of the pores and regulation of sebum production

• Support in the fight against acne and blemishes

Unlike many competitors, Tru Cosmetics uses a stabilized form of vitamin C that retains its effectiveness longer and does not oxidize as quickly. Production in Germany under strict quality controls also guarantees a consistently high concentration of active ingredients – a crucial advantage over many international products.

Optimized application: Apply serum to dry or damp skin

The question of the ideal skin moisture level when applying vitamin C serum is crucial for the penetration of the active ingredient. Dermatologists and skincare experts predominantly recommend application to slightly damp skin – and for good reason.

Why moist skin is often the better choice:

Moist skin offers a crucial advantage: The outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) is slightly swollen and more permeable due to the moisture. This allows the water-soluble components of the serum, such as vitamin C and niacinamide, to penetrate deeper into the epidermis. This effect is known as "penetration enhancement" and can increase the absorption of active ingredients by up to 30%.

When applied to damp skin:

• Does the serum spread more evenly?

• Less product is needed

• The serum absorbs faster

• Less stickiness develops on the skin surface

When dry skin can be beneficial:

For certain skin types or conditions, application on dry skin may still be beneficial:

• For very sensitive skin that might react to high concentrations of active ingredients

• For targeted treatment of pigment spots (spot application)

• If you need a higher concentration in a specific area

Our Tru Cosmetics Glow Serum, with its balanced formula, is suitable for both application methods, but unfolds its full potential on slightly damp skin. You can achieve ideal hydration by gently patting your face dry after cleansing, rather than rubbing it completely dry.

Dosage & Combination Tips

The correct dosage and combination with other active ingredients significantly maximizes the effectiveness of your Vitamin C serum. For optimal results without product waste, a single pump (approx. 0.5 ml) of our Glow Serum is sufficient for the entire face and décolleté.

Perfect combinations of active ingredients:

Vitamin C harmonizes particularly well with:

• Hyaluronic acid: Enhances hydration and supports the skin barrier

• Vitamin E: Stabilizes vitamin C and enhances its antioxidant effect

• Ferulic Acid: Increases the stability and effectiveness of vitamin C by up to 8 times.

• Peptides: Promote collagen production and enhance the anti-aging effect

Avoid combinations of active ingredients:

Certain ingredients can neutralize the effects of vitamin C or cause skin irritation:

• Benzoyl peroxide: Oxidizes vitamin C and renders it ineffective

• Copper peptides: Can react with vitamin C and reduce its effectiveness

• AHA/BHA acids: In high concentrations, they can cause irritation when combined directly with vitamin C.

For an optimal routine, we recommend applying the Glow Serum in the morning, followed by a moisturizer and, most importantly, sunscreen with at least SPF 30. In the evening, you can use more intensely exfoliating products such as retinol or AHA/BHA acids to create a 24-hour skincare cycle that addresses all skin needs.

Integration into your individual skincare routine

Successfully integrating the vitamin C serum into your existing skincare routine depends on your skin type and specific skin needs. Here you'll find detailed instructions for different skin types:

For normal to combination skin:

1. Cleaning : Use a pH-neutral cleanser that does not impair the skin barrier.

2. Toner : An alcohol-free toner with witch hazel or rose extract optimally prepares the skin.

3. Glow Serum : Apply to slightly damp skin and gently pat in.

4. Moisturizer : A light, non-comedogenic moisturizer

5. Sun protection : Always finish with SPF 30+ in the morning.

For dry skin:

1. Gentle cleansing : With a creamy, moisturizing cleanser

2. Hydrating Toner : With glycerin or aloe vera for extra moisture

3. Glow Serum : Apply to still noticeably damp skin.

4. Rich moisturizing care : With ceramides and squalane to strengthen the skin barrier.

5. Nourishing oils : Optionally, a few drops of facial oil for extra protection.

6. Sun protection : Finish with SPF 30+ in the morning.

For oily or acne-prone skin:

1. Thorough cleaning : Use a mildly exfoliating cleanser (e.g., with salicylic acid)

2. Balancing toner : With zinc or tea tree oil

3. Glow Serum : Apply to slightly damp skin.

4. Light moisturizing care : Oil-free, mattifying formula

5. Sun protection : Finish in the morning with a non-comedogenic SPF 30+

Thanks to its balanced formula, the Tru Cosmetics Glow Serum is suitable for all skin types and can be used in both your morning and evening routine. The combination of vitamin C and niacinamide makes it particularly beneficial for combination and blemish-prone skin, while the moisturizing components also nourish dry areas.

Eyelash serums & prostaglandin-free alternatives

Besides high-quality facial care, eyelash serums are also gaining in importance. Many conventional eyelash serums contain prostaglandin derivatives such as isopropyl cloprostenate or bimatoprost, which do promote eyelash growth, but can also cause undesirable side effects.

Current regulatory developments:

The European Cosmetics Safety Authority (SCCS) is currently conducting a consultation on prostaglandin derivatives, which will run until August 2025. Experts anticipate that these substances may be included in Annex II of the Cosmetics Regulation (prohibited list) by early 2026. While these ingredients are currently legal, the market is already moving towards safer alternatives.

The Tru Cosmetics alternative:

Our Lash Serum Prostaglandin-Free relies on an innovative combination of:

• Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17: A peptide that stimulates keratin production

• Biotin: Strengthens the eyelash structure from within

• Panthenol: Moisturizes and prevents brittleness

• Arginine: Improves blood circulation to the hair follicles

These active ingredients promote natural eyelash growth without the risk of:

• Eye irritation and redness

• Discoloration of the iris or eyelid

• Sunken eyes ("Hollow Eyes")

• Fat reduction around the eyes

Application is simple: Once daily, preferably in the evening after cleansing, the serum is applied to the lash line like eyeliner. Initial results are visible after 4-6 weeks, with optimal results after 8-12 weeks of continuous use.

Conclusion: Vitamin C serum – for dry or wet skin?

The optimal application of your vitamin C serum depends largely on your skin's moisture level. For most skin types and needs, applying it to slightly damp skin offers significant advantages:

• The active ingredients can penetrate deeper into the skin

• The serum is distributed more evenly and efficiently

• The skin can retain more moisture

• The antioxidant effect is enhanced

Tru Cosmetics' Glow Serum was specially developed to unleash its full potential on slightly damp skin. The combination of stabilized vitamin C and niacinamide offers a comprehensive approach to radiant, even-toned skin – all with high-quality formulations made in Germany.

Complement your skincare routine with our prostaglandin-free eyelash serum for a holistic beauty approach focused on efficacy and safety. Both products embody the Tru Cosmetics philosophy: natural, effective ingredients in aesthetically pleasing packaging that enhances any bathroom cabinet.

Discover our Glow Serum and other natural skincare products for your daily beauty routine. Your skin will thank you – and we'll take care of the rest!