India, July 19 -- A trusted beauty powerhouse, vitamin C is widely recommended by skincare experts to impart that coveted dewy glow. It helps boost collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and brightens your complexion. But despite its time-tested benefits, certain common mistakes can prevent you from reaping its full potential. Here's how to avoid them: Never keep your Vitamin C serum near a bathroom window or on an open shelf. Vitamin C is highly unstable and oxidises easily. If it turns brown or orange, it's no longer effective. Always store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency. Avoid applying your vitamin C serum immediately after using a high-pH cleanser such as a foaming face wash. Vitamin C (specifically L-ascorbic acid) is most effective at a low pH of around 4.5. Opt for a gentle, low-pH face wash to let the serum perform at its best. Don't layer Vitamin C with retinol - it can cause irritation. Instead, use vitamin C in the morning and save retinol for nighttime. After applying vitamin C in the morning, follow up with a moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for optimal protection. When it comes to vitamin C, less is more. You don't need to slather it on. Just 3-4 drops, gently patted into the skin, are enough to ensure proper absorption and visible results. The author is a skin care expert...