Vitamin C in Skincare: Benefits & How to Use
If you have ever looked into skincare products to help fade pigmentation & acne scars, the chances are you have come across the most powerful antioxidant, vitamin C! Its brightening and collagen boosting products make this ingredient a stand out superstar.
If you are yet to incorporate a vitamin C skincare product into your routine then allow us to convince you of the many reasons you should!
In this blog post we are going to share all of the need-to-know details about vitamin C, including the benefits of vitamin C on the skin, the most effective ways to use it and our recommendation for each skin type.
Keep reading for the complete guide to the most popular antioxidant!
What is Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body, including the skin. Unlike hyaluronic acid, we cannot produce vitamin C on our own. The powerful antioxidant is found in fruits, vegetable and synthetically in skincare products such as moisturisers, toners and most commonly, vitamin C serums.
The best vitamin C serums will contain either vitamin c in its pure form, L-ascorbic acid, or vitamin C derivatives such as ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate and ethyl ascorbic acid.
Vitamin C derivates are not pure vitamin C, they are combined with other ingredients to help keep the vitamin C stable. Vitamin C derivates are recommended to those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
Vitamin C has a fairly impressive catalogue of skincare benefits that have been shown to be effective in areas such as;
1. Lightens brown spots & acne scars
- Vitamin C lightens unwanted dark spots, acne scars and brown discolouration by blocking the pathway of pigment synthesis – which is the cause of the dark spots or scars forming.
2. Protects against environmental stressors
- More than likely you have heard the term “free radicals” in skincare, free radicals are unstable molecules that damage the cells resulting in wrinkles and a dull complexion. Antioxidants & vitamin C are known as “free radical scavengers”. This means that they protect the skin and keep it healthy while visibly improving the common signs of aging.
3. Boosts collagen production
- A skincare expert once said “when you think of vitamin c – think of c for collagen!" Collagen gives our skin support, structure and its lifted look, as we get older our collagen production decreases which is why we notice more fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C plays an integral role in collagen synthesis, creating the essential collagen building blocks!
How to use Vitamin C in your skincare routine?
Vitamin C’s potent antioxidant benefits work in harmony with SPF to protect the skin against free radical damage, so by using vitamin C in the morning you will be getting the maximum skin benefits.
Vitamin C is found in many different forms, the most common being a vitamin C serum. If you are using a serum, apply it directly after cleansing & toning. This gives the vitamin C the best chance at working and giving your skin all of its wonderful benefits!
Is Vitamin C good for acne prone skin?
Vitamin C won’t help to reduce acne and neither will it cause acne, however because of its high antioxidant contents vitamin C reduces redness, irritation and treats pigmentation & acne scars.
If you are dealing with active acne & breakouts, begin using toners & serums that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid which will help to reduce your breakouts overtime and then start to incorporate vitamin C when the acne is not as angry!
Side Effects of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is safe for daily use, however in high concentrations it can be unstable & provide irritating side effects. Vitamin C shouldn’t be paired with other acids, this can further irritate and overly sensitise the skin. If you enjoy using vitamin C & exfoliating acids, be sure to use them on either alternative days or in alternative routines such as morning & evening.
If you suffer from extremely sensitive skin, unfortunately your skin may not be able to tolerate vitamin C. Research different vitamin C alternatives that are best suited to your skin type or try different ingredients that can offer the same results such as azelaic acid, polyhydroxy acids (PHA's) and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's).
Our Favourite Vitamin C Skincare Products:
1. Vitamin C for Dry & Mature Skin
Evolve Beauty - Bio Retinol + Vitamin C Booster
- Oil based formula
- Formulated with vitamin c derivative & bio retinol
- Targets pigmentation, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles
2. Vitamin C for Dry, Sensitive Skin
Clochee - Vitamin C Serum
- Vitamin c derivative from plums
- High in antioxidants
- Targets dullness, fine lines and wrinkles
3.Vitamin C for Normal/Combination Skin
MERME Berlin - Vitamin C Powder
- 100% L-ascorbic acid
- Powerful & effective serum
- Brightens and improves the look of dull, uneven skin tone
4.Vitamin C for Oily Skin
Skin & Tonic - Inner Glow Facial Oil
- L-ascorbic acid
- Oil based formula
- Formulated with pumpkin extract & rosehip fruit oil
- Rejuvenates and restores radiance to the skin
5.Vitamin C for Mature Skin
NUORI - Supreme Vit.C Treatment
- Potent & effective – 7.5%!
- 40 day treatment
- Concentrated & fresh dose with every application
There you have it, our guide to vitamin C! This potent antioxidant is truly incredible and I hope this guide has shown you the many reasons why vitamin C is a MUST in most skincare routines.
