Vitamin C: What can the popular skincare ingredient do for your skin?
We all know of vitamin C as a vital component of our diets and, if you have even the slightest interest in skin, you’ll likely have heard that it’s an essential ingredient in skincare too. Capable of brightening, smoothing, evening out skin tone and protecting against environmental aggressors, Vitamin C acts as a protective shield against harmful free radicals whilst brightening the skin and giving it an instant glow. In short, it’s a powerful antioxidant that can have a transformative effect on a variety of skin types.
But, what precisely can vitamin C do for the skin? Why are antioxidants so crucial? And what should you look for in a product? A concentration of around 5% is likely best for more sensitive skin types; whist up to 20% will ensure a significant improvement in more advanced pigmentation concerns. There are also different formulations available depending on whether you’re oily and blemish-prone or have dry skin that requires additional hydrating. Nail down on your vitamin C skincare knowledge, and get ready to glow.
What can vitamin C do for the skin?
Believe it or not, Vitamin C’s skin-rejuvenating benefits aren’t limited to its antioxidant status. It’s an excellent anti-ageing ingredient for the skin – it brightens dull and discoloured skin, fades and prevents age spots by inhibiting pigment formation, helps to protect the skin against damage that UV light inflicts, and also boosts the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are both naturally occurring protein fibres that help to keep skin plump and firm. So, in helping to promote collagen production, topical vitamin C can help prevent premature ageing of the skin.
It’s an ingredient that can work wonders in the skin, but it’s essential that it’s well-formulated and used at high enough concentrations. Vitamin C is a delicate ingredient, as it oxidises easily when exposed to UV light, so it needs to be carefully formulated and then contained in dark and airtight packaging.
Why can’t I just take a supplement?
Whilst ingesting Vitamin C in the form of a supplement can yield excellent immune-boosting benefits, because of the level necessary for significant skin improvement, it should also be applied topically. Ingesting the ingredient alone is very unlikely to be enough to produce results.
When applying a quality topical vitamin C, it will sink into the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate fibroblasts into action whilst tackling pigmentation issues head-on.
What to look for if you’re oily and blemish-prone?
There are numerous different types of the ingredient, from water-soluble ascorbic acid (the official name of the ingredient) to a host of derivatives, each suited to different skin types. If your skin is blemish-prone, be sure to seek out water-soluble products and lightweight formulations.
For dry skin types, opt for oil-soluble derivatives in more hydrating products.
Do I need a Vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C is an ingredient that should be a part of everyone’s skincare routine. Every skin type, even sensitive skin, can tolerate a vitamin C serum, and every skin can benefit significantly from the ingredient. In short, it should be at the top of your list of products to consider.
How to apply Vitamin C to your skin
The simplest way to introduce this ingredient to your skincare routine is to apply it in the form of a serum to cleansed, dry skin every morning. Follow with a moisturiser if needed and then apply your sunscreen.
The products to try
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
This award-winning serum is a must-have for firmer, more radiant skin. The highly advanced blend of Vitamin C and ferulic acid instantly gives skin back its glow whilst aiding the healthy production of vital proteins within the skin.
This elixir is potent—so a little goes a long way. Pat this on in the morning and get ready for some high-intensity skin-smoothing results from your own bathroom counter.
Skin Better Alto Defense Serum
Packed with 19 sought-after antioxidants, this serum combines the best possible blend of ingredients to deliver your glowiest skin ever. Use this in the morning before applying your daily sunscreen and watch your skin awaken as if it’s just had a facial.
This Vitamin C serum is housed in squishy capsules that deliver the perfect dose of the skin-brightening ingredient. Just pop open the capsule and press it into clean skin for a radiant, even complexion. Pro tip: This method also protects the product from light and air, as each capsule is an individual dose.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
