Meet Vitamin C, The Holy Grail Skincare Ingredient
Vitamin C is a legendary skincare ingredient you’ve more or less heard about. And why? Because it really does work -- you can rest assured that popping a Vitamin C pill or serum will most definitely do both your body and skin some good. It isn’t just a vitamin that builds your immunity when you’ve caught a cold, but a great defender against free radicals for your skin, with whole slew of great benefits. Think: glowy, radiant skin!
And today, interest in this buzzy ingredient is at an all time high -- name just about any complexion issue and there’s a good chance Vitamin C is in the recommendations. But how does it actually work on your skin, and is there a right way to apply it?
What is it?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant. When it comes to skincare, it works to neutralise free radicals, which are generated by our bodies when exposed to certain conditions and stressants, such as pollution and UV rays. These free radicals can cause changes to our cellular DNA and proteins, leading to inflammation, which can result in the destruction of collagen and elastin.
As the use of sunscreens can only protect from 55% of free radicals caused by UV exposure, the addition of topical antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, provides added protection against free radical damage, helping to reinforce the skin’s natural protective barriers.
And it doesn't just neutralise free radicals, it also protects from precancerous changes caused by UV exposure.
What does it do?
A big benefit of Vitamin C on our skin is it’s potent antioxidant effects, but it has plenty of other great skin healing properties, too. Vitamin C is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. This means that it can protect the skin from many problems, from sunburn, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging, dryness, and an uneven skin tone, also making it your go-to if you want to reduce brown spots, and achieve bright, glowy skin.
Furthermore, Vitamin C is one of the most reliable anti-ageing ingredient in the market, as it contributes to the stabilizing and creation of collagen molecules. Some research even shows that it boosts the collagen produced in your body!
How can we use Vitamin C?
Vitamin C can be used for any time of the day, but because it works to fight against free radicals and strengthens the UV protection from your sunscreen, it’s most effective as part of your day routine.
Also, the best thing about Vitamin C is that it can be paired with just about any ingredient to suit your needs!
Try it with peptides to boost collagen production, Beta Glucan to reduce inflammation, or with Vitamin E and ferulic acid, which enhances the efficacy of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C, E and ferulic acid are a powerhouse combination, as they work to enhance the effects of each other. For instance, Vitamin C regenerates Vitamin E, making it readily available to protect the skin from free radicals, and Vitamin E returns the favour by increasing the action of Vitamin C four-fold.
Just be aware: stand alone Vitamin C serums will destabilise when it comes into contact with air, so pay special attention to your packaging, such as buying your Vitamin C in small bottles, and using it up before it expires. Packaging in opaque glasses or pumps will also help conserve the electrons in your product.
Here are some of our top picks:
Vitamin C Serum, $37.20
This serum uses Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, a more stable derivative of Vitamin C, making it less harsh on sensitive skin, while similarly being better known to treat acne, all while still containing all the benefits Vitamin C is meant to have. It is also combined with Vitamin E and ferulic acid, making the serum all the more effective.
C E Ferulic, $240
This sits on the pricier end of the market, but comes with a significant concentration of Vitamin C at 15%, combined with Vitamin E and Ferulic acid. It’s lightweight texture also makes it suitable for all skin types.
Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Drop, $28.50
Those with sensitive skin may not take higher concentrations of Vitamin C, which is why this serum, with a 5% concentrate, comes in handy for those who still want to get all the benefits of the powerhouse ingredient. If you’re new to Vitamin C, this serum is a great place to start, too.
