What Is Vitamin C In SkinCare?
Vitamin C is a fan favorite in the skincare industry because of the efficacy and benefits it provides.
This vitamin is a potent antioxidant that can be found in serums, creams, cleansers, and moisturizers. But how exactly does it work on your skin?
We will highlight the composition of Vitamin C, benefits, and how to properly use it.
Breaking Down Vitamin C
This powerful antioxidant is naturally occurring in nature and is the most abundant antioxidant in human skin.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that can be applied topically to target a variety of skin concerns.
Vitamin C prevents damage to skin cells by neutralizing the production of highly reactive free radicals. Most notably, Vitamin C is popular in anti-aging products and is most effective when paired with sunscreen.
Benefits Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful skincare ingredient that provides the following benefits:
- Protection against pollution and environmental stressors: Antioxidants provide protection from unstable molecules that damage cells including free radicals.
- Promotes collagen production: Collagen degrades with age and collagen production decreases, Vitamin C helps build collagen bundles.
- Targets dark spots: Vitamin C targets dark spots and hyperpigmentation by blocking pigment synthesis.
What To Consider With Vitamin C
As beneficial as Vitamin C is, there are formulation considerations to keep in mind.
First of all, Vitamin C is unstable and loses effectiveness when it is exposed to light or heat. Some skincare companies have counteracted this effect by packaging products in dark or opaque bottles to prevent oxidation.
While in the process of choosing the right vitamin C for your skin, keep in mind Vitamin C must be at a concentration of higher than 8 percent to be considered effective. But going over 20 percent concentration can lead to negative side effects such as irritation.
Increasing the concentration to that level does not increase the benefits.
When To Use Vitamin C
We recommend using Vitamin C during the day to utilize the antioxidant properties.
These properties act as a shield against pollution and free radicals. Although you can apply Vitamin C at night, it will not be as effective as during the daytime.
Depending on the form of Vitamin C you choose to use will dictate where you should add it to your daily routine. Vitamin C serum should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizer and SPF.
What is Vitamin C used for in skin care?
Vitamin C is used to treat the following skin concerns:
- Anti-Aging
- Brightening
- Free-radical protection
- Hyperpigmentation
How can you add Vitamin C to your routine?
To reap the true benefits of Vitamin C, you have to choose the most effective form of it, serums. Vitamin C serums are more effective than creams or toners.
Pure Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is easily absorbed by the skin in serum form. If this is your first time using Vitamin C start off slow with a few drops for each application and start with a lower concentration.
Is Vitamin C safe for my skin?
Yes, topical Vitamin C is mostly safe to use on a daily basis. Topical products can be used with other anti-aging and antioxidants to achieve glowing skin.
Those with sensitive skin may experience irritation, therefore we recommend trying a test patch.
Speak to a skin care professional to help select which product will be best for you to use and how to include it in your routine.
