The benefits of Vitamin C for your skin

Updated: Mar 26, 2021

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It is water soluble meaning your body doesn't produce or store it. Its very important to get it from your diet. Sometimes it can be hard to get from food alone, so I take a vitamin C supplement in the morning. It is amazing for building our bones, boosting our immunity, absorbing iron and for collagen production.

In the same way that we get the benefits from consuming antioxidant rich foods for our bodies, topical antioxidants do the same for our skin.

Who can use Vitamin C?

All skin types

Benefits of topical Vitamin C

Acne scars
Antioxidant- keeping your skin cells healthy
Instant glow - removing dullness from the skin for a brighter complexion
Even out skin tone
Prevents and stops the production of skin pigmentation ( sun spots etc)
Stimulates collagen production - reduce fine lines and wrinkles keeping the skin plump and firm preventing pre- mature ageing.
Protects the skin from stress and environmental damage
Sun damaged - allowing the skin to repair
Anti-inflammatory- reducing any redness

What to look out for when purchasing vitamin C

Vitamin C is quite hard to produce as it is unstable in water, and degenerates once exposed to oxygen and light.
Dark bottles help to sustain the vitamin C. You will notice when it starts to break down as the colour will change. Once opened use quickly.
Lots of company's have vitamin C in there formulas but it's not always active.
The word you are looking for it L-Ascorbic acid. It's the purest form, penetrates deep into the skin and shows the best results.
Serums are more effective than creams. The concentrations in serums apparently penetrate the skin faster than creams
5% serums are gentle enough for sensitive skin.
The percentages go up to 30% which work the fastest.

When should you use Vitamin C

Its always a good time to incorporate vitamin C into your routine. Its the perfect time now coming into the summer. 10 days of a intense treatment will bring a gorgeous natural glow to the skin. I recommend people use this as a booster before a big event (wedding, big party etc). If you decide to use it on a regular basic you will gain better results.

What other products work well with Vitamin C

Vitamin E is a plant based antioxidant and works great with Vitamin C.
It can be used with exfoliating acids, retinol ( in conjunction) and niacinamide.
Hyaluronic acid- for hydration, You can mix these together if the paste is too thick.
SPF- your skin will be more sensitive to the sun

Directions for application

Its best to start off slow to allow your skin to adjust to the new product. This means applying it every second day for a week and then increasing the application.
Use after cleansing, Toning and exfoliating and before your moisturizer.
Once applied it remains in the skin for 72 hours working its magic.
Its a tough one on either to recommend using the serum during the day or during the night. I will outline why and ill leave it up to you to decide which you prefer.
Your skin can only absorb a certain amount, 2/3 drops is plenty, Don't waste it.
You may feel a slight tingling sensation when first applied as your skin gets used to the Vitamin C, this is normal but if it persists do remove the product.

Morning

When you use it during the day apply the Vitamin C, pop your moisturiser over it with yourSPF and then your makeup. Luckily because serums absorb into the skin so well and are excellent layering products, your vitamin C will still be effective. The product will protect you from the sun. But if you have very sensitive skin it can cause irritation.

Night If you want to use it at night it tends to be more beneficial. When you sleep your skin regenerates and repairs itself. You wont be wearing makeup and your skin will be fully cleansed. You wont need to worry about the sun, or any irritation it might cause. You still need to apply your SPF the following day.

Products I recommend

The Inkey list

This serum is 30% pure L-Ascorbic acid. I loved this formula, I did find it thicker than the others but this was easy to fix. I added hyaluronic acid..

The ordinary

Contains 23% pure vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid 2%.

Vichy

Contains 15 % pure vitamin C, more vitamin C than in 20 oranges, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.

La Roche Posay

I recommend this for anyone with very sensitive skin as it has a low percentage. Also contains Salicylic acid for exfoliating properties to remove dead skin cells. Neurosensine for any sensitivity. Thermal spa water to restore the skins barrier and sooth.