Skincare is more complicated than ever before.
And while your 10-step skin regimen might have made your great-grandmother gasp, innovation in the beauty and wellness industry has made it easier than ever to get the skin of your dreams. But with all these new, powerful products, how can we know the best way to fit them into our routine?
One of the biggest skincare trends of the last few years is vitamin C. It plays a key role in promoting healthy and radiant skin (more on this later) but it should also be used with a fair share of caution, especially for those with sensitive skin.
So, let’s explore how and when to use Vitamin C serum for the best results.
What does vitamin C do for your skin?
Most of us know the benefits of eating vitamin C, but what does it do for your skin health?
Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in your skin, making it fundamental to skin health. This is why vitamin C is a favourite ingredient used in many skincare products and treatments.
From combatting pigmentation to protecting against sun damage, there are numerous benefits to incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine.
Here are some examples:
Vitamin C helps you achieve glowing skin
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, meaning it has the power to protect against free radicals and other atoms that have the ability to damage cells and lead to signs of ageing.
But vitamin C can stop these particles in their tracks, leading to glowing and more youthful-looking skin.
Vitamin C protects against sun damage
Let’s be clear — vitamin C is not sunscreen.
Sunscreen works by absorbing light in the UVA and UVB spectrum. However, vitamin C protects against UV-induced damage caused by free radicals. Used in tandem with a powerful sunscreen, vitamin C is a great way to protect your skin against the harmful effects of the sun.
Vitamin C promotes collagen production
Collagen keeps your skin plump and elastic. However, over time, our natural collagen stores deplete which leads to the formation of wrinkles. Vitamin C actively works to promote collagen production when applied topically to the skin.
Vitamin C helps with fading pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation (age spots, sun spots, acne scarring or melasma) can be difficult to treat.
However, vitamin C actually helps to block your body’s production of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving skin its colour. This can help alleviate the appearance of discoloured skin.
Vitamin C can help fight breakouts
Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties which makes it ideal for tackling the redness and swelling associated with breakouts and acne.
This makes it the perfect product to not only reduce the appearance of acne scars but also control active breakouts.
When should I use vitamin C?
Vitamin C serums are best used as part of your morning skincare routine, immediately after cleansing and before moisturiser and SPF.
Potential side effects of Vitamin C
In general, vitamin C is safe to use daily. However, as a potent active ingredient, vitamin C should be used with a degree of caution.
Especially for those who struggle with sensitive skin, vitamin C can cause irritation, redness or stinging. In most cases, these can easily be addressed by applying a good moisturiser.
Pairing certain ingredients with vitamin C can easily irritate the skin. So be aware that mixing it with actives like retinol, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs and BHAs can destabilise vitamin C. Not only does this undermine the effectiveness of the vitamin C but it can also damage your skin barrier, leading to dryness, redness and irritation.
How to choose the right vitamin C for your skin
While it’s common to see vitamin C listed as an ingredient in a wide range of skincare products, vitamin C serums are one of the best ways to incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine.
Typically, serums contain a more potent amount of the active ingredient than things like creams or moisturisers. When looking for a serum, it’s important to look for products that contain 10-20 per cent vitamin C. Products below this percentage may not be strong enough to deliver the results you want, and those above this threshold can be highly irritating to the skin.
Remember, not all vitamin C is created equal. L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of vitamin C used in skincare, with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate being a more gentle option. If you’ve got sensitive skin, it might be a good idea to start with a more gentle option and see how your skin reacts. It’s always recommended to patch test before applying any skincare product to your entire face.
If you’re looking to level up your skincare routine, incorporating vitamin C serum can significantly enhance your skin’s appearance and overall health. By understanding what this potent active can do for your skin and the best practices for when and how to use it, you can maximise your results.
Written by Erin Ewen.