No mention of a good skincare routine is complete without Vitamin C. Most of us are familiar with the benefits of Vitamin C for the body. But what does it do for your skin? A lot.
If you’re feeling tempted by the hype surrounding this skin ingredient, and want to try some for yourself, it’s important you start by knowing just what it can do for you. We’ve compiled this handy little guide to help you out!
The essential benefits
Tackles free radicals
Vitamin C – also known as ascorbic acid – is a potent antioxidant. By that very definition, it helps fight free radicals i.e. unstable atoms that speed up the ageing process. Daily exposure to pollutants, UV rays, stress, smoking among other factors, can accelerate cellular ageing, making your skin appear duller, weaker, and more prone to rapid ageing and damage. Vitamin C helps prevent and reverse all that damage, by inhibiting free radical activity
Diminish dullness
Whether it’s sun damage, post-inflammatory pigmentation, acne spots or dark spots – Vitamin C can help you diminish the blemishes, by inhibiting the skin from producing melanin, which in turn lightens the pigmentation and reveals even skin tone, along with brighter, glowing complexion.
Great for undereye-care
The area under our eyes has the most delicate skin and is more easily prone to discolouration and damage due to easy water loss. This is also why some of the earliest signs of ageing – like wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles – appear in this region. Vitamin C is known to assist in the production of collagen, which in turn helps plump and hydrate your skin, which in turn smooths out fine lines. However, make sure you use a mild serum if you’re looking for Vitamin C specifically for your eyes.
Slow down signs of ageing
We know! We’ve been mentioning this almost every point. But let’s dive into Vitamin C’s anti-ageing activity in more detail, shall we? Vitamin C’s key function in protecting your skin from the ravages of time are two-pronged. One, by inhibiting free radical activity (something we already discussed at the beginning of this blog). The second is by collagen synthesis. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein, which much like everything else in our body, depletes over time. Collagen is primarily responsible for keeping your skin supple, plump, and bouncy. Without this protein, your skin is prone to become saggy, loose, and wrinkled. Vitamin C is known for boosting your skin’s natural collagen production. In fact, it plays an essential role in collagen synthesis. It helps stabilise collagen molecules as well as lend structural strength to your skin.
How to use Vitamin C?
If you’re wanting for Vitamin C for the skin benefits, then your best bet is topical application, especially in the form of serums as these are more concentrated and formulated to give your skin maximum benefits of this antioxidant.
Those new to Vitamin C or just looking for something with lower concentration can try the Vitamin C Water. It’s an ultra-light, watery serum with 5% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (the most stable for of Vitamin C) that absorbs into the skin very easily and is ideal for all skin types, especially those with oily skin. It also contains liquorice extracts and hyaluronic acid for greater brightening and hydration benefits.
If you’re looking for something of greater concentration with more age control benefits, you can try the VC-12 Intermediate Serum. It’s a 12% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid serum with 4% multi-peptides and Cica, for brightening, strengthening and calming effects. It helps tackle pigmentation, fine lines, dark circles and blemishes while improving overall health and radiance of your skin.
When to use Vitamin C?
You can use the Vitamin C serum either in the morning or night. If you wish to use it as spot treatment, then you can even use it twice a day. When using it in the morning, make sure you always pair it with a sunscreen of minimum SPF 35, to prevent oxidation and improve UV protection for your skin.
The fine print
One thing about Vitamin C is that it oxidises easily and quickly. This is why it’s important to note the following instructions:
- Always store your Vitamin C product in a cool, dark place
- Minimise its exposure to direct sunlight and air
- Once you open your Vitamin C serum, be sure to use it up within 3 months of opening
And that’s all the lowdown you need! Ready to incorporate this skincare superstar in your routine? Shop here.