Vitamin C is a legendary skincare ingredient for a reason. As far as your skin is concerned vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralise free radicals, because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in your skin’s natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells.
So in the same way that consuming antioxidant- rich foods aids your body in fighting off free radicals, topical antioxidants do the same for your skin by helping to offset daily aggressors like UV damage and exposure to air pollution.
This free-radical fighting power is not just important for helping fight signs of premature ageing, by neutralising free radicals, vitamin C may help protect skin from precancerous changes caused by UV exposure.
Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C’s skin benefits aren’t limited to its antioxidant status, it contains many other skin healing properties including:
· Highly acidic – when vitamin C is topically applied it triggers the skin to heal itself by accelerating production of collagen and elastin.
· Promotes collagen production.
· Inhibits skins melanin production – so can prevent hyperpigmentation.
· Brightening agent that works to fade hyperpigmentation.
· Protects skin from sun damage.
· Reduces inflammation.
· Improves skin texture.
What is the best Vitamin C?
The key to an effective Vitamin C is in the form of vitamin C that is being applied, the ingredient to look out for is ascorbic acid, also known as L-ascorbic acid, which is the most stable and effective form of vitamin C. Pure ascorbic acid is the most effective at penetrating the skins barrier and it is even more effective when combined with another antioxidant such as Vitamin E.
Vitamin C in serum form is the most effective, as in general, serums are more effective than creams or toners.
Vitamin C generally comes in a dark bottle, this is to protect the ingredient as when it is exposed to air or light it can break down, so this helps to maintain its stability.
How to use vitamin C
Start by introducing a low concentration of Vitamin C serum to your routine, only applying a few drops to your skin every morning as part of your daily routine. If you have sensitive skin I would advise to stick to 5% or below, but the concentration can increase up to 20%
As you become accustomed to the ingredient you can work your way up to a higher concentration.
Recommended vitamin C serums
La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C Serum 10
