Many are familiar with the old saying that vitamin C boosts your immune system. This is why we reach for it whenever a cold starts to develop. Vitamin C’s overall health benefits are among its most well-known and widely understood characteristics. Recently, it has gained a new reputation for being a powerful ingredient in skin care products. Stores have lined their shelves with products featuring vitamin C prominently on the ingredient list.
What does vitamin C do to your skin? This is a common question that we hear in our clinic and from customers. It is common to hear this question from our customers in and out of the clinic.
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can also be used as a skincare ingredient. Kelly Viavattine is a skincare expert at Kate Somerville and an esthetician for the stars. We contacted her to discover why vitamin C has been touted as a miracle product.
Protects Against Free Radicals
Kelly says that vitamin C is the first thing to protect cells from harmful free radicals. These destructive molecules are produced by exposure to pollutants in the environment, such as dust, smog, cigarette smoke, and sunlight. These molecules can cause skin discoloration, loss of volume, and a decrease in resiliency. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help neutralize and reduce the visible effects of these molecules. Vitamin C’s single benefit is what supports the many other benefits.
Brightens & Evens Skin Tone
Vitamin C is a natural and gentle acid used to exfoliate dead skin cells and even skin tone. This can be used regularly to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolorations such as hyperpigmentation.
UV Photodamage Prevention
UV photodamage can occur even with regular sunblock. Vitamin C can be applied to the skin to reduce harmful UV rays’ effects. Vitamin C, however, is not sunscreen, and it should not be used as one. It is, however, an excellent addition to your daily UV protection routine.
Reduce Redness
Vitamin C is an antioxidant powerful enough to help reduce inflammation and redness in the skin. According to a Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology study, topical Vitamin C effectively reduces redness and improves skin tone.
Vitamin C and the Skin
Vitamin C comes in many forms. You might think that you are familiar with it and can easily find it on the labels of your products.
Ascorbic acid is the most common form of Vitamin C used in skincare. It has the highest potency and absorbs quickly into the skin when applied topically. This key ingredient is used in our Mega C Vitamin C brightening facial. It is the most potent and stable Vitamin C product we have.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) can also be found in skin care products. It is water-soluble and, therefore, more effective at lower concentrations. You can be sure your product contains true vitamin C if these two ingredients are listed on its label.
The type of vitamin C you purchase is not the sole factor to consider when looking for products. Vitamin C can be a temperamental ingredient. It is easily destabilized by air and sunlight. You will need to be on the lookout for certain things to avoid spending money on products that are quickly rendered useless. Look for a product that contains a stabilizing agent and vitamin C. Ferulic acid and Vitamin E are two of the most common ingredients for this [4] purpose. At the same time, they also provide benefits for the skin. Vitamin E, for example, can limit and protect the skin from harmful free radicals. Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that can enhance vitamin C’s ability to fight UV light and sun exposure.
You can find these ingredients in everything from cleansers and masks to serums and moisturizers. To create an even more effective treatment, you may discover vitamin C mixed with other powerful ingredients, like Kate Somerville’s +Retinol Vitamin C Power Serum.
Pay attention to the packaging as well as the product’s ingredients. Transparent plastic or glass containers protect the components from sunlight, while air-restrictive devices or pumps can limit oxygen exposure.
Vitamin C is generally safe for all skin types, though it is impossible to say for sure as each individual’s skin may react differently. Try using a formula that doesn’t have many added ingredients if you have sensitive or dry skin. This will allow you to monitor how your skin reacts to vitamin C. If you have sensitive skin, use a formula without many added ingredients to monitor your skin’s response.
Side effects and potential risks
It is essential to know that high levels of vitamin C can irritate, particularly people with sensitive skin. Patch-testing the product is recommended before using it in your skin care regimen. Consult a dermatologist should you have any adverse reactions.
Add Vitamin C to your Skincare Routine
Vitamin C is very beneficial but is most,t effective as part of your regular skincare routine. Using certain products before using vitamin C can help to prepare your skin, while adding additional steps afterward may enhance its benefits. This is the most effective way to incorporate vitamin C into your daily routine:
Cleanse
TUsinga mild foaming wash helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin’s surface, allowing other products to be applied more efficiently.
Toner
Applying a Toner will help you to remove any residue from your cleanser and water. It is an easy, quick step to ensure your face is as clean as possible.
Exfoliate
Exfoliate your face a few times weekly to remove the dead skin cells. This will help to open your pores, allowing your vitamin C products to penetrate deeper into your skin.