Skincare Spotlight: Vitamin C
With all the research and testing I do with skincare and beauty, I thought it would be cool to start doing skincare spotlights to highlight some superhero ingredients that you should seek out and add to your regime. I’ve already done a few posts similar to this here and here, but I’d like to turn it into more of an on-going series. Let me know in the comments if you like this idea and this type of post!
Anyways, I’ve seen a TON of products lately with Vitamin C as the front running ingredient, so I had to get to the bottom of why it’s become so popular. Obviously, Vitamin C is great for you when ingested. It boosts your immune system, it’s a strong antioxidant, and helps the body to prevent a number of chronic diseases. There’s no end to the list of benefits that come with including more Vitamin C in your diet. However, what I really wanted to know is what makes it such a great addition to skincare.
BRIGHTENING
One of the many benefits to Vitamin C in skincare is it’s brightening and evening properties. Vitamin C is known to help even out the colour and tone of your skin by promoting collagen production to stabilize the epidermis. It reduces inflammation in the skin, and interrupts the production of pigment to leave you with an overall brightener complexion.
ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION
As previously mentioned, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, protecting your skin against harmful pollution and free-radicals that can lead to long-term skin damage. Antioxidants like this can visibly reduce aging caused by environmental stressors, and rewind the effects of exposure to the elements such as dehydration and dullness.
HEALING
Ever heard that sailors and fishermen use Vitamin C to prevent and treat scurvy? That’s because it promotes healing in the body and stimulates the formation of the epidermal barrier. As I mentioned previously, this powerhouse vitamin also reduces inflammation and increases hydration for a skin-soothing, wound and scar softening effect.
TOP TIPS
Shelf life of products with Vitamin C in them is dramatically reduced due to the nature of the ingredient. Steer clear of versions made with water and keep your products away from excess sunlight. If your product has turned brownish, or lost it’s yellowey or orangey tinge, toss it. It will no longer yield the benefits listed above, and may even irritate your skin.
You can use Vitamin C topically in the morning or at night. It just depends on what benefits you’d like to reap the most. For the morning, it’ll protect against those nasty free-radicals. At night, reach for Vitamin C to promote healing and the lighten acne scarring and hyperpigmentation.
If you’re applying Vitamin C in serum-form, apply it right after you’ve cleansed and toned your face for best results. If you’re opting for a cream or lotion medium, be sure to apply your daily SPF after the Vitamin C. This will give you extra protection against the sun’s harsh rays.
Products with Vitamin C typically smell like citrus. As mentioned in tip #1, if the product loses it’s smell, be weary as it may no longer be shelf-stable. Seek out packaging that is dark in colour or completely opaque the help extend it’s lifespan.
Have you incorporated Vitamin C into your skincare regime yet? Maybe you take a Vitamin C supplement but are looking to expand your horizons? Let me know what your fave Vitamin C products are in the comments. I’ve been testing out the Sunday Riley C.E.O face oil and moisturizer, but you all know I love a good recommendation.
