Did you know that vitamin C can do amazing things for your skin?
- This powerful vitamin has been steadily climbing the beauty trend ladder and gaining popularity for its potent ability to naturally improve skin, fight signs of aging, and improve collagen production to save us from the sag.
- I’ve personally chosen to feature vitamin C as the superstar ingredient in my daily moisturizer and serum.
- Today, I’m excited to tell you all about vitamin C skincare and give you 10 things you need to know
- Vitamin C is often included in moisturizers and serums. A serum is a skincare product with a thin, silky texture.
While a moisturizer’s main job is to hydrate skin, serums typically include a higher concentration of ingredients to penetrate the skin and efficiently target skincare concerns such as hyperpigmentation or signs of aging. - Vitamin C products contain a high concentration of vitamin C (duh) as an active ingredient, mainly in the form of L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA) as well as a few other varieties
- What Is L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA)? This is vitamin C in its most potent form, and LAA has the most research backing it to show effectiveness.
- Boosts Collagen Production
- Age and sun damage cause us to lose collagen, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Vitamin C boosts your skin’s collagen production to give you firmer, more plump skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
- Fights Free Radical Damage and Signs of Aging
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help fight free radicals and damage caused by UV radiation. The result is anti-aging action for younger-looking skin! - Brightens Dark Spots
Vitamin C helps lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots. It also inhibits melanin production for evening skin tone and brightness. - Skin Repair
It helps to repair damage from sun exposure and collagen loss by encouraging healthy cell turnover and regeneration. - Helps Protect the Skin Against Sun Damage
Vitamin C gives you some added sun protection by thickening the dermis layer of the skin to help guard it against harmful UV rays and sun exposure.
Important Note: This does not mean that vitamin C moisturizers and serums are a replacement for sunscreen or SPF protection! While it can help boost the deeper layers of your skin, you still need to protect the top layer with sun protection. Wear a daily SPF any time you’re heading outside, regardless of whatever else you use in your skincare routine! - Keep It Away From Light
LAA is vulnerable to oxidation from light exposure. That’s why vitamin C serums typically come in those pretty dark glass bottles. Keep the serum somewhere dark and away from direct light. - DO look for a vitamin C serum with a lower pH level, something around 3.5. This will help with better absorption as it will reach the deeper layers of your skin for max results.
DON’T use a lower pH serum if you have sensitive skin. Low pH = high acidity, which can irritate skin.
For a gentler formula, look for one that uses the magnesium ascorbyl derivative with a pH level of 5-6. Since this is closer to skin’s natural pH level, it will be more skin-friendly!
Regards, A