The benefits of vitamin C in your routine
We’re all familiar with taking our daily vitamins and supplements for optimum health and our skincare routines shouldn’t be exempt. But what is vitamin C and what exactly does it do for your skin?
We’re all familiar with taking our daily vitamins and supplements for optimum health and our skincare routines shouldn’t be exempt. But what is vitamin C and what exactly does it do for your skin?
Vitamin C is one of the holy grail ingredients for skincare with beauty experts swearing by it. It really works and not only does it help to get even skin tone, but it also works wonders when it comes to dealing with fine lines, acne scars, dullness, rough texture, and any other complexion-based skin issues.
The potent antioxidant found in oranges and lemons is one of the best things to use in skincare. We have always been advised to drink orange juices during feverish conditions and vitamin C plays a huge part behind that. It is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. It also plays a huge part in the regeneration process of the dead skin cells.
Vitamin C is acidic in nature which accelerates the production of collagen and increases the elasticity. This, in turn, makes it a great ingredient to deal with ageing issues like wrinkles, fine lines and sagging.
Another great way that it benefits the skin is the fact that it deals with the melanin production in the skin. It contains a property that deals with discolouration and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Hence, giving you an even skin tone and preventing dark spots, in turn brightening the skin.
Is formulated into a variety of skincare products, including serums and creams. You can also take vitamin C in the form of oral supplements, through injections or through increasingly popular IV drip programs. With such variety in the market, it can be difficult to know which formula or type is the most efficacious. It’s important to choose what is right for your lifestyle.
Can be easily consumed through oral tablets, chewable tables and extended-release tablets and capsules. Supplements tend to be more affordable and accessible through any local grocery store or pharmacy. While the supplement method is easy to implement into a daily routine, they are ineffective in delivering skin benefits, because only a small percentage actually makes it into the skin.
Vitamin C injections, often given through an IV drip can be very costly. This form is known to be effective in boosting the immune system or treating a vitamin C deficiency. However, this method is not as effective in directly targeting skin.
The best method to add this vitamin for skin benefits is through topical application. It’s also recommended to use it in your AM routine for skin brightening and sun protection benefits. In fact, is often formulated alongside a sunscreen or SPF.
You’ll find vitamin C in everything from cleansers to serums to facial peels. Serums can be more efficacious, as it’s often more concentrated allowing for better skin absorption. Creams can also be effective, especially when formulated alongside other key anti-aging ingredients. When implementing into your routine, choose the product based on your preferred texture.
This ingredient comes in different strengths and concentrations meaning that all skin types—even sensitive or problem complexions—can enjoy its benefits. While it can be applied daily, start with 3-4 times a week if you like to play it safe and work your way up. Although vitamin C is most commonly used in the morning, there is a place for it in your PM skincare routine too, due to the fact that vitamin C helps with cellular metabolism which happens all the time, but particularly at night.
Vitamin C is listed under a variety of names in skincare products. Look for L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate and Retinyl Ascorbate on the product’s ingredient list to know if it contains Vitamin C.
The stability of Vitamin C form is critical for the effectiveness of the product. There are several products with it in the market that contain a variety of concentration levels. However, if in the formula is not stable, it will be ineffective. Always do your research when selecting skincare products by looking at clinical results and the % amount present in the products.
As with any skincare product, you should start to see results from vitamin C within 6 to 8 weeks. The key to achieving visible results from any skincare solution is consistency. When you start to use a product with vitamin C, you may experience tingling. This means the product is working.
You can start using vitamin C every other day if you have sensitive skin before ramping up to daily use. Since vitamin C is a skin brightener, using skin brighteners, it’s important to stay out of the sun. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as a day in the sun can cause more damage.