Why You NEED Vitamin C In Your Skin Care Regime

Topical Vitamin C Serums have been named one of the best ingredients to include in your skin care routine for their excellent anti-aging and skin renewing properties. We’ve compiled a list of reasons as to why you NEED to include Vitamin C in your skin care regime, as well as some pointers to maximise it’s effectiveness.

What is Vitamin C?

I’m sure we’ve all heard of Vitamin C at some point, whether as a dietary supplement or a skin care ingredient. It’s use has spiked in the skin care world as of lately and it is totally justified. Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid is an excellent anti-oxidant which can completely revitalise your complexion. Below are just a few of the key benefits of the vitamin:

Boosts Collagen Production

As we age, the amount of collagen and elastin in our skin slowly starts deplete. When this happens, we get the characteristic fine lines and wrinkles, as well as skin sagging and increased pore size. Use of Vitamin C Serums has been shown to boost collagen production and therefore reduce the signs of aging.

Brightens Skin, Fades Hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C has been shown to decrease melanin production, the pigment responsible for scarring, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. By decreasing melanin production, Vitamin C can help fade skin discolouration and it can prevent dark spots from forming in the future.

Promotes Cellular Regeneration

Vitamin C is acidic, by applying it to the skin it promotes the regeneration process. This leads to increased collagen and elastin production, meaning tighter, firmer skin and a brightened complexion.

Neutralises Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable molecules which can cause aging and damage to the skin. Vitamin C helps to neutralise these molecules, therefore reducing the effect that UV Rays and Air Pollution has on your skin. This is especially effective in reducing premature aging.

Minimises Redness

Vitamin C has been shown to be effective in combating redness and inflammatory skin conditions. It also promotes cell turnover, which can be effective for acne sufferers and scarring.

How To Use Vitamin C

The most effective form of topical Vitamin C is in serum form. You should apply a few drops of the serum to the whole face after cleansing (and toning), and before moisturising.

Keep your Vitamin C serum bottle away from direct sunlight as this can reduce the potency of the ingredients.

Combining Treatments

Vitamin C is generally safe to be used with most other skin care treatments, including AHA’s, BHA’s, Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid. However, just because you can doesn’t always mean you should.

The low PH (~ around 3) of Vitamin C can reduce the effectiveness of most AHA’s/BHA’s which are formulated to work at a higher PH. In addition to this, Vitamin C has mild exfoliating properties, when combined with an active acid this can cause redness, irritation and increased skin sensitivity.

Definitely do not use Vitamin C with Retinol as it will render both of these treatments significantly less effective.

We do recommend using Vitamin C with Hyaluronic Acid, as this can combat any dryness or flaking from it’s use.

Side Effects

Some common side effects from Vitamin C use include:

• Redness
• Irritation
• Itchiness
• Burning sensation

As with most serums you use for the first time, it may tingle or burn a little but this should subside shortly. If however this feeling doesn’t fade, immediately rinse the product off your face.

We always recommend patch testing any new serum you’re using to ensure it’s compatible with your skin.

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