Vitamin C is known as one of the most effective ingredients available that aid in the skin's natural regeneration, speeding up the process of skin renewal. It works wonders against free radicals, protecting you from UV sun rays and pollutants to help you maintain a smooth, even, and radiantly glowy complexion.
Although you're most likely getting vitamin C through your diet, there's no way to know if it's reaching your skin. Therefore, the most direct way to get these benefits is to use serums and other topical products.
Topical antioxidants like Vitamin C serve to offset daily aggressors like UV damage and exposure to air pollution in the same way that we consume antioxidant-rich diets to help fight free radicals.
Read on to learn more about why we love using Vitamin C products in our skincare routine. We also share some products on our shelves for you to try to reap the benefits of this underrated ingredient!
Skin Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C's skin-saving benefits aren't just limited to fighting off radicals and protecting you from the sun. It can also help your skin in multiple other ways. Here are some:
Safe for most skin types
For one, Vitamin C based products are suitable for most skin types, as it's known to have an excellent safety record. Most people can utilise topical vitamin C for a long time without suffering any side effects. However, it is good to note that people with hypersensitive skin may notice slight irritation in some circumstances. Consider a patch test or consult your doctor before fully introducing any new product to your skincare routine!
It promotes collagen production & helps prevent skin sagging
Collagen formation is known to be boosted by vitamin C. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that is tied to skin elasticity and firmness. As you become older, your skin may begin to sag as your collagen levels decline, causing fine lines and wrinkles.
According to a 2017 review, applying a vitamin C serum may stimulate collagen formation, resulting in an overall tightening effect. This is true whether the drooping is caused by natural ageing, oxidative stress, or excessive weight reduction.
Helps fade hyperpigmentation
Sunspots, age spots, and melasma (a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-grey patches or freckle-like spots) are examples of hyperpigmentation, which occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain areas of the skin. It can also occur in regions where acne has cured but left scars. Vitamin C has been demonstrated to inhibit melanin formation, resulting in a more even complexion.
Anti-inflammatory qualities
The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C may neutralise oxidative damage caused by free radicals, reducing immune responses, and instead optimises the immune system. Vitamin C's anti-inflammatory qualities can also aid in diminishing redness on the skin and may help with wound healing resulting in a more even complexion with decreased dark spots, redness, and irritation.
Using a Vitamin C serum for sensitive skin
Although topical vitamin C is generally well-tolerated, any skin product might induce adverse effects. Always perform a patch test to determine your risk of an allergic reaction especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergy.
Vitamin C serums are usually used once or twice daily. It is better to use it in the morning as it has benefits to help the skin fend off the oxidative effects of sunlight. Following the sequence of cleansing, toning, applying a vitamin C serum, and then moisturising last. Serums should always be administered before your regular moisturiser, as a general rule!
For sensitive skin which reacts to Vitamin C serums, you can consider either (1) mixing it with some aloe vera gel or hydrating gel or (2) applying it after moisturiser until your skin builds a certain tolerance to the active effect of Vitamin C.
Alternatively, look for Vitamin C containing alternative derivatives of L-ascorbic acid. (read below)
It is important to note that Vitamin C does not replace the use of sunscreen or wearing sun-protective clothing. Use a broad-spectrum, tinted sunscreen every day and avoid the sun during peak hours.
Who Should Avoid Using Vitamin C
Vitamin C Serum is suitable for everybody, though we will not suggest using it on very small children (who would anyway?)
Where to find topical vitamin C and what to look for on the label
Serums and other skincare treatments include vitamin C. Vitamin C strength and effects on the skin can vary depending on the formulation. Look for vitamin C products that have a formulation containing an active form of vitamin C (for example, L-ascorbic acid), a strength of 10% to 20%, and a pH of less than 3.5, as this combination has been studied in clinical trials.
A little about Vitamin C products we love, along with our recommendations and specific type of Vitamin C in each product to look out for:
The Organic Pharmacy Stabilized Vitamin C Serum
Our recommendation: Suitable for oily, normal skin
Type of Vitamin C: Ascorbyl Glucoside
Percentage of Vitamin C: 15%
This serum contains a percentage of 15% of Ascorbyl Glucoside (a type of plant derivative stabilised vitamin C). It is fine for use with sensitive skin, as Ascorbyl Glucoside is not as harsh on the skin as ascorbic acid which is an unstable vitamin (this form of vitamin C has to come in a brown bottle to be protected from light and also has to be protected from oxygen). The vitamin contents in this product are much more stable and are unlikely to cause irritation to the skin.
Odacite Private Collection: An Autumn On The World (15% Vitamin C Serum)
Our recommendation: Suitable for ultra-sensitive skin and dry skin.
Type of vitamin C: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a very stable oil-soluble Vitamin C ester.
Percentage of Vitamin C: 15%
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is a form of vitamin C which has been modified to be soluble in oil or lipids. Studies indicate that it not only penetrates the epidermis, the uppermost layer of skin, but also the dermis, which is the deepest layer of skin. In fact, it penetrates the skin faster and deeper than any other form of vitamin C.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate stimulates more collagen than L-ascorbic acid, so you tend to enjoy better anti-ageing, more plumping, more firming, and more collagen production with this ingredient.
Venn Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster
Our recommendation: For all skin types. Dermatologist tested. Non-irritating. Non-sensitizing.
Type of vitamin C: Ginsenoside Compound K
Percentage of Vitamin C equivalent: 30%
Venn’s anti-ageing and brightening boosting serum are supercharged with 2,700 ppm of VENN’s patented form of Ginsenoside Compound K, a key anti-ageing active in Panax ginseng with free-radical-fighting antioxidant power as strong as Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) but without oxidation and sensitization issues.
The booster features VENN’s patented technology to water-solubilize Compound K in high concentrations and effectively deliver brighter, firmer, and more even-looking skin.
The booster is also packed with 5 different types of medium- and high-weight hyaluronic molecules, Peptides, Polyamine, Glutathione, and Vitamins B1, B2, B3 (Niacinamide), and B9 that work synergistically with Compound K to provide comprehensive anti-ageing skin benefits, including a visible reduction in the appearance of pores, fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and redness.
Our recommendation: Suitable for normal, dry skin.
Type of Vitamin C: Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Percentage of Vitamin C: Not revealed due to proprietary
OSEA’s anti-ageing serum uses Ethyl Ascorbic Acid. It is also known as 3-O-Ethyl-L-ascorbic Acid. It is a molecule formed by modifying Ascorbic Acid or, as we know it better, vitamin C.
Ethyl ascorbic acid is the most effective among the three in boosting collagen synthesis and lightening skin, with over 80% metabolized to pure L-ascorbic acid.
Although the team at OSEA values transparency, they do not share percentages and proprietary information about any of their formulas. With that said, OSEA did confirm (we notice too!) that the vitamin c ingredient is listed #9 out of the 35 to 40 ingredients in the bottle, which means it is pretty intensive.
All in all, Vitamin C can aid in the healing of blemishes, reducing hyperpigmentation, and creating an incredible glow, along with many other incredible benefits depending on the potency of each ingredient.
For the best results, include it into your skincare routine in a way that works for you. Some individuals use it in the morning to take advantage of its UV-protective characteristics, while others prefer to use it at night.
Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or tips on how you use your favourite Vitamin C products! Call us if you are unsure and our well-trained therapists will be able to guide you along. Call +65 98577859 or +65 91052345
