What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is one of the most effective nutrients for our skin and bodies. Topical Vitamin C is a science backed ingredient favourite for improving overall skin appearance. It is a powerful antioxidant shown to fight free radical (toxics) damage in the skin which means it is able to protect the skin from environmental damage. Vitamin C also helps prevent premature ageing of the skin, restoring a youthful and glowing appearance. Not to mention it is one of the best ingredients to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten skin.
In fact, Vitamin C is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter cosmetics due to its many biological functions in maintaining and improving skin health by treating UV damage, improving discoloration, and boosting collagen production.
Vitamin C can be ingested through a diet such as citrus fruits. It can also be applied topically on the skin in the form of serums, creams, moisturisers, toners or cleansers.
4 proven skin benefits of using vitamin C:
- Helps brighten dark spots to even skin tone
With continued use, Vitamin C reduces the appearance of dark marks or dark spots, commonly referred to as hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C interferes with the excess production of melanin in the skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots.
If you are struggling with hyperpigmentation, Vitamin C is a must have in your skincare routine.
- Maintains and repairs damaged skin
Vitamin C can help heal wounds such as surgical scars faster. Consistently using Vitamin C to repair damaged skin or wounds e.g. surgical scars, will heal and reduce their visibility over time.
Psst… This is the part where you tell a friend to tell another friend because we could all use information like this 😉
- Helps protect against sun damage
Vitamin C contains antioxidants that help defend the skin against damage from UV light. This does not in any way mean that it can be used in place of sunscreen, so SPF should still be your BFF aka protector of all rays.
SPF 30+ and Vitamin C in skincare your routine are a power couple. If ultraviolet light does happen to penetrate the skin, vitamin C basically lessens the harmful effects.
- Boosts collagen
Collagen, naturally present in the skin, tends to deteriorate as we age. Collagen does the hard work of preventing the skin from premature ageing and in turn smoothes fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C encourages new collagen production, preventing premature ageing.
Important things to note about Vitamin C
- Use the right concentration
Using Vitamin C products, particularly serums, of a low concentration may not bring the desired results. A high concentration of Vitamin C could damage the skin, so opt for serums with Vitamin C concentrations between a minimum of 8% to a maximum of 15%.
- Store products away from sunlight
Always store your Vitamin C products in a dark-colored container, packaged in an airless pump and kept away from sunlight and air to prevent them from oxidising which would in turn, be harmful to the skin.
- Eat fruits and vegetables
You are what you eat. So eat Vitamin C too.
Your main source of Vitamin C should be from your diet. Opt for citrus fruits or alternatively take a Vitamin C supplement.
- Layer products correctly
Vitamin C should not be used alongside retinol and other acidic skincare products. It’s best to use them on alternate days to avoid harming or irritating your skin. For more on how to use Vitamin C and other products check out our beginner’s guide here.
Looking for the perfect Vitamin C product to start with? Experience our “I Am Brilliant” Vitamin C brightening sheet mask for an instant glow in just 20 minutes or shop our NEW Baobab Glow-C Serum.
We hope you found this helpful. Have any questions? Drop them in the comments below.
