Heralded as a miracle cure for all sorts of skin issues, vitamin C can be found in many of the serums and moisturisers that fill our bathroom cabinets. So let’s take a closer look at this wonder ingredient and find out why our complexions love it so much.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a top-notch antioxidant that’s naturally found in foods like oranges, lemons and broccoli. As well as boosting our general health, antioxidants can help prevent damage to our skin cells by neutralising the creation of free radicals. This supports the skin’s natural regeneration process, which can help slow down the signs of premature ageing. We can eat foods rich in antioxidants or apply them topically to the skin, and in both ways, they’ll keep our bodies healthy and skin looking plump and fresh.
When it comes to skincare, vitamin C takes many forms. The purest form is l-ascorbic acid, but there are other derivatives including sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl tetraIsopalmitate. What a mouthful! It can all get a tad confusing, especially because the purest version of vitamin C isn’t necessarily the best. The perfect form of vitamin C for you will depend entirely on your unique skin needs. Allow us to elaborate…
Which vitamin C is best for my skin?
Unfortunately, what works for your best mate may not be the best for you, so it pays to do your research and test out a range of products. While l-ascorbic acid (LAA) is the “real” vitamin C that your body can use with little fuss, there are downsides. It has a reputation for being the most diva of all the varieties, as it’s super aggressive and unstable when exposed to different temperatures, UV levels and even air. While highly effective, it can often lead to skin irritation, and because it’s oil-based, it’s not recommended for those with oily or sensitive skin.
That’s why a lot of skincare companies use vitamin C derivatives in their products, which are much more stable and will last longer on your bathroom shelf. They are slower to act than the pure type because your body needs time to convert them into ascorbic acid first, however, this also means that they’re super-gentle on the skin. Because vitamin C derivatives are water-based, they’re also a great choice for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
How much vitamin C does my skin need?
Vitamin C variations aren’t the only thing to consider when choosing a serum that ticks all the boxes and passes the efficacy test. The concentration of vitamin C contained within each product is also a crucial factor. The higher the percentage of vitamin C, the greater the potency, with the maximum around 20 per cent. We recommend Clear Skincare’s C’Ensil 25% Vitamin C Serum – a powerful concentrated 25% vitamin C serum with patented delivery technology. Make sure you always work your way up to the higher percentages gradually, giving your skin plenty of time to adapt.
How can vitamin C help my skin?
It gets rid of free radicals – UV damage and air pollution can create free radicals in the skin that lead to sun spots, fine lines and saggy skin. Vitamin C can prevent this from happening.
Promotes collagen production – Vitamin C formulations encourage collagen production, leaving you with strong, youthful-looking skin.
Evens out skin tone – Vitamin C is the perfect choice for those looking to fade hyperpigmentation and keep any future discolouration at bay.
Acne-fighting benefits – For those prone to breakouts, going with a vitamin C derivative is the way to go. They’re celebrated for their antibacterial properties and have proven effective in treating acne.
A serum like no other
Now that you’ve jumped aboard the vitamin C bandwagon, you’ll have your pick of products to choose from. Why not go with one that has the stamp of approval from expert doctors and dermatologists? Clear Skincare’s Vitamin C serum will give your skin a bright, plump and smooth refresher. Your twice-daily application of the hydrating, water-based Vitamin C 10% serum each morning and night will become an indulgent ritual as your skin transforms into its best, youthful-looking self.
Brought to you by Clear Skincare. Live your best skin with the range of clinically developed, results-driven cleansers, exfoliants, masks and serums.
