The power of C: is your skin missing out on vitamin C?
Are you looking for a skincare gamechanger? Serums and other skincare products that contain vitamin C could be just what you need.
Scientific studies have shown that vitamin C can:
- Improve the appearance and texture of your skin.
- Slow the early signs of ageing and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Reduce the appearance of dark spots.
- Help prevent sun damage when used with sunscreen
- Alleviate acne.
- Hydrate your skin.
- Boost collagen production for more youthful skin.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is another term for ascorbic acid. It’s an antioxidant which means it can fight skin-damaging toxins (those harmful ‘free radicals’ that we hear so much about). These toxins are produced naturally by our bodies and also come from outside sources such as air pollution.
Which vitamin C products are the best?
Clinical trials show that it’s best to look out for skincare products that contain an active form of vitamin C such as ‘L-ascorbic acid’. The strength should be 10-20% and the product should have a pH lower than 3.5. Another key ingredient is ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is thought to help stabilize vitamin C while also increasing its photoprotection. Photoprotection refers to something’s ability to minimize sun damage.
Products that combine vitamin C with tyrosine and zinc have also been shown to be highly effective, while some vitamin C skincare products include ingredients that help to combat oily skin and acne breakouts.
This all sounds a bit technical and the sheer amount of vitamin C products out there can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry: we can help you decide which product is right for you. Give us a call now to ask about our range of skincare products.
Safety first: always do a patch test
Vitamin C products are generally safe to use but any skincare product can cause a reaction. I advise you to test out a product on a small area of skin such as your forearm before using it on your face or neck. Wait 24 hours to see if you have any signs of a rash, redness or other serious irritation.
Check the use-by date
It is particularly important to be aware of the use-by date of products that contain vitamin C. This is because vitamin C can oxidize causing it to darken or change colour. The product won’t be unsafe to use- but it certainly won’t benefit your skin in the same way. A general rule of thumb is that once you open your vitamin C serum use it up within 3 months to get the best results. When introducing vitamin C into your skincare regime if you feel mild tingling, start slowly, every other day for a week and then increase to daily. Make sure you are using it in the morning to get the most benefits in protecting your skin against free radicals.
Eat well too: natural sources of vitamin C
Although serums are the best way to get vitamin C directly onto your skin, you should also make sure you’re getting a good supply of vitamin C by eating a healthy diet that includes:
- Citrus fruit such as oranges and grapefruit
- Kiwi fruit, mango, watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, blueberries and cranberries.
- Broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes, and peppers.
The body doesn’t store vitamin C – so make it part of your daily diet. Vitamin C is easy to use as part of your daily skincare routine and is a gamechanger. Book a free consultation with one of our skincare experts and find out which vitamin C products will best suit your skin and your skincare concerns,
