We all know that Vitamin C is great for our bodies, but did you know that it is an amazing ingredient for your skin as well?
WHAT DOES VITAMIN C DO?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against free-radicals.
It can help to brighten areas of hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of melanin, it is an anti-inflammatory so it can help to even out your skintone.
Vitamin C also helps boosts collagen production, which helps with fine lines and wrinkles.
There are different forms of Vitamin C that are used in skincare products – L-ascorbic acid is the most common form of topical Vitamin C as it is generally quite stable – you mihgt also see L-ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate and sodium ascorbyl phosphate to name a couple more.
All of the different forms of Vitamin C vary in their stability and effectiveness.
There are a few things to remember when using a Vitamin C in your skincare routine.
- Keep your Vitamin C products in a cool, dark place so that they keep their maximum efficacy for longer.
- Most experts recommend a pump dispenser or a glass bottle to help keep the products more stable.
- If you see your serum turning darker it means that the active Vitamin C is less effective and it’s probably time to get a replacement bottle. If you are using your products as directed, though, you should use it up before this happens.
Vitamin C is relatively safe, even for sensitive skin, but as with all new products and ingredients that you introduce into your skincare routine it is always advisable to do a patch test before jumping right in.
If you experience a breakout or irritation from a Vitamin C product it may be a result of the formulation rather than the ingredient, so you may be able to try other product and have different results.
I prefer a Vitamin C serum, as I feel the thinner consistency (when compared to a cream) is absorbed better. The best way to use a topical vitamin C is to apply after cleansing and toner (if you use a toner), and before moisturising. Make sure you read the instructions on your specific product and follow the directions.
Sally is a makeup artist, a beauty junkie and a coffee addict, who loves finding new products and techniques and using them to give her clients an amazing experience – every time.
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