Vitamin C in your skincare routine:
this is what it does for your skin
Vitamins are wonderful substances. Whether it's physical health, our mental health, our hair or our skin: vitamins have a positive effect. One of the best-known vitamins is vitamin C, a key player in our daily diet. Vitamin C is also a powerhouse in cosmetics and we explain why this ingredient should not be missing from your skincare routine.
If you don't use products with vitamin C yet, it's high time to delve into this effective ingredient. The well-known vitamin has positive effects on the skin. Today we will tell you all about this wonder product, from the results you get with it to the finest products with this ingredient. .
01. What does vitamin C do?
Let's start right away with the most important thing: how does vitamin C change your skin? For a start, vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen. This connective tissue is needed to strengthen the skin and keep it firm. Clinical studies show that skin becomes firmer and more even after long-term use.
Speaking of even, vitamin C helps reduce acne, sun damage and pigmentation. Since the ingredient is an antioxidant, it protects the skin from irritation, inflammation and UV radiation. Vitamin C also (partially) repairs the damage caused by UV. So all in all, an indispensable player in your skincare routine.
02. Two types of vitamin C
Vitamin C can function in two ways in a product: as a protective antioxidant or as a skin-enhancing active ingredient. The form of the vitamin and the number of per cent in the product determines its action. There are two forms of vitamin C commonly used in skincare.
The most commonly used form is ascorbic acid. A low percentage of ascorbic acid is added to skincare products to act as a protective antioxidant. This way, you protect your skin from environmental damage such as pollution and UV radiation. It also gives your skin the brightness and that fresh glow that vitamin C is known for. For this effect, a low percentage between 1% and 10% is sufficient.
Do you really want to tackle skin problems with vitamin C? Then you're soon looking at a higher concentration of 10% to 20%. This way, you deploy vitamin C as an active ingredient that works against fine lines and stimulates the production of collagen. Ascorbyl Palmitate is often used for this, which is ascobic acid esterified in palmitic acid. So if you're going for an anti-age effect, with of course still that brightening and glow you expect from vitamin C, this is the way to go.
The most commonly used form is ascorbic acid. A low percentage of ascorbic acid is added to skincare products to act as a protective antioxidant. This way, you protect your skin from environmental damage such as pollution and UV radiation. It also gives your skin the brightness and that fresh glow that vitamin C is known for. For this effect, a low percentage between 1% and 10% is sufficient.
Do you really want to tackle skin problems with vitamin C? Then you're soon looking at a higher concentration of 10% to 20%. This way, you deploy vitamin C as an active ingredient that works against fine lines and stimulates the production of collagen. Ascorbyl Palmitate is often used for this, which is ascobic acid esterified in palmitic acid. So if you're going for an anti-age effect, with of course still that brightening and glow you expect from vitamin C, this is the way to go.
03. What to look outr for with vitamin C
So before you get started with vitamin C, it's important to look at the formulation of the skincare product. Does it work as an antioxidant or as a skin-enhancing active ingredient? The source of the vitamin C and its concentration determine its effect.
Antioxidants, including vitamin C, lose their potency when exposed to oxygen and light or in contact with water. Products in translucent packaging are therefore not useful.
04. For which skin type?
Vitamin C is suitable for all skin types, with the exception of hypersensitive skin. Do you suffer from rosacea, rosacea or extreme dryness and redness? Then vitamin C is an ingredient to avoid.
05. How do you incorporate vitamin C into your routine?
Skincare products with vitamin C come in all shapes and sizes. There are many serums that contain vitamin C, but also facial oils, moisturisers, eye creams and more. Bear in mind that if you expect more intense effects, it is better to take a powerful serum or cream with a high concentration of vitamin C. Want to get a bit of the antioxidant benefits? Then a (tinted) moisturiser, a mild serum or lotion will do.
06. Combine vitamin C
Vitamin C is a real team player and likes to be combined with other (active) ingredients. If you're going for a golden combination of vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E are fantastic. These are both antioxidants, so they enhance each other's effects. Aesop's Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream contains both vitamin C and vitamin E and is an enhancement to any skincare routine.
Are you going for even skin? Then vitamin C and niacinamide is the dream team you need. Aesop's Lucent Facial Concentrate contains vitamin C, niacinamide and rose petals. This ensures a hydrated and even complexion. Zelens' Lumino Brightning Serum also contains the two ingredients, supplemented with peptides and squalane. Enjoy a bright, even and youthful appearance with Zelens.
Vitamin C also goes well with retinol. The two ingredients reinforce each other's effects, but the retinol also provides that softening effect. Experience it with Sunday Riley's Multivitamins Kit, combining retinol and vitamin C. This kit includes the renowned C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum and the Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil.
Don't forget to apply an SPF to protect your skin from UV rays. Vitamin C protects your skin from the damage, but it does not block the radiation. So a product with vitamin C is not a substitute for SPF.
Are you going for even skin? Then vitamin C and niacinamide is the dream team you need. Aesop's Lucent Facial Concentrate contains vitamin C, niacinamide and rose petals. This ensures a hydrated and even complexion. Zelens' Lumino Brightning Serum also contains the two ingredients, supplemented with peptides and squalane. Enjoy a bright, even and youthful appearance with Zelens.
Vitamin C also goes well with retinol. The two ingredients reinforce each other's effects, but the retinol also provides that softening effect. Experience it with Sunday Riley's Multivitamins Kit, combining retinol and vitamin C. This kit includes the renowned C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum and the Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil.
Don't forget to apply an SPF to protect your skin from UV rays. Vitamin C protects your skin from the damage, but it does not block the radiation. So a product with vitamin C is not a substitute for SPF.
07. Products with vitamin C
Sunday Riley is known for its effective products with vitamin C. You may already know the C.E.O. line, with the flagship product being the C.E.O Brightning Serum. A serum that quickly fights dullness, dark spots and discolouration at the source, while reducing the signs of ageing.
But even if you prefer a hydrating cream or nourishing oil with vitamin C, Sunday Riley is there. The cream is hydrating, visibly brightens dull skin, fights the signs of dehydration and damage, and offers advanced antioxidant support. The oil provides a beautiful glow and healthy-looking skin.
Kat Burki's Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream is a moisturiser specially formulated to leave skin radiant and protected from environmental pollutants. At the heart of the formula is 15% STAY C, a stable form of vitamin C, powered by the anti-ageing powerhouse Reishi Mushroom for better absorption into the skin.
If you suffer from dark spots, fine lines, want firmer skin or have an uneven complexion, Dr Brandt's C Scription Serum is a godsend. The dermatologically tested serum brightens the skin, fades dark spots and evens out the complexion.
