By Emily Algar
There’s a lot of buzzy skincare ingredients out there, but Vitamin C is one that’s stood the test of time. There’s plenty of data to back its efficacy, and the benefits are extensive. Whether you want to firm, brighten, prevent ageing or just turn up the glow, it’s one worth including.
The best part? It can be used by almost every skin type, morning and night (yes, really). Our golden rules for incorporating Vitamin C skincare into your routine, below.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C falls into the antioxidant ingredient category. Its main premise is to neutralise free radical damage and protect against environmental assaults. Vitamin C also assists with regulating melanin production for uniform skin tone, while encouraging the formation of collagen and elastin.
What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C has a stack of benefits and they fall into three main camps:
Protection
Free radicals are unstable atoms produced in the body as a byproduct of environmental aggressors (think pollution, tobacco and UV). Vitamin C is unique in that it neutralises these free radicals, preventing associated skin damage.
Brightening
Vitamin C also encourages normal melanin production, preventing and treating the formation of age spots, scars and hyperpigmentation. Think of it as the gold standard in glow.
Firming
Last but certainly not least, Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and elastin fibroblasts. What this means is fewer fine lines and a bouncy complexion.
How to incorporate it into your routine
Convinced you need some Vitamin C in your life? The cosmeceutical ingredient can be used by all skin types, there’s just a few things to know before you make it a habit.
First up, find your formula
Vitamin C comes in many different forms. The most common in skincare is L-Ascorbic Acid, but there are other popular derivatives as well. The best for you will depend on a few things, namely your individual skin type and the formula in question.
At Skinstitut, we have three different Vitamin C’s:.
Our Vitamin C Serum is a highly active but gentle formula that brightens, firms and refines skin texture. It has a 10% concentration of stable Ascorbyl Glucoside plus Kakadu Plum, a natural form of Vitamin C, for added antioxidant power. Think of it as a must-have in your morning routine.
Our pure L-Ascorbic Acid powder is a true multi-tasker. It can be added to your favourite skincare formulas, like our sunscreens, moisturisers or serums. We even formulated it to be compatible with our Retinol Serum. Just add a few shakes of the powder and apply at night to promote even tone and fewer fine lines.
Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser:
Our latest and greatest skin hero is Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser, a hydrating face cream formulated with encapsulated Ascorbyl Glucoside. It’s stable and slow-releasing, so great for those with sensitive skin. Use it alone for an all-in-one antioxidant boost, or pair it with one of the targeted Vitamin C products above. It works morning and evening, as well.
Morning or evening?
Vitamin C is usually tipped as a morning product. We get it, given it offers environmental protection, but there’s no reason why you can’t also incorporate it into your evening routine for extra brightening benefits. And before you ask, you can use it both morning and night. Hello, glow!
How long does Vitamin C take to work?
When it comes to Vitamin C, patience is a virtue. With ongoing use, you should notice visible results in four to six weeks.
Can Vitamin C cause breakouts or irritation?
Lots of people associate Vitamin C with irritation, redness or spots. But this really isn’t the case. As long as you’re using a stable formula, you shouldn’t have any issues. And if you are sensitive, opt for a gentle encapsulated formula like our Vitamin C Ceramide Moisturiser.
Feeling well-versed in all things Vitamin C? Study up on Ceramides next.
