As the winter months come to an end, many of us seek ways to improve our skin’s appearance and address issues like dark spots and scars. Vitamin C has gained popularity as one of the most sought-after skincare ingredients, promising to brighten complexions, boost collagen production, and address concerns such as uneven tone, fine lines, and pigmentation. For those with melanin-rich skin prone to hyperpigmentation, vitamin C can be particularly effective. Personally, as someone who craves immediate results, I have found vitamin C to be a game-changer in my skincare routine. Within just a few weeks of using it, my skin appeared brighter and smoother, with some people even mistaking it for foundation.
Consulting with dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto, I learned that Vitamin C is most effective in serum form due to better skin penetration. When selecting a vitamin C product, opt for stabilised forms like L-ascorbic acid, with an optimal concentration ranging between 10-20% to minimize irritation. While higher concentrations may offer additional benefits, they can also be harsh on the skin. Vitamin C is known to be delicate and susceptible to degradation when exposed to light, so it is essential to store it in opaque or dark-coloured bottles away from direct sunlight. Additionally, paying attention to the expiry date is crucial, as degraded vitamin C appears brown and loses its efficacy.
While vitamin C can be paired with ingredients like hydrating vitamin E, caution is advised when incorporating exfoliating acids such as AHAs and BHAs, as they may increase skin sensitivity. Dr. Anjali recommends using vitamin C in the morning and acids in the evening, once or twice a week, to prevent overwhelming the skin. For individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea, starting with a lower vitamin C concentration and gradually increasing usage is recommended. If irritation occurs, reducing the concentration or diluting it with a moisturizer can help alleviate the skin’s response.
Several vitamin C products have garnered attention for their efficacy and innovative formulations. Paula’s Choice Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum contains a potent 25% vitamin C concentration, targeting stubborn discoloration and sun damage without causing irritation. Revision Skincare C+ Brightening Eye Complex, formulated with 10% vitamin C, tackles puffiness and dark under-eye circles, offering impressive clinical results. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, a stable form of 15% L-ascorbic acid combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid, serves as a powerful skin protector against aging free radicals from the sun and pollution.
Beauty Collective member Melanie Macleod praises Skinceuticals C E Ferulic as her favorite vitamin C product, citing ease of integration into her skincare routine and minimal irritation. The Voya Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum, with a gentle 4% concentration, is recommended for those new to vitamin C, containing orange oil and seaweed for an anti-inflammatory and complexion-boosting formula. Each of these products offers unique benefits and caters to various skincare needs, showcasing the versatility and impact of vitamin C in skincare routines.
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