What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin C For Your Skin?
Last Updated: 02/09/24
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with numerous benefits for our skin, therefore it is no wonder that skincare enthusiasts swear by serums, moisturisers and cleansers that are inclusive of this hero ingredient.
Did you know that with the right product, you will notice a difference within just one month of using Vitamin C daily? We’ve previously taken a deep dive into how Vitamin C works and here we’ve enlisted the expertise of dermatologist, Monica Bang to help you understand the benefits of Vitamin C for your skin.
The Benefits Of Using Vitamin C On Your Skin
There are so many desired benefits of using products containing Vitamin C. Firstly, it restores environmental damaging effects on the skin. Pollution, UV rays, and stress all cause an oxidative response on your skin cells, this will eventually cause the breakdown of collagen and elastin faster, therefore creating more visible wrinkles, loose skin and uneven skin tone.
How Does Vitamin C Affect Your Skin?
Even though vitamin C is highly touted as a must-have in skincare, Vitamin C can be irritating for sensitive skin. The main reason is it is unstable and requires to be mixed in an acidic solution to keep it fresh. Go slow and test spot if you are sensitive to using new products.
How to do a skin test with Vitamin C
- Place a small amount of vitamin C on a bandage.
- Apply it to the side of your face, near your hairline.
- Leave it for 24 hours.
- Remove the bandage and wait to see (2 days) if you get a reaction.
- Redness, swelling and pain are some signs of irritation. If you tolerate it well, then Monica recommends starting in your mid-20s and pairing it with nightly retinol.
How To Use Vitamin C Skincare
Vitamin C comes in many different formulas including creams, lotions, serums in concentrations of 10%, 15%, 20%. Any less or more than this range isn't effective or necessary.
If you have sensitive skin, Monica suggests starting with 10% and working your way up. Monica applies it to a clean face in the mornings and follows up with SPF…. tons of SPF! Use 5 drops for your whole face and 5 drops for your neck. Using too little or too much will be wasting your time and product.
Since serums evaporate quickly it’s more likely to have uneven distribution when rubbing the product in. Instead, try dropping some product into your hands, gently rub them together and pat both hands simultaneously into the skin.
How To Choose A Vitamin C Skincare Product
1. Do you have sensitive skin?
Start with 10%, every other day for 2 weeks. If your skin loves it, then titrate upward every day. After 6 months, you can try 15% every other day and so forth.
2. Opaque packaging
Light, air, and heat can cause your product to degrade faster. Make sure your bottle is dark or opaque to block out light. Store your vitamin C in a cool, dark place to maximize the life of your product.
3. Formula
Serums will be most potent, then lotion, then cream. For normal skin, Monica recommends serums, like Skinceuticals VitaCE serum. Try using it for at least 4 weeks to notice any skin changes.
4. Price point
There are so many great products at all price points. No skincare product needs to break the bank. Some of Monica’s favourites covering a range of prices include Vichy, Skinceuticals and more.
Which Is The Best Vitamin C Skincare?
● Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial ● REN Clean Skincare Glow & Protect Serum ● Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque ● Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturiser ● Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Pads ●SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum ● Medik8 C-Tetra Serum ● Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum
Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
This is the ultimate complexion enhancer, promoting a smoother, more revitalised skin texture. This formula is inclusive of stabilised Vitamin C which boasts 55% more antioxidant goodness than traditional forms of Vitamin C. Our customers say this Murad skincare leaves their skin looking clean, refreshed, hydrated, smooth and glowing.
Key Features ● Suitable for normal, oily, combination and dry skin types.
12
£88.00
REN Clean Skincare Glow & Protect Serum
Become a glow getter with this powerful combination of Vitamin C and mineral-rich Dragon Fruit. This hydrating serum promotes a more radiant, even-toned complexion. Working to defend against environmental aggressors and support a healthy microbiome, our customers have noted their skin looks more glowy after using this product.
Key Features ● Suitable for all skin types. ● Formulated with natural sources of Vitamin C.
29
RRP: £50.00Current price: £35.00
Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque
Powered by antioxidant vitamins, specially formulated for prematurely ageing skin, this unique blend of vitamins A, C, E and F, repairs and restores damaged skin. Oat kernel is also included in the formulation and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Our customers report brighter and smoother skin after using this masque.
Key Features ● Formulated with vitamins A, C, E and F
49
£65.00
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturiser
This powerful moisturiser includes retinol as well as pure Vitamin C to brighten and revitalise dull skin making it appear smoother and more perfected. Wild gooseberry extract shields the skin from damaging free radicans that can cause premature ageing while soothing any sensitivity to retinol or vitamin C.
Key Features ● Contains retinol. ● Ideal for ageing skin.
9
£86.00
Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Pads
A pack of brightening cleansing pads saturated in a radiance-enhancing solution to intensely hydrate and illuminate your complexion, offering an instantly more youthful appearance. These pads effectively quenches skin while a 1% dose of fruit AHAs and a blend of brightening vitamin C promotes a brighter, fresher and illuminated complexion.
Key Features ● Great for moisturising and renewing the skin.
37
£49.00
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
Even out your skin tone and brighten your complexion with this serum formulated with an antioxidant blend of vitamins C, E and ferulic acid. Helping to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this potent serum helps to make you look more youthful. Our customers report refreshed, hydrated skin after use.
Key Features ● Gentle enough to be used on dry or sensitive skin.
61
£165.00
Medik8 C-Tetra Serum
If you’re looking for a serum that helps target the signs of ageing, this lightweight formula is fortified with stable Vitamin C and Vitamin E, to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Your skin will also be shielded from the damaging effects of pollution and environmental aggressors. Our customers have reported how this serum is easy to apply and leaves skin glowing.
Key Features ● Cruelty-free. Vegan friendly. ● Alcohol, parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrance.
529
£39.00
Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum
Combining Vitamin C and Ceramides, this powerful, hydrating serum creates a protective barrier over the skin to seal in nourishment and minimise moisture loss, helping to maintain a smoother, brighter visage.
Key Features ● Contains ceramides. ● No added fragrance.
8
RRP: £80.00Current price: £60.00
SHOP ALL VITAMIN C SERUMS
From a young age I’ve been immersed in the beauty industry, getting my first job at a skin clinic and staying there for almost 5 years. My love for skincare was born from the constant exposure to new French pharma skincare products, award-winning supplements and revolutionary techniques to snatch your face. My go-to look is a dewy, natural base using a tinted moisturiser, enhanced by a colourful eyeliner. The Garnier SPF50+ Face Fluid and YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer are my holy grails.
