Why you should add Vitamin C to your beauty regime
Last Updated: 02/09/24
When it comes to vitamins, vitamin C is probably the one we are all most familiar with, having being told since childhood that you can find it in oranges and that it's good for the immune system. Also now a hugely popular skincare ingredient, vitamin C offers a wide variety of benefits when applied topically (although we still recommend eating your 5 a day).
- It's a powerhouse of antioxidants. Vitamin C contains antioxidants that have been proven to help fight cancer, and protect against damage and free radicals.
- It encourages collagen production, the protein in skin that keeps it looking plump, young and wrinkle free.
- It protects against environmental aggressors.
- It keeps skin looking glowing and awake helps even out the skin tone by reducing pigmentation, a key cause of dark spots.
- It helps maintain a bright and glowy complexion!
We've put together a list of the best vitamin C enriched products for all key skincare concerns.
Best for brightening
Designed to not only brighten but also help prevent skin ageing, the Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum helps reduce oxidative stress, dark spots and dullness to give you a brighter, balanced complexion. The formula helps with all major concerns including firming, dark spots from both ageing and sun damage and contributes to the overall health and hydration of the skin. The serum uses glycolic acid, an exfoliant to gently remove the top layer of dead skin to allow the reparative vitamin C to reach the healthy skin below. Free from any fragrance, the serum won't irritate the skin and is suitable for all skin types.
Best for the under eyes
The under eye area is one of the most vulnerable to darkening and looking a little lacklustre when we're tired and can be host to a number of different shades and colours from small veins underneath the skin. Being the most delicate area of skin on our bodies and 10 times thinner than the skin on the rest of our face, it is prone to dryness and premature ageing, therefore it's important to use a product specifically for under eyes. The Dermalogica Biolumin C Eye Serum helps to target common concerns such as fine lines and dark shadows, that can form as a result of anything from a lack of sleep to continued eye movement or even staring at a screen for too long, without irritating the delicate skin around the eyes. Too much vitamin C may irritate the skin and create an unstable formula, Dermalogica have created an ultra-stable form of Vitamin C that delivers deep into the layers of the skin without irritation to firm, hydrate and brighten.
An added touch of luxury on top of your glowing base, the Murad Vita C Eyes Dark Circle Corrector is infused with gold as well as a healthy dose of the powerful vitamin C to brighten the under eye area and banish any uneven tones in as little as two weeks. The correcting treatment helps to improve uneven skin tone, whether purple, red or brown for a look that appears more radiant and energised. The formula also contains both red and brown algae which work to reduce puffiness and calm any redness for a smoother, even complexion, whilst light-reflecting micro-minerals mask dark areas.
Best to wake up the skin
PIXI is our go to for brightening and waking up the skin. Their Vitamin C Sheet Mask contains caffeine extract to help awaken, firm and reduce puffiness. The energising mask is covered in the active serum that contours perfectly to the face, supplying the whole complexion with the nutrient rich ingredients. Perfect for a quick skin pick me up before a video meeting or supermarket run alongside your morning coffee! Simply leave the mask to soak into the skin for 20 minutes, remove and massage the excess serum into the face and neck.
Best for sun protection
This multi-purpose formula works as both a moisturiser and a makeup primer, while delivering SPF 50+ defence against harmful UVA, UVB and long UVA rays. The Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV Brightening Fluid Invisible SPF 50+ is lightweight and breathable, boosting the skin's clarity, radiance and give you a natural-looking, healthy glow. Save time in your beauty routine with this one-piece wonder that will help you achieve complexion perfection.
Best for correcting skin tone
This concentrated brightening treatment by Triology will transform your skin in just two weeks, working to even out the skin tone and reduce the appearance of marks and discolouration using pure, active Vitamin C Powder. The Anti-oxidant rich formula not only enhances your skins natural luminosity but also contains hyaluronic acid to keep your complexion moisturised, promoting a naturally healthier visage. Expect to see a revitalised and consistent tone across your face after use.
Best for tanning
Specifically formulated for the face, the Vitamins Face Serum by tanning brand St. Tropez is designed to give the skin all of its daily hydration and nourishment with an added sun kissed glow. The serum uses kind-to-skin ingredients, such as green mandarin and hyaluronic acid to help achieve a naturally fuller, healthy complexion, whilst adding a subtle bronzed effect that develops over 4-8 hours to enhance your natural skin tone.
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.