We hear a lot of ingredient names being thrown around when it comes to discussions about skincare and it can be overwhelming to know what you actually need to include in your daily routine. One particularly popular ingredient is vitamin C, so we are looking at the benefits it has for your skin and how you can easily include it in your skincare.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is typically found in citrus fruit and some vegetables. Many people take a vitamin C supplement in the form of a tablet, but it is also a common ingredient in skincare products and can be applied topically.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for your skin?
Vitamin C is thought to have a number of positive effects on the skin if used correctly, which is why it is such a sought-after and popular skincare ingredient.
1. It’s an antioxidant
Vitamin C is an antioxidant which means that it can neutralize free radicals and assist your skin’s natural regeneration process. It protects against environmental stressors, such as pollution, and visibly improves signs of ageing.
2. It can help with hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C can also help with skin hyperpigmentation or discolouration as it has a property that brightens the skin. Studies have shown that vitamin C can inhibit the additional melanin production that is responsible for uneven pigmentation for some people.
3. It promotes collagen production
As vitamin C is an antioxidant, this can also promote the production of collagen, which can help with the appearance of fine lines and overall skin firmness.
4. It can minimise redness
Many people live with skin redness, which can be caused by conditions such as rosacea or eczema, and they may seek ways to minimise this where possible. As vitamin C has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help to calm the appearance of redness.
5. It is suitable for most skin types
Another great thing about Vitamin C is that it is suitable for most skin types including sensitive and reactive skin and can be used by most people on a daily basis!
It is still an active ingredient so if you do have sensitive skin, it can be worth starting with a lower percentage and seeing how this reacts with your skin.
How should you use vitamin C in your skincare routine?
You will likely see vitamin C in a lot of products on the market due to its many benefits so it is easy enough to incorporate this ingredient into your skincare routine, whether it is in the morning or at nighttime.
While you can use it at either time of day, many dermatologists recommend using it in the morning to make the most of the anti-oxidant and shield against pollution and other environmental aggressors.
One thing to keep in mind is that vitamin C is only really thought to be effective for your skin when it is used in high enough concentrations in skin care. This should be at least 10% in your serum or cream, but probably not more than 20% as it is an active ingredient. You can start with a lower percentage to see how your skin reacts and then work up to 20%.
Vitamin c is often found in moisturisers but it also works well in the form of professional-grade serums. You can find the Obagi Professional C serums in our online shop, for example, and they are available with 10%, 15% or 20% vitamin C depending on your needs.
We hope this guide to the benefits of vitamin C for the skin and how to use it has been useful! If you are looking to add some new products to your life, you can shop our full skincare range.
