You know how when you wake up and your face feels so tight that you can't even put on moisturizer? And then you spend the day looking like a dehydrated lizard with dark circles under your eyes and blemishes everywhere? Yeah, us too!
But what if we tell you that fixing those problems could be as easy as adding one more step to your skincare routine? Vitamin C for skincare will be the next big thing in your routine and for good reason.
Keep reading to find out why this ingredient is so crucial for keeping your skin healthy!
What is Vitamin C for skin care routine?
Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a water soluble vitamin that is important for the formation of collagen which can hydrate the skin, prevent wrinkles and fine lines, and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
This substance can be found in many fruits and vegetables, but the highest concentrations are found in orange juice and green peppers *no, this doesn’t mean you can put orange juice on your skin to enjoy all the benefits, don’t even think about it!*
Pros & Cons of using vitamin C in skin products
Pros
- Enhances collagen production, which helps keep our skin looking plump and young.
- Evens out skin tone and lightens dark spots and hyperpigmentation blemishes.
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines *thanks, collagen*
- Fights free radicals by shielding the skin against them
- Reduces inflammation from all sorts of skin problems, including acne, rosacea, and eczema.
Cons
- It can be irritating to the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Vitamin C may cause sunburn if you don’t wear sunscreen.
Ingredient Specifications
Clean
Vitamin C is a clean beauty ingredient that does not contain any harsh chemicals or ingredients. It's safe for all skin types, however, you may want to do a patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Vegan
Vitamin C is a naturally-occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables. It has no animal source or derived ingredients, so it's vegan!
Pregnancy safe
This antioxidant is one of the most basic and important ingredients in any skincare regime. It's safe to use during pregnancy, with no proven harmful effects for women or their little bums
Breastfeeding safe
You can include some Vitamin C into your skincare regime even when breastfeeding, as it's rich in antioxidants and it doesn’t have any harmful effects to you and your baby.
Active ingredient
Vitamin C is an active ingredient in most skincare products. In fact, this powerful antioxidant is one of the more versatile ingredients because not only does it stimulate skin production, but this miracle worker also has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
Comedogenic
No, vitamin c is not comedogenic. In fact, it can actually help to clear up your skin by preventing and reducing blackheads and other blemishes, while improving the appearance of acne scars.
EWG (Environment Working Group) Score - 1
The EWG score for Vitamin C is 1, which means that it's not harmful to your health.
CIR Score - A
Vitamin C has an A rating from the CIR for its cosmetic use, so it's safe to use in skincare products
PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using Vitamin C in your skincare routine
When to use Vitamin C?
Since it's such a strong antioxidant, it's best to use vitamin C during the day, when your skin is more exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays and free radicals. That way you can prevent premature aging signs and dark spots generated by sun exposure.
Important: always wear sunscreen when using vitamin C to avoid sunburns.
What skin type is Vitamin C good for?
Vitamin C is great for all skin types, but it's especially beneficial to those with blemished-prone skin since it can treat acne and hyperpigmentation blemishes.
However, if you have super sensitive skin, try the ingredient every other day at first to check if you experience any irritation.
What can’t you mix with Vitamin C?
- Alpha and beta-hydroxy acids: it is important not to mix vitamin C with other acids, like salicylic, lactic, glycolic acids, as they can make the vitamin C less effective. When used together, the two can cancel each other out and result in little or no benefit.
Top Picks
Best Seller
- VITA-C — Green Tangerine Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum Special Set (4 pieces)
- Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum 50ml
- Vitamin Hyaluronic Acid Vitalizing Toner
$15 and under products with Vitamin C
- Green Tangerine Vita C Dark Spot Serum Mask
- Refresh ABC Daily Toner (AHA BHA Vitamin C)
- Master Lab Real Mask Sheet [Vitamin C] - by TONYMOLY for Skin Brightening
FAQ’s
We know you might be wondering how to use Vitamin C and we're here with all of your answers!
Can I use Vitamin C everyday?
Yes, Vitamin C is essential for your skin because it helps to protect from things like pollution and UV light. We recommend including this vitamin into your skincare regimen every morning, which will keep the antioxidant working its magic all day long!
How do I use vitamin C and niacinamide?
The Best way to use Vitamin C and Niacinamide is by layering. Use the product with Vitamin C first so the skin can absorb its benefit and allow the ingredient to oxidize. Next is to use any skin care product with Niacinamide.
Can you use vitamin C for glowing skin?
Of course. Vitamin C can make your skin glow by reducing pesky blemishes and clearing out your face!
Is vitamin C good for teenage skin?
Vitamin C is completely safe for teenangers and can benefit their skin, especially if they suffer from hyperpigmentation and spend too much time outside. However, it is always better to talk with a dermatologist first!
Tips & Tricks
I bet you’re wondering how to get the best results when using Vitamin C. Well, hope this will help!
To ensure the stability of an ingredient, it's important that they are protected from light and air. Vitamin C products must also have packaging with efficient protection in order for these delicate chemicals to maintain their effectiveness over time.