Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid is a nutrient and antioxidant with many benefits for skin, hair and body functions including the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C can be synthetically derived or naturally occurring in citrus fruits and is scientifically proven to repair and build skin tissue. In particular this antioxidant is known for its ability to target and improve the visible signs of ageing, including wrinkles, laxity and discolouration. This water soluble molecule can neutralise free radicals, helping prevent against the damage free radicals cause, and also fight against oxidative stress. Unlike other vitamins, Vitamin C is not naturally occurring in the human body, meaning it must be acquired through external sources, including food, supplements, and topical applications, such as a vitamin c serum.

Free radicals are unstable molecules with unpaired electrons, that are produced in skin from environmental factors such as UV radiation, environmental pollution, and cigarette smoke. Once produced within the skin, they cause damage by robbing other, healthy cells of electrons, causing damage and oxidative stress. As this damage is caused over time, free radicals can result in increased fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and skin laxity - as discussed in the free radical theory of ageing (FRTA). Vitamin C work both inside and outside cells by providing electrons to these free radicals, neutralising their ability to cause further damage to healthy cells.

Vitamin C can be highly beneficial in improving the appearance of skin with properties that brighten and firm the complexion. Pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) has potent antioxidant properties in skin making it a vital molecule for skin health and appearance. Vitamin C, like other antioxidants, protects skin from damaging free radicals caused by sunlight, cigarette smoke, and other environmental pollution, to improve the appearance of premature ageing and help protect against further damage to skin.

Vitamin C is a highly effective and scientifically proven to reduce premature fine lines and wrinkles, and other first signs of ageing. Wrinkles usually develop as a result of either intrinsic causes, such as the body's natural ageing process, and genetics, or from extrinsic causes related to outdoor exposure. Antioxidant-rich vitamin C fights against damage that may be caused by excessive sun exposure from UV rays, pollution or infrared. Studies show that daily use of a vitamin C serum can help protect skin against environmental aggressors by neutralising damaging free radicals that would otherwise harm the skin’s collagen and elastin. Damage to these key proteins results in visible signs of ageing including fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and loss of firmness.

Research reports that ozone exposure can also have negative effects on the skin - as ozone pollution has steadily increased over the last 30 years, daily application of a vitamin C serum is an essential step¹. For the most complete protection, always follow your morning application of vitamin C serum with a broad spectrum sunscreen.

View the complete range of SkinCeuticals Anti-Ageing Products that target fine lines and wrinkles or explore the ideal anti-ageing skincare routine for mature skin.

¹Valacchi, G.; Pecorelli, A.; Belmonte, G.; Pambianchi, E.; Cervellati, F.; Lynch, S.; Krol, Y.; Oresajo, C. 2017. Protective Effects of Topical Vitamin C Compound Mixtures against Ozone-Induced Damage in Human Skin. J. Investig. Dermatol. 137, 1373–1375.

The efficacy of a Vitamin C antioxidant serum is largely based on whether what form of vitamin C the formula includes, and the potency. All SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums are effectively formulated to deliver results with concentrations of pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) at 10% to 20%. SkinCeuticals founding scientist, Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, has been credited as being the first to discover the exact formula specifications that are necessary in order to receive optimal Vitamin C absorption into the human body. This is dependent on three factors, known as the Duke Antioxidant patent: the use of pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), formulated at an acidic pH (below 3.5), and in a concentration between 10 and 20 percent. SkinCeuticals to date remains the only skincare brand to formulate in a way that adheres to the confines of these parameters.

The difference between pure vitamin C and vitamin C derivatives is how effective they are when used in topical application. Vitamin C has increasingly become available in different forms, however, studies have identified one form that is most effectively absorbed - l-ascorbic acid. L-ascorbic acid is Vitamin C in its pure form. In clinical studies, derivatives of ascorbic acids (including magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl-6-palmitate, and dehydroascorbic acid) were not shown as effective when applied topically, as they do not provide the full benefits of the pure form of vitamin C. All SkinCeuticals antioxidants are formulated with pure l-ascorbic acid in accordance with the Duke Antioxidant patent to ensure that our customers are receiving only the highest quality skin care products with proven efficacy.

SkinCeuticals have formulated a wide selection of Vitamin C serums for different skin types and skin concerns. The range of vitamin c serums are designed for oily, combination, dry, normal, and sensitive skin and for specific ageing concerns such as wrinkles, discoloration, and blemishes. It is important to know the difference between each unique serum, and to select the one that is going to be most effective and beneficial for your specific skin needs. if you require a consultation on which one you need, please visit your nearest SkinCeuticals skincare professional. Important elements to look out for include; the formulation process of the vitamin C, as some vitamin c products contain other corrective ingredients that perform multiple functions, and therefore as a result may hinder its ability to revitalise the skin.

The optimal time to apply the Vitamin C serum is generally in the morning, following cleansing and toning. Apply 4-5 drops of your SkinCeuticals antioxidant to the palms of the hands. Gently press the serum to dry, clean skin, following with a facial massage in gentle circular motions moving towards the outside of the face until all product is fully absorbed into your skin. Carry application down your neck and top of your décolletage, so these areas are also prone to sun damage and show signs of ageing. Apply residue to the backs of your hands. It is important to remember that for optimal use and efficacy of the Vitamin C serum, it is highly recommended to follow application with a SkinCeuticals broad spectrum sunscreen for further protection against sun damage.

Oral ingestion of Vitamin C supplements is widely considered to have beneficial effects for overall health, however, there is limited proof that this increased vitamin c results in improved levels in the skin. When Vitamin C is ingested it is then distributed into the gut, which is then followed by the remaining tissues throughout the body. Therefore, the Vitamin C isn't reaching the skin, the body's outermost organ, until after the digestive process is complete, diluting the amount of vitamin C available and reducing the benefit overall as there is only a minimal amount left for absorption into the skin. Topical vitamin C serum formulated using pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) is preferred in dermatology as effective levels of vitamin C are delivered immediately to the required area.

Yes, a vitamin c serum is generally suitable to use daily. A vitamin c serum will deliver best results with regular use and is generally applied between 1-2 times per day as part of your morning and evening skin care routine, depending on your skin's specific needs. Keep in mind however, if the face serum begins to darken or change colour in any way, it may suggest that the serum has oxidised. In this case, it is still perfectly safe to use, however the serum's potency will have reduced and therefore the effect won't be as evident. If you see any signs of irritation with increased use, decrease frequency or use of product.

Vitamin C helps to inhibit the production of the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps prevent excess melanin production. This mean that the serum will help lighten any visible signs of hyperpigmentation and brown spots that are result of sun exposure, or post-blemish scarring, resulting in a more even complexion. We recommend the use of SkinCeuticals C E FERULIC® and PHLORETIN CF®.