Article Overview
- Over recent years, vitamin C serums have come to be seen as one of the most important elements of an efficacious skincare routine. The increased demand for this ingredient is due to the varied vitamin C serum benefits including antioxidant properties, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and the ability to brighten a dull-looking complexion. However, understanding how this antioxidant works in the skin is important to help you achieve maximal vitamin C anti-ageing, brightening and other benefits.
- This guide to the skin benefits of vitamin C will detail why and how vitamin C works, as well as how to use vitamin C in the most efficacious manner. Keep reading for our expert explanation of the different ways vitamin C supports your complexion, as well as a breakdown of the SkinCeuticals range of serums and gels formulated with pure vitamin C.
WHAT IS VITAMIN C?
In short, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant skincare ingredient. Can you use liquid vitamin C on your face? Definitely. In fact, this ingredient is most commonly found in facial serums, followed by gels and creams. Yes, vitamin C is essentially the same substance you can get from dietary sources such as oranges, however ingestion has limited skin benefits when compared to applying topical vitamin C. This ingredient is suitable for most skin types and best used in the morning. There are several ingredients including vitamin E and ferulic acid which can have complementary benefits when used with vitamin C.
WHY IS VITAMIN C GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN?
When it comes to vitamin C serum for the face, benefits depend on the different types of vitamin C for skin in each formulation. At SkinCeuticals, we use L-ascorbic acid. This is the most pure and potent form of vitamin C, so we’ll focus on L-ascorbic acid when answering the question of ‘What does vitamin C help with?
For those who are wondering ‘what are antioxidants and free radicals?’, an overview is that free radicals are unstable, reactive molecules that can cause oxidative stress which can lead to signs of premature ageing. Your skin is confronted with free radicals every day from sources including ultraviolet radiation, infrared radiation and pollution, but antioxidants can neutralise free radicals by lending them an electron, minimising their potential effects.
ANTI-AGEING
Vitamin C’s powerful anti-ageing benefits are associated with another of its properties beyond antioxidant protection. The benefits of vitamin C for wrinkles and fine lines exist because this ingredient also helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep your skin plump and elastic. Production of both these proteins declines with age, however applying highly acidic vitamin C triggers the skin’s natural renewal process, resulting in firmer looking skin and a visible reduction in wrinkles.
DULL SKIN
The benefits of vitamin C for dull skin are well-known, whether that means addressing uneven skin tone or pigmentation. Vitamin C helps reduce the production of melanin so skin looks brighter and more even.
SKIN BRIGHTENING
Vitamin C can also help with existing skin discolouration and acne-prone skin scarring. Whether you’re using vitamin C for acne scars or vitamin C for skin brightening overall, this ingredient’s qualities work in conjunction to illuminate your complexion.
DISCOVER SKINCEUTICALS VITAMIN C OFFERINGS
We’ve created a varied range of vitamin C serums and gels to suite different skin types and concerns, as detailed below. No matter which product you choose, we recommend using your vitamin C in conjunction with our Resveratrol B E Antioxidant Night Serum to help achieve optimal visible benefits.
C E FERULIC VITAMIN C SERUM
Our in-demand C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum is defined by the combination of vitamin C, vitamin E and Ferulic acid. These ingredients form a potent trio of antioxidant protection to protect against premature ageing.
SILYMARIN CF VITAMIN C SERUM FOR OILY SKIN
Our Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum for Oily Skin is ideal for those with oily skin and those prone to blemishes. This formula targets skin clarity and radiance at the same time.
PHLORETIN CF VITAMIN C SERUM
Suitable for normal, oily and combination skin types, our Phloretin CF Vitamin C Serum is a powerful formula addressing the visible signs of premature skin ageing. Phloretin is a flavonoid which also has antioxidant properties.
PHLORETIN CF VITAMIN C GEL SERUM
Formulated with unique antioxidant technology, our lightweight Phloretin CF Vitamin C Gel Serum is suitable for oily skin and use post-shaving. Our research shows that combining specific antioxidants is more beneficial than each antioxidant alone, which informed the development of this multi-antioxidant gel serum.
SERUM 10 AOX VITAMIN C SERUM FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
We formulated this vitamin C serum with sensitive skin in mind, as well as those new to this ingredient. Our Serum 10 AOX Vitamin C Serum for Sensitive Skin helps promote healthy-looking skin while being formulated for sensitive skin types.
ANTIOXIDANT AOX VITAMIN C EYE GEL
Vitamin C can be particularly useful to apply on and around dark under eye circles, which is why we created our Antioxidant AOX Vitamin C Eye Gel. This gel brightens the eye area while also targeting wrinkles.
Now that you’re fully educated about the skin benefits of l-ascorbic acid, learn more by reading our guide to When & How to Use Vitamin C?
Next: Which antioxidant serum is right for you?