Article Overview
- Vitamin C has increasingly become a popular skincare ingredient, boasting a number of skin benefits including protecting against free radicals, promoting collagen production and supporting smoother, brighter skin. But with its popularity comes a lot of misinformation. So, we’ve debunked 11 of the most common vitamin C to ensure you’re more informed about your skincare decisions.
Myth: You should only use vitamin C during the day
You can use vitamin C in your morning routine and your evening routine. Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection which is particularly beneficial in the morning before the skin is exposed to environmental aggressors, but it can also be used at night to support the skin’s natural cell renewal cycle.
Myth: Higher concentrations of Vitamin C are always better
Higher concentrations will be more effective, but too high a vitamin C concentration can cause irritation, especially in sensitive skin. A concentration of 10-20% is generally considered the ideal.
Myth: Vitamin C makes your skin more sensitive to the sun
Vitamin C won’t increase sensitivity to the sun. Using vitamin C with your daily sunscreen can actually enhance UV protection by neutralising free radicals in the environment. Always pair vitamin C with a daily high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen for optimal UV protection.
Myth: Vitamin C works instantly
Vitamin C provides immediate antioxidant protection, but visible skin benefits won’t appear instantly. Consistent use over several weeks or months is necessary to see significant improvements in skin tone and texture.
Myth: All vitamin C treatments are equal
Not all vitamin C formulas are the same! The type of vitamin C, the pH level and the concentration varies from formula to formula, and this plays a major role in the efficacy of the product. It’s important to choose a science-backed vitamin C product, with a concentration between 10-20%.
Myth: Sensitive skin types can’t use vitamin C
While some highly concentrated vitamin C formulas are too irritating on sensitive skin, there are several vitamin C serums for sensitive skin. Skin prone to irritation should opt for a vitamin C product at a lower concentration.
Myth: Vitamin C permanently stains the skin
If vitamin C has been oxidised (it’s been exposed to light and air) it will turn are dark brown colour, which, when applied can temporarily discolour the skin. While it’s important to use a stable form of vitamin C, the ingredient will not permanently stain the skin.
Myth: Vitamin C loses its potency quickly
If vitamin C is improperly stored or packaged, exposed to light and air, it can increase the chance of the formula oxidising which affects its potency. But the right formula and packaging will keep vitamin C potent for up to 6 months after opening.
Myth: Ingesting vitamin C provides the same skin benefits as topical vitamin C
While supplementing vitamin C into your diet can be beneficial, ingesting vitamin C doesn’t provide the skin with the same antioxidant protection as a topical vitamin C. This is because it isn’t absorbed directly into the skin.
Myth: Vitamin C can’t be used with other active ingredients
There are many active ingredients that complement vitamin c and enhance its skin benefits. Some active ingredients to be careful of include highly concentrated exfoliating formulas and retinol. If you use retinol, it’s best to alternate between the two ingredients, using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
Myth: Skin becomes more resistant to vitamin C over time
You don’t need to worry about your skin becoming resistant to vitamin C with time. Vitamin C benefits for skin will continue for as long as you use it, and consistent use is actually necessary for visible skin benefits.
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