We all know Vitamin C is important for us – but did you know it’s not just your blood, muscles, bones, and mood that benefits from the nutrient, it’s important for your skin, too.
Time for a science lesson: Alongside the other benefits, vitamin C is beneficial in keeping your skin looking healthier and younger as it helps to produce collagen in the body. Applying skincare products with added vitamin C has been shown to accelerate the production of collagen and elastin which keeps the skin looking as young and firm as possible. Some researchers have even gone as far as saying that when it comes to keeping your skin healthy, it’s arguably more beneficial to absorb via a skincare product than consuming via fruit or vegetables.
How to include vitamin C products into your skincare routine
To get the most of your vitamin C products, it is recommended to include a serum (or similar) product as part of your daily skincare routine. This often looks like…
Cleanse
This is essential to remove all existing make-up and built-up products on your face, allowing your other products to work properly. It also encourages skin hydration and build-up of excess oils.
Tone
Toners help to refresh and balance the skins pH levels which in turn can help your skin to build-up less oils. This generally helps prepare the skin from causing over dryness, enabling your serums and moisturiser to work effectively.
Serum
Adding a Vitamin C serum here will absorb into the skin after cleansing and toning. When applying a serum, its important to pat it gently into the skin rather than massaging it – this will allow it to seep in as intended. Remember, a little goes a long way, so only use a pea-sized amount for small areas (such as under the eyes) and slightly more for the entire face.
Moisturise
The last part of an effective skincare routine is moisturiser. Gently massage it into the skin using your fingertips starting at the nose outwards to your ears, forehead to temples and chin to jawline.
This tried and tested method makes all the difference by removing dirt and excess oils and allowing your vitamin C serum to absorb into the skin before adding a moisturising barrier on top.
Types of Vitamin C serums
There are loads of different types of vitamin C-packed skincare products available, some of the most popular include Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Calcium Ascorbate and Ascorbyl Palmitate which all have different benefits. The best product to absorb vitamin C for you will heavily depend on your personal skin type and need.
Some of our favourite vitamin C products
If you’re looking for radiant skin and added protection against sun damage, pollution and environmental damage, look no further than some of our top vitamin C picks…
REN Clean Skincare Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream 50ml
REN’s stabilised Vitamin C complex helps restore radiance, visibly reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and revive dull-looking skin. The lightweight product smells clean and fresh and is best used morning and night-time massaged into the face and neck.
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum 30ml
A hydrating, brightening and smoothing serum that helps to promote the look of a brighter and balanced skin tone. La Roche-Posay have created a lightweight face serum that is suitable for sensitive skin. Use in the morning on face and neck for best results.
Garnier 3.5% Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Brightening and Anti Dark Spot Serum 30ml
Garnier’s serum is one of the more cost-effective options. This radiance-boosting serum helps to refresh and replenish your skin, for a healthy looking complexion. Featuring 3.5% vitamin C, it works to reduce the appearance of dark spots while helping illuminate your skin. Best when applied every morning.
PIXI Vitamin-C Tonic 100ml
Vitamin C can be added in toner-form too. This PIXI Vitamin C Tonic is fast-absorbing and helps to promote healthy collagen synthesis to give your skin a lit-from-within glow. As with any other toner, use it daily after cleansing.
It is always recommended to do a patch test of any new skincare before fully introducing it into your routine. A lower concentration formulation should ideally be used initially to check it’s suitable for your skin type.
