Loading

Vitamin C is used topically to treat skin concerns such as dullness, loss of firmness and pigmentation. It is effective in brightening and firming the skin, as well as assisting to even the skin tone and to reduce pigmentation. It also strengthens collagen and smooths skin’s texture.

Vitamin C is an unstable compound and becomes ineffective when exposed to UV light, which is why when you purchase Vitamin C serums you might notice that most are kept in dark packaging such as darkened glass bottles. When storing your Vitamin C serum keep it out of sunlight in your bathroom. It is best stored in a draw.

How It Works

As an antioxidant with some anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C is able to help protect against free radicals. As a melanin inhibitor, it brightens hyperpigmentation and improves the look of skin over time.

Vitamin C offers both uva & uvb protection:

Vitamin C, the most plentiful antioxidant in human skin, forms a part of the complex group of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants that co-exist to protect the skin from reactive oxygen species (ROS). 

 Vitamin C protects the skin from oxidative stress by sequentially donating electrons to neutralise the free radicals. Exposure to UV light reduces the availability of Vitamin C in the skin. Antioxidants are necessary for neutralizing the ROS formed due to UV exposure.

Vitamin C is equally effective against both UVA and UVB exposure.

Sunscreens block only about half of the free radicals produced by UV exposure. It is important to combine topical Vit C with sunscreen. Vitamin C does not absorb UV light but exerts an UV-protective effect by neutralising free radicals, while this effect is not seen with sunscreens. Although Vitamin C alone can provide photo protection, it works best in conjunction with Vitamin E.

When To Use Vitamin C

Vitamin C has what is called a reservoir effect on the skin against UV exposure. Once Vitamin C is applied it cannot be fully washed off the skin. This is why it is best to use Vitamin C in the morning to protect against UV exposure. For the best protection use and SPF every day as you do not want the pigmentation that you are trying to target returning.

As with all active skin care the most potent form and the best product to invest in is a serum. There are moisturisers that contain Vitamin C but they are not as potent as a serum. 

Which Form of Vitamin C is the Most Effective

Vitamin C comes in mainly water soluble solutions. If it is a fat soluble Vitamin C it will resemble more of a cream texture rather than serum and is known as an ester. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) is the most stable and preferred ascorbyl ester. I personally find esters can be very drying, particularly when used daily. I would recommend trying samples to see which form of Vitamin C your skin tolerates without irritation.

Returning to serums which are water soluble forms of Vitamin C (the most common being ascorbic acid) and therefore can be unstable, try to find  a Vitamin C that contains ingredients that both increase stability and effectiveness such as Vitamin E, glutathione, and liquorice root extract.

About Author

Jaimie

I am a former published International glamour model whose career in modelling has allowed me to work closely with dermatologists, dermal clinicians and make-up artists. After retiring from modelling I worked in the skin care industry as a skincare consultant and this work evoked a real passion to help other people look and feel their best and understand their skincare needs. This role also involved travelling internationally to meet with industry experts and niche brands that I grew to really love. During my modelling career in particular, I was frustrated by having a combination/oily skin type that made it difficult to get through photoshoots without having make-up wearing off and developing a shiny forehead and nose. I battled problematic skin during this time with breakouts and dehydration and tried everything from skincare and treatments recommended by dermatologists, to skin care that I found in cosmetic stores. During my career working as a skincare consultant I tried a colossal amount of products myself, listened to feedback from my customers and finally discovered not only a solution to my own skincare concerns but a philosophy about skincare which I am passionate to share with you. My aim is to share this knowledge and demystify skincare for my readers and share my simple, common sense approach to making your skin work for you

Related posts

3 Best Vitamin A Retinol Serums

Vitamin AA potent derivative of vitamin A, this is a cell-communicating ingredient (and antioxidant) which instructs damaged skin cells t... or retinolA potent derivative of vitamin A, this is a cell-communicating ingredient (and antioxidant) which instructs damaged skin cells t... is known as the best anti-ageing ingredient in skincare....

Continue Reading

Leave a comment