The Power of the C

Let’s talk about the C word but not the C you’re thinking of...

The Benefits of Vitamin C

As the biggest organ of our bodies it’s important that we look after our skin in the same way we would our diets and mental health. We all know the benefits for our immune system and our bodies of eating our fruit and veg and that’s because it boosts our vitamin C intake which helps to ward off illness and help the body maintain the proper functioning. The same goes for our skin.

Vitamin C has long been hailed as one of the greatest players of skincare because it has so many benefits and is possibly the most potent topical antioxidant we can use;

It can help to brighten the complexion by targeting hyperpigmentation.
As an antioxidant it protects the skin from free radicals which can cause irritation, premature ageing and inflammation.
It can support the skin’s healing process by making blemishes less visible.
It is crucial for collagen synthesis to improve suppleness of the skin and make it appear more plump.

Need I go on?

So what do we look for on the label to know it’s vitamin C?

There are a variety of forms of vitamin C some of which you may already be using in your beauty products. Ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbic phosphate, ascorbic palmitate, retinyl ascorbate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbic phosphate are all derivatives of vitamin C which have been stabilised for the purpose of skincare.

Molecules which make up vitamin C are overall unstable, meaning that they can easily break down and oxidise which can result in a loss of efficacy so they need to be kept away from light and exposure to the air. If you notice the product you’re using has turned brown, then put it down! That’s not a good sign, and certainly won’t do your skin any good.

It’s thought the most effective form of Vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid as it’s been well researched and can consistently penetrate the skin’s barrier. To make this ingredient even better it can be used alongside vitamin E or other antioxidants for a double whammy of goodness.

Vitamin C and your skincare routine

Our skin is exposed daily to environmental stresses which cause strain on the skin’s barrier and one of the most incredible things we can do for our skin is to protect it.
If you’re new to vitamin C then start with using it 3 times a week then move to daily use as your skin adjusts. The pH level of your skin must also be considered so look for products with a pH of 3.5 if you have normal skin and higher if you have sensitive skin as this will ensure you do not suffer with irritation and the vitamin is absorbed well.

According to dermatologists a serum is the most effective vehicle to deliver the vitamin C where we need it, with smaller molecules the serum is able to penetrate the lower layers of the skin and work its magic. A serum is lightweight and can contain other ingredients such as peptides and hyaluronic acid which also provide a boost of nutrients deep in the skin.

So in conclusion, who’s with me? When a topical ingredient such as vitamin C is backed by science, I’m sold!

You can read more about the trials of topical vitamin C application here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
It’s pretty heavy going but fascinating!

Our award-winning Revive Face Oil contains Rosehip Oil which is packed full of Vitamin C.