Vitamin C and Your Skin
Vitamin C—also known as ascorbic acid—is a water soluble vitamin that has antioxidant benefits when applied topically to the skin. It’s considered a must-have skincare ingredient for every skin type because of the multiple benefits it provides when used properly: it protects against UV damage, suppresses pigmentation, preserves the integrity of collagen and elastin fibres and even promotes synthesis of collagen to keep skin looking vibrant.
How do I use vitamin C?
We recommend using vitamin C during the day to take full advantage of the free-radical protection it offers. In general, a serum provides better absorption and easier application; the best way to use it is to apply a few drops of vitamin C serum on freshly cleansed skin every morning, followed by moisturizer and broad spectrum sunscreen. Because vitamin C has a reservoir effect, using it once a day is sufficient as it will have an affect on your skin for up to 24 hours.
How do I store vitamin C?
It’s important to store any vitamin C skincare at room temperature and out of direct sunlight to improve stability, reduce oxidation, and keep your products as effective as possible. Look for formulas that are packaged in dark glass containers or opaque packaging, and ask your dermatologist or look for information on the packaging about how long your product will last once open.
How do I choose the best vitamin C product for my skin?
When incorporating any new ingredient into your skincare routine, we always recommend consulting with an expert who can help you select a product that is effective, and right for you. At Humphrey Cosmetic Dermatology we have carefully curated a small selection of high-quality, evidence-backed products. These products are transparent about their ingredient list, effective in their results and—most importantly—safe to use. Here are a few of the vitamin C products we love and recommend often.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is the gold standard in topical antioxidant therapy. It combines 15% pure vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid to offer advanced environmental protection. It also improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles and loss of firmness, while brightening your complexion. This serum has a light oil texture and is best for normal, dry, or combination skin.
SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
Another serum from SkinCeuticals, Phloretin CF combines 2% Phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C, and 0.5% ferulic acid to diminish the appearance of fine lines, correct discolouration, address loss of firmness, and offer advanced environmental protection. This oil-free serum is best for normal, oily, or combination skin.
SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum
The Alto Defense Serum from SkinBetter Science has a light lotion texture and delivers 19 antioxidant ingredients to neutralize free radicals and protect against oxidative stress. It enhances skin’s vitality and radiance, promotes a more even tone, and reduces the appearance of skin redness.
Vivier Radiance Serum
Viver’s Radiance Serum combines 8% pure vitamin C with arbutin and resorcinol; the serum has a rich light oil texture. Arbutin is a natural alternative to hydroquinone known for its skin-lightening and antioxidant properties, and resorcinol is an effective exfoliant. Together, these ingredients provide antioxidant protection, boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin tone.
Discover more about the benefits of vitamin C — ask us about how it may benefit your unique skin.
