What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is potent antioxidant can help protect the skin from daily environmental aggressors and target skin concerns such as uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and fine lines. It fights inflammation and helps fade hyperpigmentation, so skin appears more luminous and even.
Vitamin C is available in various forms, many of which are widely used in skincare products. Understanding more about the most widely used forms of vitamin C can help you to select the products that are best suited to address your skincare concerns.
Benefits of vitamin C
1. Defends against environmental stressors
As an antioxidant, vitamin C can help shield the skin from sun damage and other external aggressors while working to repair damage from sun exposure.
2. Reduces visible signs of ageing
Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, which helps to strengthen the dermis and make skin feel smoother and plumper, thus reducing the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Fades hyperpigmentation
By disrupting the production of melanin, vitamin C helps to fade age spots and hyperpigmentation. It is mildly exfoliating and helps expedite skin cell renewal to reveal a brighter and more even complexion.
Most commonly used types of vitamin C
1. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable, water-soluble form of vitamin C. Upon application, it is converted into ascorbic acid, which is less irritating, making this an ideal form of vitamin C for sensitive skin. Bestselling Facetheory products formulated with sodium ascorbyl phosphate include: Vitamin C Cream Cleanser C1, Exaglow Serum S10, Regenacalm Serum S1, Bakuluronic Moisturiser M1, Regena-C Moisturiser M4, Amil-C Whip M5, Relaxing Night Cream M10, Ocuwake Eye Cream EYE1, Cera-C Pore Reducing Toner T1 and Colloidal-C Anti-Redness Toner T3.
2. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Ethyl ascorbic acid is one of the most stable forms of vitamin C and is soluble in both water and oil, which allows it to penetrate the skin without causing irritation. Like sodium ascorbyl phosphate, it is transformed into ascorbic acid upon application, which reduces the likelihood of irritation and makes it suitable for use on sensitive skin. If you wish to introduce this form of vitamin C into your skincare regimen, we suggest trying Regena C20 Serum S2 and Amil-C Whip M5.
3. L-Ascorbic Acid
L-ascorbic acid is the most well-known and researched form of vitamin C. It has the ability to penetrate the skin barrier; however, it is water soluble and highly unstable. When exposed to light and heat, it tends to oxidise, which renders it inactive and more likely to cause skin irritation.
Is vitamin C suitable for my skin type?
L-ascorbic acid is the most well-known and researched form of vitamin C. It has the ability to penetrate the skin barrier; however, it is water soluble and highly unstable. When exposed to light and heat, it tends to oxidise, which renders it inactive and more likely to cause skin irritation.
Can vitamin C be used with other products?
Vitamin C can be safely used with many other actives. To maximise the efficacy of vitamin C, use it in tandem with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, to reveal a brighter and more even complexion while defending against free radical damage. Vitamin C can also be combined with vitamin B and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and strengthen the skin. When used together with an SPF product, vitamin C can help increase protection against UV damage.
We suggest that you avoid combining vitamin C with retinol in the same routine, as doing so may cause skin irritation.
How often should I use vitamin C?
Products containing vitamin C can be used up to twice a day. Apply to clean skin and make sure to wear broad spectrum UV protection during the day.
