Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to brighten the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, reduce signs of aging, and protect against free radical damage. When choosing a vitamin C skincare product, consider your skin type, concerns, and the specific form of vitamin C used. The concentration of vitamin C in the product, packaging, and overall formulation also play a significant role in its effectiveness.
Here are some tips on how to include a vitamin C product in your skincare routine.
1. Choose the Right Vitamin C Product for your skin type
Look for vitamin C products that are suited to your skin type. If you are new to vitamin C, you can either begin with a lower concentration of L-ascorbic acid (around 5% to 10%) to allow your skin to build tolerance or opt for a more stable form of vitamin C like ascorbyl glucoside (naturally derived), which is a more promising form of vitamin C that has been shown to have more antioxidant activity compared to other vitamin C derivatives like ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
2. Apply with sunscreen
Apply vitamin C in the morning with a hydrating moisturizer or face oil to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier, then follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreena as it can boost the effectiveness of your sunscreen and provide protection against UV damage. Sunscreen should always be applied as the last step in your skincare routine.
3. Store your vitamin C properly
Vitamin C can be unstable and may degrade when exposed to light, air, or water. Store your vitamin C products in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and tightly seal the product after each use to prevent oxidation.
A more natural approach to Vitamin C in skincare
When picking a vitamin C product with natural ingredients, it is essential to read the product label carefully to ensure that the vitamin C source is natural or derived from natural sources. you may also come across formulations that incorporate natural sources of vitamin C or other plant-based ingredients to enhance the product's effectiveness. Here are some common natural ingredients you might find in vitamin C skincare:
1. Rosehip Oil: Rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of rosehips, which contain a natural form of vitamin C. This oil is known for its ability to hydrate, nourish, and improve the appearance of scars and fine lines. Our rosehip + jojoba dew drops is specifically formulated with 40 % rosehip oil to help brighten the skin and help reduce dark spots.
2. Camu Camu Extract: Camu camu is a fruit native to the Amazon rainforest and is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Skincare products may incorporate camu camu extract for its potent antioxidant properties.
3. Acerola Cherry Extract: Acerola cherries are rich in vitamin C and are often used in skincare products to provide a natural source of this vitamin. Acerola cherry extract can help brighten and even out skin tone. A study by Sato et al indicates that acerola cherry intake is effective in suppressing UVB-induced skin pigmentation by inhibiting melanogenesis-related genes.
4. Amla Extract: Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a fruit rich in vitamin C. Amla extract can be included in skincare products for its antioxidant and skin-brightening effects. The study results by Chaikul and his team suggested that amla branch is a rich source of bioactive compounds and can be a potential ingredient for utilization in anti-skin aging products.
Research on vitamin C
Enescu CD et al., 2022. A review on topical vitamin C derivatives and their efficacy
Jacques C et al., 2021. Ascorbic acid 2-glucoside: An ascorbic acid pro-drug with longer-term antioxidant efficacy in skin
Belkhelladi, Malachy, and Amina Bougrine. “Rosehip extract and wound healing: A review.”
Chaikul, Puxvadee et al. “Phyllanthus emblica L. (amla) branch: A safe and effective ingredient against skin aging.
Sato, Yasunori et al. “Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) Juice Intake Suppresses UVB-Induced Skin Pigmentation in SMP30/GNL Knockout Hairless Mice.