Vitamin C – the Skincare Wonder Ingredient.

What is Vitamin C?

When it comes to skincare, Vitamin C is a game changer. The most potent (and most researched) form of Vitamin C in terms of skin care is ascorbic acid, which is often listed as L-ascorbic acid on the ingredients list.

What does it do? 

Vitamin C is essentially an antioxidant that protects your skin from the inflammation caused by pollution, environmental damage and can help with sun damage by aiding the regeneration process of your skin cells.

But not only that – Vitamin C also brightens dull complexions, promotes the production of elastin (to keep your skin tight) and collagen (to keep your skin full and plump). It can also help even out skin tone, reduce blemishes and acne scars, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

It also helps to reduce the appearance of age spots – think of how an apple turns brown when you expose the flesh to the air – by inhibiting the skins melanin production and, with regular use, can prevent them forming at all.

Who is it best for?

Vitamin C is good for most skin types and should be incorporated into your daily skin care routine to keep your complexion looking young and fresh!

Higher concentrations can be highly effective for those with hyperpigmentation issues, sun damaged skin or skin that is prone to blemishes and high colour, but should be patch tested as the effects can be rapid which can cause issues for more sensitive skin types.

I prefer Vitamin C serums that include other powerful ingredients such as Vitamin E, Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B5, as this gives you the ultimate antioxidant shield. Combined with Retinol, Vitamin C is also a powerful resurfacing agent for an overnight complexion lift!

What is it made from? 

Vitamin C in skincare is usually synthetically produced. This ensures that the formulations are stable and safe for topical use.

Are there any risks with Vitamin C? 

Vitamin C is a potent, active skincare ingredient so it can cause a reaction on sensitive or redness prone skin, especially in higher concentrations. However, if it is introduced slowly into your routine, your skin will adapt over time. As with all active products, patch testing is always recommended.

Also, always look for a product that comes in a dark bottle as Vitamin C can be denatured by light and heat.

Which are the best products which contain it? 

Skinceuticals Phloretin CF Gel is one of the best products out there. Formulated with 10% Vit C, ferulic acid and phloretin, this gel formula means it is easy to apply the right amount of product and gives an instant boost to the skin.

https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/products/skinceuticals-phloretin-c

For an even more powerful antioxidant, C E Ferulic offers a 15% concentration of Vitamin C, 1% alpha tocopherol and 0.5 ferulic acid.

https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/products/skinceuticals-ce-ferulic

SkinDesign London’s C Antioxidant Glow Serum is packed with nutrients to deliver a powerful boost to your skin. With a 30% Vitamin C concentration derived from Kakadu plums, which is both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, this is the ideal product for dealing dull and acne prone skin.

https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/products/skin-design-c-antioxidant-glow-serum

Medik8’s most powerful brightening Vitamin C serum to date, Super C Ferulic is both potent and affordable.

https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/products/medik8-super-c-ferulic