An antioxidant by nature, Vitamin C is the one-stop solution to city girls’ skin concerns. The ingredient’s potential to curtail the effects of pollution and sun damage is excellent. And it’s known for its skin brightening properties.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required for the growth, repair and health of tissues in all parts of the body, including the skin. However, our bodies cannot produce it on their own, which is why we have to rely on fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C naturally, and skincare products that mostly have synthetically produced vitamin C.
There are two types of vitamin C. The first one is ascorbic acid, which is the most potent form but also unstable. And then, there are derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which are combined with other ingredients to make it more stable. Both are good options and effective depending on your needs.
Benefits Of Vitamin C
Fades Pigmentation: The ingredient can diminish pigmentation (and hyperpigmentation too in some cases) and eventually prevents the skin from developing any dark or brown spots.
Reverses Environmental Damage: Pollution, ultraviolet rays and other environmental factors contribute to the multiplication of free radicals in the skin that cause dullness and wrinkles. Vitamin C effaces these free radicals from the skin.
Improves Under-Eye Area: Fading dark circles is an extension of its ability to fade pigmentation. Plus, its plumping and renewing properties also nourish the delicate under-eye skin.
Brightens The Skin: Vitamin C is considered to be synonymous with glowing skin. The antioxidant-rich ingredient brightens the skin and evens out the skin tone.
Boosts Collagen Production: Vitamin C is the secret to youthful-looking skin. Why? It boosts collagen production, which is undeniably necessary for firm skin that isn’t sagging or has fine lines.
Hydrates The Skin: Vitamin C prevents excessive water loss from the skin, which in turn helps to retain moisture and hydration.
Dos & Don’ts While Using Vitamin C
– Vitamin C is available in a vast range of concentrations starting from 10% to 30%, but it is best to start with mild strength and gradually increase the dose based upon your skin’s tolerance.
– It is ideal to include Vitamin C in your morning skincare routine since it can protect your skin against the sun and outdoor damage. However, it is absolutely okay to use it at night as well.
– Although a Vitamin C serum is the most common way to include the ingredient in your routine, don’t limit yourself there. Go ahead and indulge in scrubs, moisturizers, face masks and powders too.
– Pick a Vitamin C product that suits your skin type in terms of consistency and pH levels.
– Avoid using Vitamin C with exfoliants such as AHAs, BHAs and retinol.
– Store in an air-tight, opaque container, away from the sun, as vitamin C is inherently unstable and reactive and easily loses its antioxidant properties when exposed to heat, water and air.
