Vitamin C; for most of us the first thing that comes to mind is a cold orange slice on a warm summer’s day. We know it’s linked to immune function (hands up if you take a chewable Vitamin C tablet when you feel a cold coming on) and that it’s one of the essential vitamins in a balanced diet for a happy and healthy body.
If you’re skincare addict (like we all are at WholeLife), you’ll know that Vitamin C doesn’t just benefit your health on the inside, but also your skin. Vitamin C is a high rotation ingredient in any skincare guru’s routine. If you’re not already using Vitamin C but want to learn more about what it can do for your skin, keep reading!
How Does Vitamin C Work?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant which essentially helps your body’s cells fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals. On a molecular level, free radicals can be defined as unstable atoms that damage cells, which translates to ageing skin. For example, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun cause the production of free radicals, leading to – you guessed it – premature signs of ageing. Using Vitamin C in your skincare may be able to help fight these signs of ageing including fine lines and pigmentation.
Are There Different Types of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C in its pure form is quite unstable and irritable if directly applied to skin, which is why you’ll often find chemically altered variants that have been formulated to be more stable for skincare. Although these variants are less potent, they are gentler and can be used for those of us who have sensitive skin. Some Vitamin C derivatives to look out for on ingredient lists that play nicely with sensitive skin are Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate or Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether.
Can I Use Vitamin C With My Other Skincare Products?
Another thing to consider when delving into the world of Vitamin C skincare is what other skincare ingredients you’re already using. While Vitamin C has so many wonderful benefits, sometimes it can clash with other active ingredients and become ineffective or cause irritation.
As a general rule of thumb, it is often recommended that you avoid using Vitamin C and retinol at the same time. Some forms of Vitamin C will also clash with niacinamide (nowadays there are variations that have been developed to work with niacinamide! Yay!), and benzoyl peroxide can oxidise Vitamin C which reduces its efficacy. It is always recommended to use an SPF with Vitamin C (more on this later). As always, it’s best to consult a professional in the field (like a dermatologist) before getting too creative with combining active skincare ingredients.
What Can Vitamin C Actually Do For My Skin?
As interesting as the science behind it all is, we can be thankful that our favourite skincare brands have taken the guesswork out of how to effectively use Vitamin C in our daily skincare routines. Vitamin C may be able to boost the radiance of your skin, support collagen health, and may help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When used with a broad-spectrum SPF, Vitamin C may also be able to boost your sunscreen’s effectiveness – fantastic news for the quest against ageing skin!
Now we’ve got you convinced that you need Vitamin C in your life (and on your skin), here are some of our favourite Vitamin C skincare products from Derma E – a cruelty free, 100% vegan and eco-ethical brand committed to ethical beauty and proudly ranged at WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods stores.
Vitamin C Concentrated Serum
This luxurious serum is our top pick as the perfect entry into the world of Vitamin C! Derma E’s Vitamin C Concentrated Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid for intense hydration, which works with the stabilised form of vitamin C, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, which may help to guard your skin against environmental stressors and minimise the appearance of ageing. It also contains soothing Aloe and Vitamin E – a match made in heaven for skin in need of hydration!
Vitamin C Renewing Moisturiser
A step you never want to skip! Straight after your Vitamin C Concentrated Serum, reach for this lightweight, radiance-boosting moisturiser containing 100% stable Vitamin C, Probiotics and Rooibos which may assist in building your skin’s natural defences while minimising the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This moisturiser is perfect under makeup and should come before SPF but after serums.
Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Patches
Who doesn’t love that facial-like feeling at home? Derma E’s Vitamin C Bright Eyes Hydro Gel Patches are the perfect brightening pick-me-up to transform puffy-looking eyes into well-rested eyes ready for the day. These Hydro Gel patches have a cooling effect and are enriched with Vitamins C and B3 to visibly brighten the look of dark circles. Caffeine assists to depuff while Allantoin and Aloe help soothe the under-eye area. These can be used morning, night or before a big event.
You can find Derma E’s range of Vitamin C skincare products at all WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods stores.
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