There’s a reason Vitamin C was the most searched skincare ingredient on Google last year. When it comes to results, this beauty hero is one of the most versatile saviours out there. Loaded with benefits – from fading acne scars to bolstering skin’s defences – it can be found in serums, moisturisers, masks and supercharged facials. . Consider it skincare’s all-rounder.
So, let’s explore the skin-boosting benefits of Vitamin C, plus how to get the most from it – both at home and in the clinic. Here’s your quick vit guide…
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a powerful & hard-working antioxidant that fends off free radicals.
What are free radicals, you ask? They are unstable atoms that cause damage by stealing electrons from lipids, proteins and DNA . Known to speed up lines and wrinkles and trigger irregular melanin production, they’re the villains of the skincare world – making Vitamin C the soothing superhero.
When applied topically, Vitamin C is able to forage and neutralise those free radicals, which helps to keep your skin feeling calmer and healthier. It’s also believed that, in neutralising those free radicals, Vitamin C may be able to protect the skin from precancerous changes caused by sun exposure.
What are the benefits of Vitamin C for your skin?
1. It boosts collagen production
A popular pick for anti-ageing topicals; Vitamin C is highly acidic, allowing it to trigger the production of essential collagen. For the uninitiated, collagen is like the building blocks of your skin’s structure, keeping it firm and line-free – but gradually depleting over time. Vitamin C helps to support your skin’s collagen-producing process, which can make your skin appear smoother and brighter.
2. It keeps skin hydrated
As well as increasing collagen levels, a derivative of Vitamin C called magnesium ascorbyl phosphate has been shown to hydrate and nourish the skin. It decreases transepidermal water loss, so your pores are better able to lock in moisture. No wonder it’s a heavy-hitter in so many of the industry’s best moisturising creams.
3. It brightens dull skin
Vitamin C ranks high on the ingredients list for many a brightening serum, owed to its ability to inhibit melanin production, thus reducing discolouration. It’s both preventative and curative, meaning that it safeguards skin from future damage, while fading dark spots and giving you a more immediate glow.
How to add Vitamin C to your routine
In the clinic
As if a HydraFacial wasn’t potent enough, you can turbo boost this celebrity-loved treatment with HydraFacial + Glow; a Vitamin C-infused add-on. After going through the six steps of your facial – lymphatic drainage, deep cleansing, a peel, extractions, hydration and LED – a Vit C mask is applied for 15 minutes to dial up radiance. And, because the HydraFacial has scrubbed away all of your dulling dead skin cells, your pores will be ready to drink up the flood of vitamin goodness your practitioner sends their way.
At home
One of the best ways to reap the rewards of Vitamin C is with a serum. These concentrated lotions are easily absorbed, working deep down into pores for potent dosage. Two of our favourites include iS Clinical Super Serum Advanced and SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. The former piles pores with a host of powerful botanicals that care and repair, while the latter teams Vitamin C with the wrinkle-reducing power of ferulic. Meanwhile, the iS Clinical C Eye Serum Advanced is ideal for fading dark circles and tackling puffiness. Layer under moisturiser AM and PM, and see skin glow.
Up next: Discover why radiofrequency treatments are the secret to smooth, sculpted skin.
