Hello everyone!
Welcome back to another edition of Wisdom Wednesday. This week, we’re diving into the world of skincare ingredients, and I couldn’t be more excited to talk about one of my absolute favourites: Vitamin C. It’s a powerhouse in the beauty world, often hailed as a miracle worker for achieving that coveted radiant, even-toned complexion. But what exactly does it do? How should you use it? And why is it such a staple in so many routines? Let’s break it down so you can make the most of this brilliant ingredient.
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What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that’s naturally present in certain foods like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers. In skincare, it’s celebrated for its antioxidant properties and its ability to tackle a range of skin concerns. While we often associate it with boosting our immune system (hello, citrus fruits during a cold!), its topical application has made it a darling of dermatologists and beauty enthusiasts alike.
In its purest form, L-ascorbic acid is the most researched and effective type of vitamin C used in skincare. However, you’ll also find derivatives like sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl palmitate on ingredient lists. These are often gentler alternatives designed to suit sensitive skin types or to improve stability in formulations. Regardless of the form, vitamin C brings many benefits to the table, making it a must-know for anyone serious about their skincare.
Why Vitamin C Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
So, why all the fuss? Vitamin C is a multitasker, and its benefits are backed by science, which is why it’s a staple in my own beauty pantry. Here’s what it can do for your skin:
1. Antioxidant Protection
Our skin faces daily attacks from free radicals—unstable molecules caused by UV rays, pollution, and even stress. These nasties break down collagen, accelerate ageing, and cause inflammation. Vitamin C swoops in as a superhero antioxidant, neutralising free radicals and shielding your skin from environmental damage. Think of it as a protective shield that keeps your complexion looking youthful for longer.
2. Brightening and Even Tone
If you’re battling dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or a dull complexion, Vitamin C is your best mate. It inhibits melanin production, which helps fade those pesky marks left by acne or sun exposure. Over time, it can give your skin that lit-from-within glow we all crave. I’ve personally noticed a difference in my skin’s clarity after consistent use—those stubborn post-breakout shadows don’t stand a chance!
3. Collagen Boosting
Collagen is the protein that keeps our skin plump and firm, but production naturally slows as we age. Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen synthesis, helping to maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s like giving your skin a little structural support from the outside in.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Got redness or irritation? Vitamin C has mild anti-inflammatory properties that can calm things down. It’s not a cure-all for conditions like rosacea, but it can soothe the skin and reduce that flushed look after a long day.
How to Use Vitamin C in Your Skincare Routine
Now that you’re sold on its benefits, let’s talk about how to incorporate vitamin C into your routine. It’s versatile, but it does require a bit of know-how to get the best results.
- Formulations: Vitamin C comes in serums, creams, moisturisers, and even cleansers. Serums are the most popular because they deliver a concentrated dose directly to the skin. Look for products with a concentration between 10-20%—anything higher might irritate without adding extra benefits, while lower than 8% may not be as effective.
- Timing: Vitamin C is often recommended for morning use because of its antioxidant properties, which pair beautifully with sunscreen to protect your skin throughout the day. That said, it’s perfectly fine to use it at night if that suits your schedule better—just don’t skip the SPF in the daytime!
- Application: After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops of a vitamin C serum to your face, avoiding the eye area. Let it sink in for a minute or two before layering on your moisturiser and sunscreen. If you’re new to it, start with a lower concentration and use it every other day to see how your skin reacts.
- Storage: Vitamin C is notoriously unstable—it oxidises when exposed to light, air, or heat, turning from a clear or pale liquid to a yellow or brown shade. Once it’s oxidised, it’s less effective, so store it in a cool, dark place (not your bathroom shelf if it’s steamy!). Some brands use opaque or airtight packaging to combat this, which is a bonus.
Pairing Vitamin C with Other Ingredients
Vitamin C plays well with most ingredients, but there are a few combos to watch out for:
- Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid: This trio is a dream team. Vitamin E enhances vitamin C’s antioxidant power, while ferulic acid stabilises both, making the formula more potent. Look for products that combine all three for maximum glow.
- Vitamin C + SPF: As mentioned, this is a match made in heaven. Vitamin C doesn’t replace sunscreen, but it boosts its protective effects.
- Vitamin C + Retinol: These two can work together, but proceed with caution. Retinol is typically used at night, and combining it with vitamin C (especially in high concentrations) might irritate sensitive skin. If you want to use both, try vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
- Vitamin C + Niacinamide: There’s an old myth that these two cancel each other out, but recent studies suggest they can coexist happily. Still, if your skin is prone to sensitivity, you might want to alternate them to avoid overloading your barrier.
Things to Watch Out For
Vitamin C is generally safe, but it’s not foolproof. If you have sensitive skin, it can sting or cause redness, especially at higher concentrations. Always patch-test a new product behind your ear or on your inner arm before slathering it on your face. Also, check the pH of the product—Vitamin C works best at a low pH (around 3.5), but this acidity can be too much for some skin types.
Another thing to note: fresh is best. If your vitamin C serum has turned a deep amber colour, it’s time to toss it. Oxidised vitamin C won’t harm your skin, but it won’t do much good, either.
Final Thoughts
Vitamin C is more than just a trend—it’s a tried-and-true ingredient that delivers results with consistent use. Whether you’re after brighter skin, fewer dark spots, or a little anti-ageing boost, it’s a worthy addition to your routine. The key is finding the right product for your skin type and sticking with it long enough to see the magic happen (think 4-6 weeks at least).
So, that’s my deep dive into vitamin C for this week’s Wisdom Wednesday. I’d love to hear from you—do you use vitamin C in your skincare? What’s your favourite product, or have you got any tips for making it work? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Until next time,Â
