Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that is a natural component of healthy skin. When we’re young, vitamin C levels in skin’s outermost two layers (epidermis and dermis) are abundant, but as we age, these levels naturally deplete. Unprotected sun exposure (UV damage) and pollution can accelerate this, leading to our skin looking and feeling dull, uneven, and less firm than it once was.
Benefits
- Ability to even out skin tone and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- While this powerhouse ingredient is well-known for its skin-brightening benefits, research also shows it can shield skin from the visible impacts of environmental stressors, including free radical damage.
Ascorbic Acid—also known as L-ascorbic acid—has the most skin-related research of any form of vitamin C.
When properly formulated at a pH of less than 4 (2.6-3.2 is the ideal range), this form helps create younger-looking, firmer-feeling skin while fading signs of uneven skin tone and spots. Ascorbic acid also helps skin’s surface defend itself from free radicals and external stressors, lessening the effects of exposure to the elements.
When and How to Use
All forms of vitamin C mix well and layer with other skin care ingredients, including exfoliating acids and other vitamins and antioxidants, such as retinol and niacinamide.
Vitamin C can be used twice daily, both morning and night. We highly prefer using it in the am as it helps defend the skin from sun damage under sunscreen. An example for a morning routine: cleanse, tone, Vitamin C, moisturizer and/or Sunscreen.
Always apply your products in order from thinnest to thickest texture. During the day, always finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen or greater.
As usual, we always have our favorites that we would love to recommend to individuals :
