Merry Vitamin C-ecember!

 This month I'm shining a spotlight on a well known skincare ingredient: Vitamin C, and offering a bit of a peek behind the scenes as to how it works.

What does it do?

1. One of vitamin C’s standout abilities is its power to brighten the skin. By inhibiting melanin production, it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time, leaving your skin looking more even-toned and luminous.

2. Vitamin C is also a champion for firmer, more youthful-looking skin. It stimulates collagen production, the protein responsible for maintaining your skin's elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With consistent use, you may notice a smoother, more lifted look.

3. Perhaps most impressively, vitamin C offers unparalleled protection against environmental stressors. As a potent antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage your skin cells and accelerate aging caused by UV exposure and pollution. 

Pro-tip!

Pairing vitamin C with sunscreen takes your protection to the next level! While your sunscreen blocks harmful UV rays, vitamin C works alongside it to neutralize any free radicals that get through, providing your skin with a comprehensive defense system against photoaging.

How to know if it’s good:

Knowing if the vitamin C in your skincare product is effective comes down to understanding its formulation, concentration, and packaging. Here's how you can identify high-quality vitamin C in skincare:

The right kind of Vitamin C 

L-Ascorbic Acid: This is the most potent and active form of vitamin C and is widely regarded as the gold standard for skincare.

Other Derivatives: Forms like ascorbyl palmitate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are gentler and more stable but may not be as effective.

Concentration

For optimal effectiveness, look for a concentration between 10% and 20%. Lower concentrations may not deliver visible results, while concentrations above 20% can be irritating without additional benefits.

Packaging

Vitamin C is highly sensitive to light, air, and heat. Choose products packaged in dark, opaque bottles with air-tight or pump dispensers to protect it from degrading.

Look for Synergistic Ingredients

High-quality formulations often include ingredients like vitamin E and ferulic acid, which stabilize vitamin C and enhance its effectiveness.

Check for Freshness

A good vitamin C product should be clear or pale yellow. If it’s turned brown or dark orange, it may have oxidized, which means it's less effective and could irritate your skin.

By understanding these factors, you can confidently select a vitamin C product that will deliver glowing, youthful results for your skin. If you’re unsure, let us help you find the right one!