There are so many different ways that you can get your Vitamin C but today we’re talking about topical products… and we’ve found some innovative formulas to share with you today.
Why Vitamin C? Well here are some of the benefits in skincare:
- It’s hydrating and decreases trans epidermal water loss, allowing your skin to better retain moisture.
- It can help fade pigmentation and smooth the skin’s surface to reduce dullness, leaving you with a youthful glow.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties – so can help minimise redness on the skin.
- It has been shown to delay melanin production so can help fade hyperpigmentation (which occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain areas of the skin) so can help fade dark spots and lead to a more even-toned complexion.
- It also boosts collagen production, firming the skin
- It also protects against sun damage due to the high level of antioxidants
Three of the most common forms you’ll find are:
L-Ascorbic Acid
This is the purest form of Vitamin C… the gold standard and considered the best form for getting the best effects from Vitamin C
However, due to the level of strength in this ingredient, if you overdo it, it can have the opposite effect – so be careful!
However, it will only stay effective for short period once exposed to air – will turn into a brownish colour. If using a product with this in it, don’t get one in a pot, as this will be exposed to air. If the product also includes water, this will cause it to oxidise and lose its effectiveness, so it’s often found in powder formulations.
Often found in 10%, 15% and 20% concentrations.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
This form of Vitamin C is a more stable form and therefore will last longer. It is also considered to be the more gentle form and is a water soluble form of Vitamin C.
Research suggesting that a 1%-5% concentration can be effective at fighting breakouts, works well with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside
This is another stabler form of Vitamin C as it is combined with glucose. It exhibits the same activity of ascorbic acid (as it is broken down into that once activated) but won’t break down when exposed to water/air so quickly… possibly lasting double the amount of time, which is fab!
Other ESTERIFIED FORMS of Vitamin C include…
- Ascorbyl palmitate
- Magnesium ascorbyl palmitate
- Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
- Calcium ascorbat
- Sodium ascorbate
- Sodium acorbyl phosphate
They are a more stable than ascorbic but not quite as effective.
Even though you do get an instant glow from vitamin c, you’ll really get the full benefits by using Vitamin C consistently and over a period of time for it to really start working.
Let’s talk about some products that utilise the amazing benefits of Vitamin C:
The Booster
Evolve organic beauty bio retinol +c booster – this is not a serum or an oil…it is a booster that can be mixed with the aforementioned or used on its own before any other products. This golden elixir combines the power of vitamin c and nature’s answer to retinol …Bakuchiol.
I’ve really enjoyed using this because it has a lovely silky texture that has a lovely affinity with the skin gliding on, sinking in as if it’s what your skin was waiting for. I love that It leaves the skin silky and soft with a subtle glow and with consistent use the glow continues
This combines well with other products so there is no pilling.
The Serums
Ecooking Vitamin C Serum – this is a serum and it’s combined with Hyaluronic acid to provide moisture as well as glow.This serum also includes actibiome which is an active ingredient known for its ability to balance the skin. This has a weighty almost gel like consistency and is virtually fragrance free. It glides on thanks to the inclusion of vegetable glycerin but is easily absorbed leaving a satin finish and it works well with other products. This serum is not for sensitive skin types and may ‘prickle’ on the skin when applied.
Uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
Ole Henriksen Truth serum – this is also a serum and its combined with the brands ‘True-C complex and collagen so that it brightens, firms and hydrates plus its oil free. This citrus scented, pale orange gel like serum has a silky texture so it glides on easily and is easily absorbed.
Uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
The Exfoliators
The powder
Trilogy vitamin c polishing powder – this gentle powder is activated with water to become a milky lightly foaming liquid. It’s designed to Polish the skin, removing dead skin cells. This formula utilises vitamin c, mandarin and orange extracts to brighten and energise plus rice starch to do the polishing…but which also has a mattifying effect on the skin which those with oilier skin types might appreciate. Depending on your skin type you can use this a couple of times a week, to get smooth skin and Make sure to mix enough water with it to avoid lumpiness.
Uses L-Ascorbic Acid.
The Scrub
The Body Shop vitamin c glow boosting microdermabrasion this is a fine grained manual exfoliator made from ground camu which is rich in vitamin c. This is a gentle but effective exfoliator that leaves your skin feeling and looking smooth and fresh.
Uses L-Ascorbic Acid
The Mist
The Body Shop Vitamin C Energising face mist: Mists have become an increasingly popular addition To our skincare collections, but a mist that is more than just water in pretty packaging is always going to be a winner. This offering from The Body Shop offers skin brightening vitamin c and is designed to energise dull, tired skin.
Uses L-Ascorbic Acid.
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