Vitamin C is good for us if we take it in orally - I don't have to tell you that. What some of you might not know, though, is that vitamin C is also a powerhouse when topically applied to our skin!
There are several reasons why Vitamin C aka Ascorbic Acid is an amazing tool to use in your skincare routine:
- Fades Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation like pimple marks or sun damage is caused by our skin producing more melanin in damaged or wounded areas, in order to protect it from further damage by UV rays. Vitamin C has the ability of reducing the production of melanin in our skin, thus helping to fade these dark spots. So if you're looking for something to even out your overall complexion - give Vitamin C a try!
- Removes dead skin cells
Ascorbic Acid belongs to the group of so-called Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs). What this group of acids has in common, is that they exfoliate your skin by gently removing dead skin cells. With regular exfoliation you can prevent your pores from clogging and thus pimples and blackheads from forming.
- It's an antioxidant
Free radicals aka oxidants develop in our bodies every single day. Party due to factors we cannot avoid, like our metabolism or the oxygen we breathe, party due to stress, lack of sleep or smoking cigarettes. Free radicals attack the collagen structure inside our skin, causing it to lose elasticity and our skin showing signs of aging. Antioxidants like Vitamin C fight these free radicals, PLUS boost our skin's natural collagen production.
Another advantage of antioxidants in skincare is, that they're anti-inflammatory agents. So not only can Vitamin C help prevent future breakouts by exfoliating, it can also help calm breakouts you're currently experiencing so they can heal more quickly.
- UV-Protection
In the K-Beauty community, there's this misconception that Vitamin C makes your skin more prone to UV-damage. But actually, it's scientifically proven that the exact opposite is the case. Vitamin C (especially in combination with Vitamin E) helps protect our skin from UV rays and sun damage. That makes it a great addition to your morning skincare routine!
(Don't forget to still wear sunscreen, though. Sunscreen is love, sunscreen is life :D)
There you have it - Vitamin C is a skincare allrounder, especially for those who are struggling with acne and signs of aging!
Pair it with a Vitamin E product if you can - Vitamins C and E are BFFs who boost each other's efficacy.
If you didn't know you needed Vitamin C in your skincare routine... now you know :P
Pro Tip:
Store your Vitamin C skincare in a cool and dark place! It can easily oxidize when exposed to sunlight and oxygen a lot, causing the formula to turn into a yellowish-brown color and taking on a metallic kind of smell. If that has happened to one of your products: throw it out!
Oxidized Vitamin C not only loses its efficacy, it can also easily irritate the skin. I keep my Vitamin C serum in its box and in the fridge - not taking any chances :)
Product suggestions:
- Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop | 23$/19€
- By Wishtrend Pure Vitamin C 21.5% Advanced Serum | 30$/24€
- Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum | 80$/65€
Vitamin E:
- Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask | 27$/22€
- By Wishtrend Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream | 28$/23€