Not just to fight off colds anymore, Vitamin C is taking over the skincare world. It was 2017’s most searched for beauty product.
This is the first story in my new ‘Let’s Talk’ series. A series where I answer all your top questions around trending (and confusing) skin care and beauty products.
I want to create a cheat-sheet, one-stop, shop where I dish on my preferred products and answer all your most pressing beauty questions…like:
What can Vitamin C can do for your skin? What is all the hype about?!
Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties which protect the skin from free radical damage caused by the environment. Exposure to free radicals break down the skin’s collagen and encourage skin density loss. Vitamin C treats UV exposure photo-damage as well as boosts collagen. It also gently boosts skin radiance and smooths skin tone.
Maybe the question should have been – what can’t Vitamin C do for my skin;)
What type of Vitamin C should I use?
Coming in several types, Vitamin C used in skincare include: L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphatem ascorbyl palmitate and retinyl ascorbate. L-ascorbic acid currently has the most associated research and it shown to boost collagen production and smooths and firms skin.
When should I apply Vitamin C?
It is best to use Vitamin C the morning, due to its ability to combat UV damage and environmental stressors, but, you can also use this as part of your nighttime regime. Research has shown free radical damage continues to impact skin overnight. One caution is to ensure you are leaving time between using acids like glycolic and retinol and applying your Vitamin C, as this can cause skin redness or irritation.
What sort of packaging is best to ensure my Vitamin C remains potent?
I always recommend products that come in air-tight pumps and it is especially important with Vitamin C. Because it is an antioxidant, when they are exposed to light and air too frequently they breakdown. Keep your eyes open for products in pumps or single-use, air-tight packaging.
This Wonder Woman of ingredients can be found in so many drugstore and Sephora brands today. Below are my four favourite Vitamin-C enriched products I think you’ll love as much as I do.
Biossance | Squalane, Vitamin C and Rose Oil – $90
Newly launched in Sephora, this California-made, clean beauty brand is best known for its 100% plant-based squalane and their passion for finding plant-based alternative ingredients.
The Biossance Squalane, Vitamin C and Rose oil brightens and visibly firms the skin. The squalane and rose oil helps deliver the benefits of the Vitamin C into the skin 50x better than ascorbic acid. I use this day and night before my moisturizer. A bonus is it leaves my skin looking lovely and dewy.
Zorah biocosmetiques – C-Nature Anti-Aging Complex – $99
I am a big fan of this made-in-Canada skin care line. I’ve written about the collection previously and my favourite product from their line is the Zorah C-Nature.
This products combines Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid (for extra hydration) and argan oil. It leaves my skin soft, radiant and bright and absorbs very quickly.
Vichy’s Liftactiv Line – $45-$60
This unique skin care collection is designed for a 10-day use experience. It brightens and evens out your skin and contains 15% pure Vitamin C.
It also has Vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. Designed specifically to prep for those special events in your life when you want your skin to be at its best. You can use this system 3-4 times per year.
Rodial’s brand new Vit C line – $56-$110
Launching in April 2018, this line is currently so in-demand many of the products are currently sold out. This line is packed with highly concentrated actives that work to retexturize your skin. Your skin will feel smoother and look brighter with use.
I am currently using the brightening cleanser and cleansing pads twice per day and have seen a noticeable difference. The Rodial Vit C brightening gel mask is super lightweight and has a blend of 5% Vitamin C and 10% exfoliating fruit acids and AHAs.
If you have any other questions regarding Vitamin C or want to share your favourite Vitamin C skin care product – leave us a comment or follow me on @immfab (Instagram and Twitter).
M FabitaminC
