Vitamin C skincare is more than just a fad. Apart from hyaluronic acid it is one of my favourite ingredients for glowing skin.We have all heard how beneficial Vitamin C is for the body but did you know how good it is for your skin? It has long been hailed as the anti-ageing secret weapon and one of my personal hero skin care ingredients. Anyone who follows my social media will tell you that I love glowing skin and for me that starts with skin care.
Let’s Start With The Science Bit…
Vitamin C is also known as Absorbic Acid and its antioxidant properties play a huge part in collagen synthesis. Collagen is responsible for that plump, younger looking skin we all want. Link the two and you will start to see where Vitamin C comes into anti-ageing skin care. Vitamin C is found in both the Dermis and Epidermis but the amount diminishes as we age or become exposed to pollution and UV light. So we need to replace or supplement right? Right! Benefits of adding Vitamin C to your skincare routine include:
- Smoother, firmer skin.
- Brighter skin tone
- Improvement in photo damage by fading pigmentation.
- Protecting skin from further damage.
- Hydrated skin.
Why Is Vitamin C Skincare So Expensive?
The environment can degrade this little wonder so it is expensive for companies to manufacture products with active Vitamin C. This of course drives up the cost to the consumer but I do believe in skincare as an investment. I also believe I have found options for all budgets for you to add Vitamin C skincare to your routine. Keep in mind that not all products are created equally. With Vitamin C skincare, you really do get what you pay for. If you have specific skin concerns it is always worth a visit to your local aesthetic clinic for a consultation. In this article I will share some of my favourite Vitamin C skincare products. If you are looking for serious skin care or to just dip your toes in, read on for my top picks.
Cleansing With Vitamin C
Cleansing your skin with Vitamin C may be your first step to smoother, brighter skin. It is a great way to introduce yourself to a proper skincare routine. There is no point in spending a tonne of money on the latest wonder product if your skin is not cleansed properly. This is a topic for a whole other article however. For now those of you with dry, dull skin will love Murad Enviornmental Shield Essential C Cleanser. This infuses the skin with Vitamin C as you cleanse leaving your skin hydrated and bright.
Pixi Vitamin C Juice Cleanser is a no-rinse face cleanser that gently removes impurities from skin’s upper layers whilst visibly brightening the complexion and promoting a renewed radiance. I find this really lovely for a quick skin refresh in the morning before applying my skincare.
Vitamin C Skincare For Eyes
I love to use a vitamin c based eye cream every morning. My current favourite is the Skinceuticals Aox Eye Gel. I find it soothes, hydrates and brightens my under eye. Another option is Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Cream which has thankfully has launched into Boots Ireland. This instantly targets fine lights, brightens, smoothes and deeply hydrates.
Add A Vitamin C Serum
There are a few options when it comes to Vitamin C serums. Now, here is where I recommend your spend your money. The ingredients are usually in a higher concentration and packaged in such a way that avoids that precious vitamin breaking down. I’ve recently discovered Paula’s Choice c15 Super Booster which is a much more affordable option than my holy grail Skinceuticals Phloretin CF. I know a lot of you love Dermalogica and I have been through two bottles of the Biolumin C serum and can add it to my highly recommends list.
Glossier Super Glow is 28 euro and a great option for dry, sensitive skin. A potent, stable formulation of 5% Vitamin C derivative MAP + Magnesium PCA that delivers key ingredients without irritating sensitive skin. Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Sunflower Seed Oil and Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract condition and nourish skin. Elizabeth Arden’s Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum are travel friendly and contain an encapsulated formula, sealing in actives to maintain maximum potency and freshness. Each capsule delivers a pre-measured serum so you don’t waste any which I really like. The serum also contains Ceramides which help replenish the natural lipids that are diminished as a result of exposure to harsh environmental conditions and pollution. This ultra-hydrating ingredient creates a protective barrier over the skin to seal in nourishment and minimise moisture loss, helping to maintain smooth, supple skin.
Vitamin C Moisturisers
Another option to add vitamin c to your routine may be more cost effective. Customise your favourite moisturiser! That’s right. There are products you can buy that you mix into your usual skin care to give you that antioxidant hit. Inkey List 30% Vitamin C Cream is serious value for money at approx. 11.50 euro. Dilute it down by mixing it into your day cream. The Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme was one of the first vitamin c products that I used. It is a beautiful product for dry dull skin. An anti-oxidant rich, emollient formula that helps to reduce the visible effects of stress, fatigue, smoking & other dehydrating environmental aggressors.
Special mention goes to the Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Overnight Masque. I have gone through two tubs of this and I highly recommend it to anyone who asks. You can read more about it and my other Image Skincare picks HERE.
Vitamin C is a skincare essential for me. For both protecting and repairing my skin and for adding a beautiful glow. Do a little research and see what might suit you but I would definitely recommend you introduce it to your routine.
Louise x