If you're a skincare junkie, then you've probably heard about Vitamin C. It's known as one of the best anti-aging and skin brightening ingredients on the market today. But is all the hype worth it?
Okay, but what exactly is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. "Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that the body produces as a reaction to environmental and other pressures."
Vitamin C protects your skin from outside factors, it helps with discoloration and hyperpigmentation, boosts healing and collagen production, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is safe for almost all skin types!
How to choose a Vitamin C?
Not all Vitamin C's are created equal! Some brands combine Vitamin C with oils and fillers which reduce the effectiveness, while other brands pack these serums with antioxidants to increase the serums potency.
Other antioxidants are: tocopherol (Vitamin E) or glutathione, and ferulic acid.
So what should you look for when purchasing a Vitamin C serum?
Form: L-ascorbic acid
Concentration: 10–20 percent (Make sure you always patch tests with higher percentages)
Ingredient combo: L-ascorbic acid, tocopherol (vitamin E) or glutathione, ferulic acid.
Packaging: Dark or tinted glass bottles with airless delivery.
How to use Vitamin C?
Vitamin C serum is typically applied once or twice per day (morning and night). First cleanse, tone, apply your Vitamin C serum, then moisturize and don't forget to apply your sunscreen.
I have blog post on my favorite sunscreen's here!
It's important you use sunscreen when using Vitamin C as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun.
Avoid using niacinamide in conjunction with Vitamin C as it may render it less effective and always keep your Vitamin C refrigerated or in a dark dry space.
I've been trying to decide whether I should splurge on a skincare fridge like this one!
It's so cute, should I? 🙈
So let's get to it! Here are the best reviewed Vitamin C serums on the market.
Top Vitamin C's on the Market
(In order of price)
Ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, plus vitamin E and ferulic acid.
Ingredients: 20% L-Ascorbic acid, and hyaluronic acid.
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, L-ascorbic acid (15%), vitamin E, and ferulic acid.
Ingredients: ferulic acid, peptides, and vitamins C and E,
I have currently switched from Paula's Choice to SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Vitamin C serum and have been loving it so far! I will be posting a before and after 30 days from using.
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