Vitamin C – What’s the Hype?

Vitamin C is a power house ingredient that protects against environmental pollutants and prevents skin damage.  It can help reduce wrinkles, protect collagen, decrease hyperpigmentation, even skin tone and aid in wound healing.  What’s more, when used in combination with your sunscreen, this powerful antioxidant can enhance your SPF protection and prevent skin aging.  

Not all Vitamin C serums are created equal. 

With so many formulations of Vitamin C available, one can get a bit overwhelmed. Here are a few expert tips to help you pick the right Vitamin C. 
 

1. Concentration. Ensure that your Vitamin C is L-Ascorbic acid – the active form of Vitamin C, and the formulation has a concentration of 10-15%.  Anything less is ineffective, and anything more can be irritating.  
2. Ingredients. Look for Ferulic Acid which helps to decrease the pH of Vitamin C to a pH of 2-3.5, making it easily absorbable.  Vitamin E is often used to stabilize Vitamin C, however if you have acne prone skin, this may make you break out. 
3. Packaging. Make sure your Vitamin C comes in a dark bottle with a medicine dropper or a tube, rather than an air pump, to prevent oxidation.  If your Vitamin C looks brown or orang, it has oxidized and is no longer effective. 

Use your Vitamin C every morning.  

Once absorbed, you can layer on moisturizer and sunscreen to seal in all the antioxidant benefits.

Wondering which Vitamin C is best for your skin type? We’d be happy to help!

Book a complimentary consultation at PureSkin Dermatology, and let us help you fight photoaging!