Why You Need Vitamin C Serum For Your Skin: The Secret to Getting The Glow
Dermatologists praise Vitamin C Serums to be a powerful ingredient that should be a stable in your skincare routine. We explore what Vitamin C actually is, the benefits it provides to your skin and what you need to before buying the right product for you.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, not produced naturally in your body. That means it needs to be consumed through food or supplements or applied topically. It is also a powerful anti-oxidant that provides many benefits when applied. It is known as a ‘skin brightening’ product that can help to reduce sun damage, dark spots, and wrinkles. Vitamin C can also help to boost collagen production, resulting in firmer, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin. It works on many levels to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Vitamin C is often used in skincare products because it is an antioxidant. This means it can help reduce the amount of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are formed as a result of exposure to UV light, pollution, and cigarette smoke. They can cause damage to skin cells, including collagen. By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin C can help prevent this damage.
Benefits of using Vitamin-C for your skin
A Vitamin C serum has many positive benefits for the skin. When used daily, it can have a positive effect on your appearance in the following ways:
– Vitamin C helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Vitamin C can stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer and plumper skin. This can help to reduce and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
– It can help to reduce sun damage: Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant that can help to neutralize free radicals and prevent sun damage. It can help to protect you against sun damage, including pigmentation and sun spots.
– It can help to even out skin tone: Vitamin C can help to even out skin tone and assist with treating pigmentation and dark spots.
– It can enhance the appearance of the skin: Vitamin C can help to boost the appearance of the skin and give you a more youthful glow. It can also help to reduce the signs of aging such as wrinkles and sun damage.
What you need to know before buying?
Concentration of Vitamin C: Dermatologists recommend a Vitamin-C concentration between 10%-20%. Any concentration below may not be effective and anything more may cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended that you slowly introduce it to your skin by applying it moderately.
Derivative of Vitamin C used: L-Ascorbic Acid is the gold standard of form of Vitamin-C you want in your serum. It is in its purest form. The most biologically active of all the derivatives, making it the most powerful and most effective. Other versions include Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
Formulation: The powerful antioxidants trio is Vitamin-C, Vitamin-E and Ferulic Acid. This combination of ingredients increase the efficacy of Vitamin C and help stabilise it.
Packaging: A dark or opaque glass bottle. Best kept in a cool, dry dark place or in the fridge. As mentioned, It is unstable and quickly broken down. Once its oxidised the antioxidant properties are useless.
pH level: for normal skin a low pH number of 3.5 is optimal. Sensitive skin could go for approx pH5 or 6
Always remember to wear sunscreen after application. Vitamin-C is best applied in the mornings before moisturiser (unless using a Vitamin-C moisturiser).
Our Top 5 Vitamin-C Serums Overall:
Best Vitamin- C Serum Overall:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum
The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum provides advanced environmental protection by neutralising damaging free radicals. Results show an improvement in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and brightened skin complexion. Dermatologists hail this as the gold-standard vitamin C serum which is suitable for all skin type. Is it worth the money? In short, yes. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum was the first clinically proven topical Vitamin C formulation after extensive research conducted by the brand itself. Their research showed that the C E Ferulic provides environmental protection due to their combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-aAscorbic Acid), Pure Vitamin E ( Alpha-tacopherol) and 0.5% ferulic Acid. They are also one of the only companies to provide scientific evidence to support their product’s claims. Therefore, you can know you can trust the brand and their results. Their formulation is also protected under a patent meaning no other product will be the same.
Best Vitamin- C Serum Overall:
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Fresh Day Serum
The new and improved product lets you mix the product before its first use, which maximises the potency of it delicate yet powerful ingredients. The Vitamin C serum has the powerful antioxidant trio of 15% L-Ascorbic acid, 0.5% Ferulic Acid and 1% Vitamin E to give you a brighter and firmer complexion. The serum is also packed with pumpkin ferment extract and sodium hyaluronate cross polymer, to enzymatically dissolve surface dead skin cells. This formula successfully diminishes appearance of lines, wrinkles and photodamage and gives your skin radiance and luminosity. It also has a similar formulation to the SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Serum, which means you can enjoy all the benefits with a lower price tag.
Best Vitamin- C Serum Overall:
Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster
Paula’s Choice have these special treatments called boosters. These boosters contain a higher concentration of a specialised ingredient compared to moisturisers or serums. The C15 Super Booster contains a blend of the 3 power antioxidants: 15% Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E and Ferulic acid. The concentrated Vitamin C works to brighten uneven skin tone and visibly firm skin. Vitamin E defends the skin from external stressors and Ferulic Acid helps protect the skin against free radical damage and enhances the stability of vitamin C and E. The liquid composition is designed to work well with any skincare routine. Highly rated and recommended by Dermatologists.
Best Vitamin- C Serum Overall:
Beauty Stat Universal C Skin Refiner
World’s first Vitamin C serum containing 20% stabilised L ascorbic acid. The unique mixture of ingredients include EGCG, Squalane and Tartaric Acid. EGCG is a power antioxidant taken from the most active compound of green tea. Squalane and EGCG accelerate cellular turnover without irritation which helps with anti-ageing, soothing skin and reducing redness and dark spots. Tartaric Acid is a natural exfoliant. It unclogs pores and balances the ph level of the skin, allowing for optimal absorption into deep layers of skin.
Best for Beginners and Overall:
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum
10% L-Ascorbic Acid introduces a small dose of Vitamin C great for beginners and those with sensitive skin. The Pure Vitamin C is combined in a unique mixture containing Salicylic Acid Neurosensine, Hyaluronic Acid and La Roche Posay Thermal Spray Water. The Salicylic Acid works to exfoliate dead skin cell whilst the Hyaluronic Acid plumps the skin and improves skin hydration and texture. The Thermal Spa Water contains exceptional mineral diversity to help restore the skin’s barrier, soothe sensitive and fend off pro-ageing free radical attacks. This serum leaves a fresh, non-greasy, hydrating texture.
Best for Hyperpigmentation:
Bioassance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Bioassance Vitamin C is formulated to target dark spots. The 10% Vitamin C delivers a boost of brightness, whilst the White Shiitake Mushroom Extract fades dark spots. Not only are dark spots immediately degraded but the serum continues to prevent new ones from forming.
Best for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin:
Sunday Riley C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum
CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum uses a highly stable, oil soluble, fast absorbing form of Vitamin C called THD Ascorbate/Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. The serum seamlessly improves the visual firmness, the appearance of lines, wrinkles, dark spots and dullness. Saccharide Isomerate Extract reduces the appearance of pores and reinforces the skin’s moisture barrier for a smooth glow. Phytosterols Complex reduces redness.
Best Affordable Vitamin- C Serum:
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% Cream, with Sodium
This formula uses direct vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to brighten and balance uneven skin tones, visibly reducing the signs of ageing. The absence of water makes the 23% pure L-Ascorbic Acid completely stable. The Spheres of Hyaluronic Acid boosts hydration and provides visible surface smoothing. This serum will help you achieve that radiated, hydrated and smooth glow.
Best Serum for an even-tone:
Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C and Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm and Bright Serum
Dr Dennis Gross personally formulates new and innovative products to tackle any skin concerns. This powerful serum combines 15% L-ascorbic acid with Lactic Acid to increase absorption and enhance antioxidant performance. This product also contains Licorice which has powerful antioxidants that neutralise free radicals from environmental stressors. The Alpha Tocopherol that is an anti-inflammatory and works with L-Ascorbic Acid to tackle a broad range of free radicals.
Best Vitamin- C Serum Sold On Amazon:
TruSkin Naturals Vitamin- C Serum
TruSkin Naturals is one of the best-selling serums on Amazon. The serums contains the two key antioxidants, 20% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate Vitamin C and Vitamin E (found in most high end serums) for a small price tag. In addition, the Hyaluronic Acid provides hydration and the Organic Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil help calm irritated skin. Overall, it’s perfect for tackling dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
Best Vitamin- C Serum for Wrinkles:
Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Kiehl’s Power Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate penetrates into the skin’s deep layers to radiate, hydrate and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This serum contains 10.5% L-Ascorbic Acid plus an additional Vitamin Cg (Ascorbyl Glucoside), which is activated as soon as it touches the skin. It has both antioxidant and anti-wrinkle benefits. There is also Fragmented Hyaluronic Acid that has a lower molecular weight and size allowing it to penetrate deeply and fill water reserves in skin. Glycerin also helps retain moisture and soften skin.
Best Drugstore Vitamin- C Serum:
CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C
Skin-Brightening antioxidant serum is another great option for those just starting Vitamin C. It contains a small dose of 10% Pure Vitamin C to help defend against free radicals. Whilst the Vitamin-C helps brighten and improve the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and uneven skin tone, the three essential ceramides help restore your protective skin barrier. Vitamin B5 and Hyaluronic acid help retain more water for moisture.
Best Vitamin- C Serum for Sensitive Skin:
DR BARBARA STURM, The Good C Vitamin C Serum
A gentle serum with a unique mixture of Vitamin C in three skin-friendly forms. The strong combination of antioxidants help reduce uneven pigmentation, improve tone and provide anti-oxidative protection from free radicals and environmental stressors for a youthful and healthy complexion. Additional ingredients include Zinc that helps activate and transport Vitamin C effectively into the skin. Aloe vera and Hyaluronic Acid provide intense moisture and hydration.
Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient you need to add to your skincare routine. It protects and repairs your skin. If you are looking to address fine lines, wrinkles a Vitamin C serum is a great option. If you are interested in trying a Vitamin C serum, make sure to choose wisely. You want to make sure you are getting a high enough concentration of Vitamin C in your serum to see results. Additionally, you want to make sure the serum is stored properly to prevent it from going bad before you get a chance to use it.
