
As we continue down the ABC'S of skincare must haves, Vitamin C is next on our list. It is a tried and true antioxidant that has been proven to reduce wrinkles and discolorations. The positives don't stop there because it also boosts the efficacy of Sunscreen (still the most important in the ABC'S), lowering your risk of sun-induced skin damage.
Vitamin C has many forms and names, including: ascorbic acid, l-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. It also comes in many strengths, from 0.3-20+%. Remember, it is considered an active ingredient so you might want to start with a lower percentage and work your way up to a higher strength over the course of several months. A 10% formulation would be a good start. I personally like Alphascience's Tannic CF Serum because it has tannic acid, which acts as an anti-photoaging agent.
Stimulates collagen production
This is a biggie! Vitamin C helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. Collagen is what keeps our skin firm and smooth and it decreases with age. I know you are probably thinking retinol (Vitamin A) boosts collagen and you're right. Too much is never a bad thing though! It's like getting too many presents on your birthday.
You can safely use both Vitamin C and retinol. I would apply Vitamin C serum in the morning and retinol at night - both on clean, dry skin. Don't forget your neck and décolleté too. They can age you more than your face over time. One study showed that daily use of Vitamin C for at least three months improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles in the face and neck.
Powerful antioxidant
Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in your skin. This means it fights harmful free radicals (toxins) that come into contact with your skin from the outside (think UV rays) or the inside (glycation - basically sugar damaging your skin). That is some serious ammo against the evil forces sent to destroy your healthy, supple skin.
Improves dark spots
Since Vitamin C has been around for so long, it's been studied extensively. Those studies have shown it inhibits melanin (what gives the skin its pigment) production and synthesis. This means it helps with age spots, melasma, acne scars and other forms of hyperpigmentation. With regular use your skin will take on a more uniform appearance - meaning less noticeable dark patches. One hard working favorite is Peter Thomas Roth's Potent C Power Serum with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid. Vitamin's C and E work together to keep each other stabilized and provide more benefits for your skin.
More great options for you (and your budget):
I haven't personally tried these Vitamin C serums but have heard great things about them from dermatologists. One is Numbuzin's Number 5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum and Timeless' 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum. Both are under $27 and are packed with stellar ingredients and no fragrances or dyes. The Timeless Vitamin C is very similar to the much more expensive version by Skinceuticals. While the Numbuzin serum contains tons of brighteners, including tranexamic acid, glutathione and niacinamide (see my previous blog on Vitamin B3 and the wonders of this hidden gem).
It bears repeating but Vitamin C is an "active" ingredient. That means you might want to add it to your skincare routine slowly, especially if you have sensitive skin. I'd recommend using it two or three mornings a week to start and going up from there. See you back here for my all time favorite of the ABC'S - SUNSCREEN!