Vitamin C is a type of vitamin found in citrus fruits and various other fruits and vegetables. Our bodies do not naturally produce this essential nutrient. In skincare, Vitamin C is known as the most powerful antioxidant. It has numerous benefits for the skin, which is why it’s one of the most popular skincare ingredients today.
If you’re looking to incorporate Vitamin C into your skincare routine, read on as we provide you with everything you need to know about this powerful component!
Benefits of Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect your skin from harmful environmental factors and UV rays. These factors may include pollution, smoke, chemicals, and food—things you encounter daily that can cause oxidative stress on your skin.
If you’re dealing with issues like wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dullness, consider adding Vitamin C serum to your skincare routine.
However, even if you don’t have these issues, Vitamin C is still an excellent addition to your skincare regimen to protect your skin from the effects of UV rays and free radicals. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production and protects the skin from degradation.
Vitamin C is a widely popular ingredient for a reason—it’s a potent powerhouse that truly delivers and helps you achieve your skincare goals.
Key Ingredients in a Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is best used in the form of a serum because serums absorb quickly and penetrate deeper into the skin, providing noticeable results faster. Apply the serum to your skin after cleansing and before using moisturizer.
When looking for a serum, choose one with L-ascorbic acid, as this is the purest form of Vitamin C. Vitamin C comes in different forms, but these derivatives may combine with other ingredients and release only a small portion of the pure form when in contact with the skin. L-ascorbic acid is also the most biologically active form of the vitamin.
Select a serum with an L-ascorbic acid concentration between 10% and 20%. When starting, use a serum with 10% Vitamin C concentration and increase to 20% if your skin tolerates it. Avoid using concentrations higher than 20%, as anything beyond this may cause irritation without providing additional benefits to the skin.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) stabilizes Vitamin C, and Ferulic Acid stabilizes both. It’s best to look for a Vitamin C serum containing both of these ingredients. Together, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Ferulic Acid create a powerful and synergistic solution. The combination enhances the benefits of using a Vitamin C serum, reinforcing its ability to fight free radicals and stimulate collagen production.
Lastly, look for a product packaged in air-tight, dark glass bottles to avoid exposure to air, high temperatures, and light, which can degrade Vitamin C. Store the Vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place. Some even suggest refrigerating the product to extend its shelf life. Keep in mind that most products will turn yellow, indicating that the product has expired. If this happens, purchase a new bottle, as oxidized serum won’t be effective.
Recommended Vitamin C Serums for You
- Vitamin C10 C-Lester Topical Serum Crafted with 10% L-ascorbic acid Vitamin C, the Vitamin C10 C-Lester Topical Serum protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also evens out the skin tone, prevents future discoloration, and fights premature aging. With Hyaluronic Acid, it provides moisture to the skin, leaving it radiant.
- Vitamin C20 C-Lester Topical Serum The Vitamin C20 C-Lester Topical Serum comes with 20% L-ascorbic acid. It is also formulated with red algae extract, aloe vera extract, and other plant-based ingredients. It robustly protects the skin from highly active chemical free radicals. This serum significantly improves common signs of aging, light damage, wrinkles, fold lines, loss of elasticity, while reducing dark spots and brightening the skin.