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    Vitamin C: everything you need to know

    15 Jan 2019 2:38 PM | Posted by
    bh's Jordyn Christensen's picture
    bh's Jordyn Christensen
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    There is no doubt you’ve heard of vitamin C - however, it’s likely it you know it as something you find in an orange, rather than in relation to skincare. Vitamin C however, is one of the best ‘age fighting’ ingredients you could possibly be using; working to brighten, tighten and protect skin. We spoke with Dr Steven Liew, Founder and Medical Director of the Shape Clinic and expert for Skinceuticals, about why adding vitamin C to your skincare routine is absolutely non-negotiable and what is the best way to be using it.

    RELATED: The at-home AHA treatment your skin will love

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    What is vitamin C?

    Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C “is a water-soluble vitamin (and an antioxidant) commonly found in citrus fruits... but topical and oral vitamin C are very different. At the right pH and the right concentration, vitamin C can penetrate the skin through to the dermal layers. In terms of ingesting antioxidants and specifically vitamin C within fruits, very little actually makes it to the skin, as it is used up by other organs first,” explains Liew.

    What does it do for your skin?

    “Skin that is dry, dehydrated, prematurely aged, dull and/or pigmented” (so almost everyone), “will benefit from vitamin C.” [As] a potent antioxidant it has not only been shown to protect the skin from oxidative stress (exposure to the environment), but [photo]damage from the sun as well, says Liew. “Vitamin C stimulates collagen production in the skin and is imperative for overall skin health. It will also improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation to promote a smoother, more radiant complexion,” says Liew.

    So, what kind of products should I be looking for?

    “Vitamin C is best in the form of L-ascorbic acid,” says Liew. “As [it] is a volatile ingredient the pH and the concentration have to be at the right level in order for it to be effective.” Liew recommends formulations of L-ascorbic acid at a 10-20 percent concentration and a pH of 2.5-3.5 for effective delivery.

    Where does it fit into my skincare routine?

    “Vitamin C should be applied onto cleansed skin in the morning as a serum...applying a topical antioxidant will help protect the skin against atmospheric ageing including UV, infrared radiation and pollution,’ explains Liew. bh top tip: Apply a day cream on top of the serum and an SPF, to give your complexion even more protection.

    As a result, vitamin C is the hero anti-ageing ingredient you never knew you needed. Try: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic (find it at skinceuticals.com.au), Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum (find it at mecca.com.au), Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate, Alpha-H Vitamin C, Natural Instinct Vitamin C + Camelia Oil

    Did you know much about vitamin C prior to reading this article?

    Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

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    Alpha-H Vitamin C
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    Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate
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    97 Member Comments

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    Susmat 15 Jan 2021 2:37 PM

    I'm about to try a Vitamin C serum

    Jay.dogga1986 20 Jun 2020 10:02 AM

    Interesting article. I’ll have to look out for vitamin c.

    Cynful 4 Nov 2019 7:27 PM

    Drunk Elephant cfirma is amazing! I use it in the day and a retinol/tlc serum starts night and my pigmentation has halved in 2 months- something I’ve been fighting with for 15yrs. Acne left my skin with tonnes of hyper pigmentation but I am at a point that I can just wear mineral powder!!!!! But the c-firma does have a slight smell of ham lol

    CaitMay 11 Aug 2019 11:48 PM

    Good info on vitamin c - thanks!

    Margi59 8 Aug 2019 5:41 PM

    Thank You for the Wonderful information regarding Vitamin C Serums, will definitely consider adding it to my skin care regime.

    Mandy_1987 17 May 2019 10:57 AM

    I add vitamin c in occasionally. I Haven't found one that gives a noticeable difference yet but does seem to help with keeping skin clean and clear.

    MaryJane 2 May 2019 7:49 PM

    I love Vitamin c on the skin, i have been using it for a few months and noticed a bright clear complextion, as well as some of my acne scaring fading. I only use the best Vit c as i find the cheaper ones tend to be too oily.

    Shop A Everyday 20 Mar 2019 2:06 AM

    I am not sure if any of my current products contain any vit c

    lucy5 1 Mar 2019 5:15 PM

    Drunk Elephant C-Firma is hands down the best vitamin C. Because their range is clean clinical, my sensitive skin doesnt react and its very gentle but works. I have been using it for just under 4 months and it has really helped even out my skin tone, fad acne scars and balance my complexion. I have even had people comment on how clear my skin is (which never has happened having acne prone hormonal acne for years). Buy a sample set and you wont look back!

    jupiter 15 Feb 2019 11:50 AM

    I noticed a brighter complexion after starting on Vit C. I've used The Ordinary's Ascorbyl Glucoside 12% and also their 30% Vit C in silicone. The AG 12% is a water-based serum with very low irritation (I had no irritation even though I have areas of sensitivity on my face). When I finished that I tried the 30% in silicone and had some tingling but nothing unbearable. In terms of texture I prefer the AG as the silicone can make my combination skin a bit greasy after a few hours.

    When I finish my tube of 30% I am planning to make a DIY vit C serum and see how that goes. I've tried this once using labmuffin's recipe and took it with me on a 2 week holiday: https://labmuffin.com/easy-5-minute-diy-vitamin-c-serum-recipe/

    The texture isn't the best (too watery), and it started to oxidise by the end of 1 week even though I stored it in an empty TO dropper bottle in a dark place. My next attempt will incorporate glycerin and some Vit E oil :P

    Angage 2 Feb 2019 8:05 AM

    Wow! Vitamin C great for all skin concern.I need to add this one to my beauty routine.

    BeeAy 1 Feb 2019 8:34 PM

    The only Vitamin C product that I've found to actually brighten my skin is TO's Vitamin C 23%. Sadly, it also breaks me out terribly.

    Review Beauties 1 Feb 2019 5:31 PM

    This was a great article to learn more about Vitamin C in skincare. Thank you, very helpful.

    Neverland 31 Jan 2019 11:17 PM

    Vitamin C is amazing for the immune system and fighting of sickness. There are some great supplements out there, but also many fresh fruit and veggies that are rich in Vitamin c.

    Goddess..... 24 Jan 2019 1:16 PM

    I take vitamin C tablets one in the morning & one at night. I also apply a vitamin C serum to my face at night time, I use another serum in the day although I might try this the other way otherwise I'll stick with my way.

    NellAdams 23 Jan 2019 7:08 PM

    Ran into this article at just the right time, I've been looking for a way to incorporate Vitamin C into my skincare routine but just needed to know a little more before making any decisions!

    Ethelinde 19 Jan 2019 8:53 PM

    Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate is not a very strong formulation so wouldn't recommend that if you're looking for visible brightness.

    Sootyhere 20 Jan 2019 12:34 PM

    Thanks for the advice Ethelinde

    jillian206 19 Jan 2019 8:40 PM

    I always get confused about vit C and vit A.

    IndieAna 19 Jan 2019 1:37 PM

    I try and incorporate a vitamin C into my morning skincare routine

    misfortune8 18 Jan 2019 11:04 PM

    After reading all the comments, I'm curious about trying the Andalou Vit C serum.

    2663anne 18 Jan 2019 1:53 PM

    I’ve just ordered my first vitamin C after reading this article, I’m hoping I picked a good one.

    Meedee 18 Jan 2019 7:39 AM

    I have used Vitamin C from time to time. There are so many different types of serums out there that I find it hard just to stick to one and not try new ones so im always swapping around.

    Sootyhere 17 Jan 2019 11:34 PM

    Must try some vitamin c. Thanks for the article.

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