A Beginner's Guide to Vitamin C Skincare

Vitamin C is  widely regarded  as the go-to topical skincare ingredient for anyone desiring younger looking glowing skin. 

Providing an instant boost to dull lifeless skin, Vitamin C reduces pigmentation and protects against UV damage whilst firming and brightening the complexion for a renewed radiance. 

Unsurprisingly, sales of Vitamin C have gone up considerably this spring as woman look to awaken their skin, following months of being cooped up in lockdown. The problem is, Vitamin C is both a potent and extremely unstable ingredient, so picking the right product and the right dosage for your skin is essential. 

Vitamin C generally comes in concentrations ranging from below 5% all the way up to 30%. The results achieved will depend on the concentration of ingredient you use but remember, high concentration isn’t always better.

Those with dry or sensitive skin should stick with lower concentrations of around 5%, which are less likely to be irritating, whilst those with more oily skin or with more extensive pigmentation issues can handle higher concentrations. It’s also worth considering that the results begin to plataux after 20%, so there is usually no need to go higher. 

There are different types of vitamin C that you might see pop up in different types of products. Some of these are more stable than others, meaning they won’t oxidize as quickly, and some of them have different properties that can make them more suited to certain skin types.

It’s also worth understanding the difference between your water soluble derivate and your oil solubles Vitamin Cs. L-ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbyl phosphate are water-soluble. They are more likely to show up in products that are lighter and better suited to oilier skin. If you have dry, mature skin, moisturizing products containing lipid-soluble forms of vitamin C, like ascorbyl palmitate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate are best. 

When it comes to pairing your vitamin C with other skincare there are two rules to follow. Avoid benzoyl peroxide, which can oxidize the vitamin C and, therefore, make it less potent, the other is to keep your retinol and your vitamin C separate. Most skincare experts recommend applying Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol in the evening. 

Of course with all the options out there it can be hard to know which one to go for. Read on to discover some of our favourite Vitamin C skincare products, ideal for reawakening your skin this spring.

JANE SCRIVNER

Encapsulate Vitamin C Over Night Repair £67

Help protect your complexion against everyday aggressors with Jane Scriver's Encapsulated Optimised Vitamin C Paste, a high potency, slow-release formula designed to work overnight as the skin carries out its natural circadian repair cycle, for skin that appears radiant, toned and renewed. 

SKINCEUTICALS

C E Ferulic Antioxidant Vitamin C Serum £140

Boasting an antioxidant blend of 15% Pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), 1% Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) and 0.5% Ferulic Acid, this daytime serum envelops skin in a protective veil against age-inducing free radicals, infrared radiation and ozone pollution. Thats not all, SkinCeutical’s cult C E Ferulic serum also reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and photodamage, alongside combating loss of elasticity to leave skin firm and youthful.

MEDIK8

C Tetra Serum Pro-Collagen Vitamin C Serum £35

A revolutionary ultra-stable vitamin C serum, Medik8 C-Tetra helps combat sun-induced damage to the skin, trigger collagen synthesis, increase the skin’s elasticity and density as well as improve the skin’s texture and brighten the complexion. Containing 3% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, the most potent and highly stable derivative of vitamin C available, this anti-oxidising serum will not exfoliate or irritate skin and is ideal for both men and women in their mid-20s to 40s. 

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY

Stabilised Vitamin C Serum £45

Suitable for all skin types  The Organic Pharmacy’s Vitamin C serum, will revitalise even the  dullest, most lack-lustre complexion whilst also tackling pigmentation problems. With Clinically proven results this 91% organic, powerhouse serum will leave skin glowy, smooth even and bright. 

LA RUE VERTE

Ageless Lotion £49.99

Combining CBD, a powerful anti-inflammatory featuring antioxidant properties, and high concentrations of Vitamin C, La Rue Verte’s Ageless Lotion helps to support, balance, brighten and revive dehydrated skin. Apply daily to strengthen and activate the skin’s immune system while fighting visible signs of ageing.

INSITUT ESTHEDERM

Intensive Vitamin C Gel Cream £62

Regulate skin pigmentation and treating signs of ageing Institut Esthederm Intensive Vitamin C Gel-Cream, contains two stable derivatives of vitamin C to effectively target existing wrinkles, firm the skin and help minimise the appearance of pigment spot. For ultimate result smooth the cream over face, neck and décolleté morning and/or night.

OLEHENRIKSEN

Truth Serum £42

Hailed as a daily multivitamin for the skin, Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum  is supercharged with their True-C ComplexTM and boosted with collagen, to brighen and firm, and deliver all-day hydration.

Enriched with orange and green tea extracts, this fast-absorbing, oil-free formula revives the complexion for healthier and more youthful-looking glow.

DRUNK ELEPHANT

C-Frima Day Serum £67

With it’s antioxidant complex of l-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid and vitamin E, Drunk Elephants C-Frima day serum packs a powerful punch. Improving the signs of photoaging, its essential mix of ingredients work together to firm and brighten the appearance of skin, while providing intense hydration.