We all know that we need to take vitamins and supplements on a daily basis for optimal health, and our skin care routines are no exception. A glass of orange juice may boost your immune system, but what exactly does vitamin C do for your skin? From powerful antioxidants to lightning-fast hyperpigmentation busters, learn all about this popular ingredient and why it deserves a spot in your portfolio. Benefits of Vitamin C. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a multifunctional molecule that’s proven to help protect, brighten, and firm the skin. Known as the gold standard antioxidant, nationally board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch explains that vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals, unstable atoms that are known to accelerate the aging process. “Vitamin C prevents cellular damage by stabilizing free radicals caused by pollution, UV rays, smoking, sugar, and stress, and as if its protective abilities weren’t enough, vitamin C is also ideal for shaving off dull skin and brightening the look of dull skin.” It fades discoloration. Eliminates spots and brightens the complexion. Whether you’ve suffered from severe sun damage during the summer or have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to age spots, taking vitamin C regularly can provide relief. “It inhibits the production of melanin in the skin, which helps lighten areas of hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone,” adds Deer.
How to Use Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is found in a variety of products, from cleansers to serums to face scrubs. The ingredient comes in different strengths and concentrations, so all skin types — even acne-prone and sensitive skin — can benefit from it. While it can be used daily, start with 3-4 times per week and increase if you want to be safe.
While vitamin C is most often used in the morning, Hirsch tells us it also has a place in your afternoon skincare routine. “Vitamin C aids in cellular metabolism, which happens frequently, especially at night.”
If you’re looking for a new vitamin C product to add to your routine, check out our Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Moisturizer, a lightweight, non-comedogenic cream that’s packed with not just one, but two stabilized forms of vitamin C to penetrate deep into the skin for a brighter, firmer look.
Does Vitamin C Expire?
According to Dr. Hirsch, no matter what product you choose, the most important thing to you is finding one that uses the word correctly. The strongest form, L-ascorbic acid, is extremely unstable due to its sensitivity to light and air.
So look for products that come in airtight, opaque packaging, quickly replace the lid after use, and store them in a cool, dark place (not a steamy bathroom) out of direct sunlight. Vitamin C doesn’t have an exact expiration date, but most serums (depending on how much vitamin C is in the formula) are most effective if used within three to six months of opening.
If your fruits and veggies are turning a dark brown due to oxidation (don’t worry — orange is normal), it’s time to separate. For maximum freshness, try a vitamin C powder, like the one in Found The Light Vitamin.
Not only does a vitamin C powder ensure its effectiveness lasts longer, but it also allows you to mix this brightening ingredient into any of your other favorite skincare products.
What can I apply vitamin C with?
Vitamin C combines well with most other ingredients, but it’s especially effective when combined with these. Niacinamide This is a great combo for acne-prone, dull, and aging skin. Vitamin C brightens the complexion and
increases collagen production, while niacinamide smooths pores, reduces inflammation, and increases elasticity. For an all-over brightness, check out this combo in Stroke of Brilliance Brightening Serum.
If you have annoying dark circles, apply our Vacation Eyes Brightening Eye Gel to the eye area. Sunscreen Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, it fights free radicals and prevents sun damage, which can enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen. Follow with a moisturizer containing Vitamin C to maximize the protective benefits of Guards Up SPF. Exfoliating Acids (AHA/BHA) This combination works so well because the acids dissolve dead skin cells, allowing the Vitamin C to better penetrate the skin. Use our Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Toner to share its benefits, or, if you’re looking for something more intense, use our Doctor’s Visit Instant Revitalizing Mask. Retinol* This powerful combination can be used to inhibit and repel environmental aggressors. However, to avoid possible irritation, they should not be combined alone. Instead, look for products that already contain both ingredients.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
