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 Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
