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Today we are talking about why your skin needs vitamin C ASAP!
This is another post about ACID for your skin! Yes, vitamin C is actually an acid formally known as ascorbic acid.
As you can tell, I really love acids, and they are so beneficial for your skin. Many of the ones I share are naturally occurring in your skin which is why they are so important to use topically, like glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid.
Vitamin C is not only found deep in the skin, but it also has very important benefits that can transform your skin when used topically.
I’ve talked about this on Instagram stories, so I decided a detailed post was needed!
Why Your Skin Needs Vitamin C ASAP!
The Chemistry Behind Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid is a weak acid (pH of around 4.2) and essential vitamin for the body. Not only is it essential for immunity, but it is also essential for tissue repair. Vitamin C is a carrier in the body and many nutrients need Vitamin C to be absorbed correctly, like collagen.
If you remember this post on the function of collage and why you should take it, I explain that if you take collagen, you MUST take it with vitamin C.
Vitamin C isn’t just good for internal use, but also for topical use!
Here is why your skin needs vitamin C!
Benefits of Using Vitamin C Topically
There are many benefits of using vitamin c topically (discount code alexisroch at checkout) that will transform your skin. Make sure to stay tuned after these benefits on the best ways to use it too.
Collagen Production
The most important to me is collagen production. Just like I talk about in this post, vitamin C is very important for collagen. Using it topically promotes collagen production. This helps your skin look more youthful and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles!
Reduces Redness
Vitamin C is really great at reducing red or splotchy skin tone. It helps repair tissues and soothe irritated skin.
Brightens Skin
One of the best benefits of vitamin C is how well it brightens skin. It does this by brightening hyper pigmentation and dark spots due to it’s ability to inhibit melanin production.
Dark Circles
Since vitamin C not only repairs tissue and brightens skin, this makes it great for dark circles. I have genetic dark circles and have seen a HUGE difference using topical vitamin C regularly.
Can Help Protect Against UV Rays
This isn’t like sun screen, but it does help to strengthen the outer skin layer. This guards against UV exposure! When your skin has lower levels of vitamin C, it can put you at a higher risk for sun damage because the epidermis (outer layer of skin) isn’t as thick. This article from Oregon State has some good resources regarding vitamin C.
Anti-Aging
Anything that helps brighten your skin and boost collagen is also good for anti-aging. It promotes healthier, younger looking skin too. After using a Vitamin C scrub or serum, your skin will immediately look younger. Prolonged use enhances this effect!
Different Types of Vitamin C to Look For
One thing that can be difficult with skincare products is reading labels. Vitamin C can come in many different forms, but it will usually be listed with a proper chemical name. Here are the top forms of vitamin C you will find on your label:
- Ascorbic acid
- L-ascorbic acid
- Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
- Ascorbyl palmitate
- Ascorbic acid polypeptide
- Ascorbyl glucosamine
- Ascorbyl glucoside
- Sodium ascorbyl palmitate
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
The key phrase you see in all of these is “ascorb” coming from the word ascorbic acid.
Any of these phrases mean your product contains vitamin C. The most potent form will be the L-ascorbic acid.
Vitamin C Products to Use
Try a scrub: I like to use vitamin C in a few different ways. A Vitamin C scrub is a great option because it really brightens your skin with exfoliation and cleansing. My favorite one is this scrub .I keep it in the shower to use every few days (after cleansing and removing makeup). It smells great and my skin is SO bright after using it. I have had trouble finding it again, so I have started using this scrub from Amazon. It works great too.
Use it as a serum: Vitamin C serum is another great option. Over the last ten years, I have tried and tested dozens. I am blown away by this vitamin C serum due to how unique and powerful it is. Get it at a discount with code alexisroch at checkout. Another favorite I have used for several years is Fleur & Bee brand vitamin C. It smells so good and very gentle on the skin. It isn’t as potent, but it is hydrating and a great option to keep on hand.
How Often to Use Topical Vitamin C
I recommend using vitamin C daily with one of the serums I mentioned. I will usually use the scrub every few days at the most, but will use the serum each morning. Remember for serums to always apply WATER based serums first. If water is the first ingredient, use this product first, then top with thicker serums. Learn more about layering skincare products in this post.
Remember how I said vitamin c can help protect against sun rays? This makes it a great morning treatment too! Use it under sunscreen and makeup!
Another phrase to keep in mind for skincare products is “thin to thick” which means thin products first. If your products have the same consistency, then it won’t matter which is first 🙂
Enjoy using vitamin C! Be sure to follow me on Instagram and watch my stories for more tips!
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I’ve always wondered why people use this, but it seemed to good to be true! But your skin is always so pretty, so I’m getting some lol
Aw thank you! It really helps your skin look amazing!!
I never knew vitamin c had so many benefits. I really need help with dullness, so I’m gonna try this
It is one of the best things for dull skin! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
What excellent information… love it girl. thanks
Thank you! I love using it, so great!!
I so get how important vitamins are for our bodies which is why I take supplements and use vitamin enriched creams
They are so important!!
What do you use to get the required hyaluronic acid for using collagen?
Hi Carolyn. Are you talking about topical treatments or oral? I only take collagen orally. Here is a recent post about using hyaluronic acid and collagen together.
The link to your Vitamin C scrub says the item is unavailable. Do you have an updated recommendation?
This link was in my spam folder, sorry for the delayed reply! This brand keeps selling out. I have also used this brand and I liked how it worked too.
Very informative and well-written article.
Thanks!