Get your glow on with vitamin C, your new go-to ingredient for stunning skin.

The Best Multitasker

We’re all familiar with the boost of vitamin C that comes from enjoying a freshly picked orange on a summer day or taking a supplement when a cold’s coming on, but this ingredient also works wonders topically. Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that’s essential for keeping skin healthy and glowing. This active ingredient tackles a host of skin woes, such as dark spots, dull skin and fine lines. With consistent use, vitamin C helps even out skin tone and provide a boost of sunny radiance on even the rainiest of days. Speaking of sun, the antioxidants present in topical vitamin C products can help defend against long-term damage from UV rays. While not a replacement for sunscreen, a serum or cream with the ingredient has the potential to act as a second line of defense in the war against sun and free radical damage.

If you’re looking for firmer skin, reach for vitamin C, which helps your body maintain the collagen you have while supporting the production of new collagen and elastin to fight sagging for a plumper visage.

What to look for in products with Vitamin C

While vitamin C can appear under various names on the labels of skin- care products, the purest, most well- researched and most active form of the ingredient is L-ascorbic acid. However, vitamin C derivatives are often used in cosmetic formulas to keep the product at a specific pH in order to avoid irritation. Two of the most common derivatives we see are sodium ascorbyl phosphate (a water- soluble form of the vitamin) and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (an oil derived from pure L-ascorbic acid that easily penetrates the skin). These ingredients still provide bene- fits to the skin while remaining gentle to minimize sensitization.

When searching the shelves, aim for a product with a concentration of vitamin C between 10 and 20 percent, which provides optimal results with- out irritating the skin. If you’re new to vitamin C, start at the lower end of this range and work up to higher concentrations as your skin becomes accustomed to the product.

Who should use Vitamin C?

Because everyone is vulnerable to sun damage, adults of all ages can benefit from the use of vitamin C. While some may reach for it to boost radiance and others may prefer it for its wrinkle-fighting properties, virtually everyone can reap the ben- efits of this powerful antioxidant. People with all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, can incorporate vitamin C into their skincare routines, introducing it gradually and always performing a patch test before use.

How to use Vitamin C

Apply it in the morning, night or both: The benefits of vitamin C are available 24 hours a day. While it’s common to have this skin-care saviour applied during the day to harness its protection against sun damage, you’ll still experience the brightening and smoothing effects if you layer it on before you go to sleep.

Rather than the time of day, it’s important to consider the other ingredients you’re planning to use alongside your vitamin C to ensure they play well together. For example, avoid pairing it with retinol, which can cause skin irritation, or alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which can destabilize vitamin C.

Don’t fret: You can still incorporate all these beneficial ingredients into your regimen, just avoid using them at the same time. Instead, apply one during the day and the other at night to keep skin happy and your products at their most effective for optimal results.

Our Vitamin C Product Picks

Treat dullness, uneven tone, dryness and wrinkles with this powerful moisturizer suitable for all skin types.

Peter Thomas Roth, Potent-C Brightening Vitamin C Moisturizer, Sephora, $98

 

This vitamin C serum boasts 10-percent pure L-ascorbic acid to boost firmness and evenness during the day while protecting against environmental aggressors.

SKINCEUTICALS Phloretin CF Serum with Ferulic Acid, Skinceuticals, $208

 

Fade the look of hyperpigmentation and post-acne marks and brighten skin with this hydrating serum with 10-percent vitamin C.

DRUNK ELEPHANT C-Luma Hydrabright Serum, Sephora, $92

 

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