Who Should Use Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is an iconic ingredient for a straightforward reason: it is effective. Clinical studies have shown that this ingredient is not only effective in fighting a cold, but it can (and should) be added to your skincare ritual. Dermatologists often recommend vitamin C because it provides multiple benefits, including:

• It protects the skin from the damage caused by UV rays.
• It stimulates collagen production.
• It reduces brown spots on the face.

Also, vitamin C is safe for most skin types (dry, oily or acne-sensitive) and is often referred to as a more irritating anti-aging ingredients.

Interesting, isn’t it? But before you go to the pharmacy to stock up on vitamin C-based serums and moisturizers, read on. Dr Sonya Abdulla, a dermatologist from Toronto, describes the benefits of vitamin C for your skin, and everything you need to know about this super-ingredient.

WHAT IS VITAMIN C? 

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is an essential vitamin, which means that the human body cannot produce it. So you need to get it from natural sources, such as citrus fruits and leafy vegetables. And as if that wasn’t upsetting enough, this vitamin is soluble, that is, the body can’t store it, no matter how much orange juice or kale you consume.

But there is also good news: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. A diet rich in antioxidants helps the body repel highly reactive molecules, called free radicals. Topical antioxidants, such as vitamin C serums, work the same way on the skin: they fight against free radicals caused by pollution, stress and sunlight, all factors of the exposure. The exposome includes all the environmental factors to which the human body is exposed over the course of a lifetime and the impact of these factors on health.

“Ascorbic acid eliminates free radicals, or silent damage, that contribute to aging,” says Dr Abdulla.

Antioxidants neutralize the production of free radicals using their own electrons. In other words, they work like a switch that is turned off.

WHAT DOES VITAMIN C BRING TO YOUR SKIN?

This ingredient works as a real workhorse. Taken orally, vitamin C can strengthen your immune system. And even if you only make it a topical use, your skin can benefit greatly. Whether you want to correct or lighten an uneven complexion, reduce fine lines, rough skin texture, acne scars or any other complexion problem, a vitamin C-based skin care product can help make your skin look fabulously smooth and give it a healthy-looking glow.

Vitamin C is one of the few ingredients that have the ability to protect your current collagen reserve (thanks to its antioxidant properties) and improve its

production. Both of these functions are essential to reduce the signs of aging. Vitamin C also helps to smooth and even prevent brown spots and pigmentation caused by previous inflammations, such as acne. “A melanin inhibitor, vitamin C reduces hyperpigmentation,” adds Dr Abdulla.

WHAT TYPE OF VITAMIN C SHOULD I USE?

Unfortunately, not all vitamin C products are equal. “There are many derivatives, including ascorbyl palmitate and retinal ascorbate,” says Dr Abdulla. “These molecules, called precursors, must be converted into an active form to offer the best benefits to the skin.” Look for ascorbic acid, which is the most stable and effective form of vitamin C for skincare.

“To maximize the effect, choose formulas with a concentration of 10% or more,” says Dr Abdulla.

The higher the percentage, the more healthy, smooth and rejuvenated the skin will look. And remember: your body can’t store vitamin C, so a product with a concentration of 20% will offer maximum efficiency.

The best vitamin C serums contain other antioxidants, such as vitamin E. For example, Lift Activ vitamin C with Vichy hyaluronic acid contains 15% pure vitamin C, vitamin E and other active ingredients, such as fragmented hyaluronic acid and Vichy mineralizing thermal water.

WHEN AND HOW TO USE VITAMIN C?

Some active ingredients, such as retinol, are recommended for night use because of their photosensitive effect, but products with vitamin C can be used day and night. Vitamin C is the perfect skincare ingredient to add to your daily ritual because it neutralizes unwanted free radicals.

If your skin is prone to acne, vitamin C does wonders on scars and pigmentation.

Vichy LiftActiv Specialist peptide-C serum bulbs contain 10% pure vitamin C. This 10-day treatment targets brown marks and spots.

This super-vitamin also has anti-aging

properties. Discover the LiftActiv Collagen Specialist treatment from Vichy. A moisturizing combination of vitamin C, phytopeptides and mineralizing thermal water that softens wrinkles, firms and targets discoloured skin while illuminating the complexion. Apply any of these vitamin C-based products all over the face in the morning, before applying your sunscreen.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN USING VITAMIN C?

Vitamin C is a difficult ingredient to include in the compositions because it is unstable, which means that it decomposes in contact with oxygen and light. LiftActiv vitamin C faces serum amber bottles with Vichy hyaluronic acid and Vichy LiftActiv Specialist peptide-C serum bulbs help preserve the stability and, therefore, the effectiveness of these products.

It is important to know that you should use it immediately once the product has started, especially the serum with vitamin C.

In other words, don’t put it aside because you’ve just discovered a new product. The fresher the product, the more effective it will be. Your face will give you a nice proof.

01. What is Vitamin C?

An iconic ingredient with many proven benefits in clinical trials

02. What are the benefits of vitamin C for your skin?

It is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals.

03. What to know when using vitamin C?

The more recent the product is manufactured, the more efficient it is.