With countless skin care ingredients out there, Vitamin C has established itself as a staple brightening agent. Vitamin C has been trending in the skin care market for a long time and is already a key product in most people’s routine. We give you a full rundown of this ingredient – from its benefits to when to use it. If Vitamin C is still not a part of your routine, read on to find out why you should include it!
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that offers outstanding benefits such as brightening and anti-ageing. There are many forms of Vitamin C such as Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and many more. Among them, Ascorbic Acid is the most common form of Vitamin C.
Benefits of Vitamin C
1. Brightens skin
For those seeking a brighter and more even complexion, Vitamin C is the hero ingredient you need. It is effective in diminishing the appearance of dark spots and brightening dull complexions. A study found that Vitamin C is useful in fighting pigmentation caused by UV rays. This ingredient inhibits melanin production, which helps to effectively lighten skin and areas of hyperpigmentation to give us a more even complexion.1
2. Fights free radicals
Other than its brightening properties, Vitamin C is known to be a powerhouse antioxidant. Free radicals are molecules that damage healthy cells and break down our skin’s collagen, leading to saggy skin. It is often caused by environmental aggressors such as harmful UV rays. Vitamin C is able to neutralise these free radicals, thus reducing damage and ensuring our skin remains healthy.
3. Reduces signs of ageing
Vitamin C is not only great for brightening our skin, but it also helps with anti-ageing too. Vitamin C is found to help with anti-ageing by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Studies have shown that Vitamin C is effective in promoting collagen synthesis and helps increase collagen production in both young and aged human skin.2 Supple and glowing skin is not far away with the use of Vitamin C.
When should we use Vitamin C?
Most people incorporate Vitamin C in their night routine in the form of a serum. As our skin regenerates and repairs itself at night, applying Vitamin C before bed helps to boost these processes. Our skin is also able to better absorb and process the benefits of the ingredient at night.
You can also choose to add Vitamin C to your day routine too for added protection against harmful UV rays. If you’re applying a Vitamin C product in the day, remember to double up your sun protection by applying sufficient sunscreen after! Include it in both your AM and PM routine to maximise its benefits!
Vitamin C in DR’s Secret Products
Cleanser 1
This pink gel-type hydrating cleanser is a hot favourite among DR’s Secret users. Formulated with Ascorbic Acid, it helps to reverse free radical damage. It is also soothing and moisturising, keeping our skin hydrated after cleansing without leaving our skin feeling uncomfortably tight. The fresh citrusy scent is sure to make your cleansing experience a pleasant one.
C15 Essence 7
C15 Essence 7 is a high-performance Vitamin C essence that aims to help you achieve youthful and radiant skin. It helps to prevent premature ageing, brighten your skin and improve skin bounce – 3 functions all in 1 bottle! The solution is clear and feels silky smooth on the skin, leaving a slight warm sensation that feels oh so comforting.
Tip:
With time, constant exposure to air may cause oxidation, turning Vitamin C products yellow. This is a common occurrence and under normal usage, the product efficacy will not be affected. To prevent severe oxidation, a good practice of using Vitamin C products is to tighten the bottle cap immediately after use and store the product in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
1De Dormael, R., Bastien, P., Sextius, P., Gueniche, A., Ye, D., Tran, C., Chevalier, V., Gomes, C., Souverain, L., & Tricaud, C. (2019). Vitamin C Prevents Ultraviolet-induced Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers: Bayesian Meta-analysis Results from 31 Randomized Controlled versus Vehicle Clinical Studies. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 12(2), E53–E59.
2Telang, P. S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 4(2), 143-146. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.110593