Vitamin C has earned a reputation as one of the most effective ingredients in the beauty industry, but what exactly does it offer for your skin? In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the significance of Vitamin C in skincare and provide insights on how to incorporate it into your routine, even if you have very sensitive, stressed skin.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin present in fruits and vegetables, can also be synthesized for use in supplements and skincare products. While we've long been encouraged to consume ample Vitamin C for its myriad health benefits, we're primarily discussing topical Vitamin C, which can be derived from fruits and vegetables or produced in a laboratory setting.
Its potency lies in its status as one of the most effective antioxidants in skincare. Oxidation can lead to skin damage, ranging from hyperpigmentation to blemishes. Therefore, counteracting this process with Vitamin C is vital for maintaining healthy skin. But that's not the extent of Vitamin C's capabilities.
But not all Vitamin C is created equally. Slow-release Vitamin C, in the form of Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, is a game-changer for sensitive skin. While traditional Ascorbic acid may not be well-tolerated by all skin types, the innovative alternative we use offers a wide array of benefits.
The benefits of Vitamin C for your skin
Vitamin C is a true all rounder and can help all skin types, even the most sensitive (more on that in a bit). Here are just a few benefits of adding it into your skincare routine…
1. Provides protective shield
Slow-release Vitamin C is your skin's guardian against external aggressors, such as the sun's harmful rays and pollution. These elements generate free radicals that damage the skin. As an antioxidant, slow-release Vitamin C effectively combats these free radicals, putting a halt to their detrimental effects. Applying it in the morning is especially vital. Remember, it's not a substitute for sunscreen; so, always wear sunscreen for complete protection.
2. Enhances skin texture
The positive impact on your skin's inner structure goes beyond wrinkle reduction. Slow-release Vitamin C also promotes a healthy, velvety texture. As our natural collagen production diminishes over time, this ingredient contributes to regaining the smoothness reminiscent of youthful skin.
3. Diminishes fine lines
For those concerned about fine lines, slow-release Vitamin C deserves a top spot on your skincare list. By thwarting free radicals, it aids the skin in aging gracefully, preventing damage. Moreover, it accelerates collagen and elastin production, the fundamental elements responsible for maintaining skin's resilience and youthful appearance.
4. Evens out skin tone
This remarkable Vitamin C variant has been shown to lighten dark spots and correct hyperpigmentation. It achieves this by blocking the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Daily use not only shields against future damage but also helps existing discolorations fade away when combined with the right formulation.
5. Boosts radiance
The melanin-blocking properties elevate your skin's radiance, bidding farewell to dullness. If a vibrant, glowing complexion is your goal, slow-release Vitamin C is your must-have skincare ally.
6. Aids scar reduction
The brightening effect of slow-release Vitamin C is also effective in diminishing scars left behind by blemishes and spots. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it expedites the healing process, bidding adieu to patchy marks.
Slow-release Vitamin C: the ideal choice for sensitive skin
Concerned about sensitive skin? You need not fret. It's all about the formulation you choose. Look for slow-release Vitamin C, found in Maven Daily Moisturiser and Vitamin C+E Booster, which delivers the brightening results with none of the irritation of its counterparts. Many Vitamin C products also contain fragrances and other active ingredients that may irritate the skin. None of which are found in our skincare.
Traditional Ascorbic Acid, also known as L-ascorbic Acid, is the most common form of Vitamin C found on many skincare ingredient lists. While potent, it's also highly unstable. It's often blended with other ingredients to stabilize the formula, which can lead to irritation. These stabilizing agents include sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, retinyl ascorbate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
The higher the concentration of Vitamin C in the formula, the greater the need for stabilizers, increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Moreover, it often necessitates a low pH, which can cause skin irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.
The good news is that alternative forms are available, such as the all-natural, slow-release, corn-derived version we use. Our formulations deliver all the benefits of Vitamin C to the skin without causing any irritation.
Our oil-soluble and slow-releasing form ensures you reap the full benefits of the ingredient without compromising your skin's health.
How to use Vitamin C in your skincare routine
Vitamin C skincare has garnered a dedicated following, but that doesn't mean every method is equally effective. Here's how to maximize the potential of this antioxidant in your daily skincare regimen without unsettling sensitive skin:
Morning and evening use: Vitamin C is best integrated into your morning routine. As mentioned earlier, it shields your skin from environmental foes such as UV rays and pollution. Applying it in the morning offers your skin the best possible start for the day. However, if you prefer, incorporating it into your evening routine allows you to enjoy its other benefits, waking up to a brighter, more radiant complexion.
Skincare saviours: For consistent and daily application, explore products like our Maven Daily Moisturiser. This brightening moisturiser combines a stable form of slow-release Vitamin C with prebiotic inulin. Together, they maintain your skin's radiance while fortifying your skin barrier. For an added boost, try our Vitamin C+E Booster as the final boosted step in your morning skincare routine to deliver added radiance.
Need personalised advice? We're here to help
Looking for advice on how to introduce Vitamin C into your skincare routine? Email us anytime at care@bysarahlondon.com and we'll be happy to help. Your journey to radiant skin begins here.
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