Vitamin C – what should I do with it?

Vitamin C is a popular and widely used ingredient in cosmetics. But what should you do with it? In this blog we will explain it to you.  

What is it?  

Vitamin C is an antioxidant. This means that it protects the skin against free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that are harmful to your skin. These molecules can be caused by smoking, exposure to UV radiation, and air pollution. In skincare products, Vitamin C mainly occurs in the form of ascorbic acid. This is the most effective, but also the least stable form of vitamin C. As a result, products containing ascorbic acid are very susceptible to light, air, and heat. That is why products containing this ingredient should always be packaged in a light, water, and airtight manner, in a cool place. Unfortunately, many major cosmetic brands package their Vitamin C products in an ineffective way, causing it to oxidize quickly and lose its function. Some, less persistent derivatives of vitamin C are more stable and therefore remain effective for longer.  

What does it do?  

Vitamin C is one of the best-researched ingredients in cosmetics. That is one of the reasons it is such a popular product. By protecting against free radical damage, Vitamin C has an anti-aging effect. In addition, Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, which keeps your skin elastic and firm. Vitamin C also helps to reduce dark spots on your skin, and makes your skin brighter and more even.  

Is it vegan?  

Yes, pure Vitamin C is vegan. It can be extracted from natural sources such as certain citrus fruits. However, the vast majority of Vitamin C found in skincare is obtained synthetically, in the laboratory. Do you want to use only vegan products in your skincare routine? Then read the ingredients label: there may always be other substances in your product that are not vegan. Both production processes (the natural and synthetic production of Vitamin C) have an impact on the environment. That is why it is always important to do proper research on the brand you buy the product from, and to choose brands that take sustainability seriously.  

How do you use it?  

Vitamin C works very well with sunscreen, and is best used in the morning. Start by cleaning your face, with water and possibly a cleanser. Then pat your face dry with a clean towel, and apply the vitamin C to dry skin. Then don't forget to apply moisturizer, and especially sunscreen to hydrate your skin and protect it from UV radiation.  

NB!  

As mentioned before, Vitamin C is a very unstable ingredient. Therefore, you need to use it correctly. Here are some tips to get the most out of your Vitamin C product:  

• Pay attention to the packaging of the product. Choose a Vitamin C product in a dark bottle or in an opaque tube.  

• When your Vitamin C product changes color, it means it has oxidized and is no longer effective.  

• Always make sure you close your product properly after use. This prevents air from getting in.  

• Always pay attention to the shelf life of the product. This is almost always indicated on the label.  

• Do you have sensitive skin? Then choose a Vitamin C derivative.  

• Always apply your product to dry skin.  

Luckily, Vitamin C is also naturally present in your skin, so you don’t have to add Vitamin C to your skincare routine if that doesn’t work for you. Plus, you can get Vitamin C outside of your skincare routine. Citrus fruits, blackberries, and certain vegetables like red peppers, Brussels sprouts, and kale also contain Vitamin C.  

Is Vitamin C already part of your skincare routine? And what is your favorite Vitamin C product?