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Vitamin C, as part of your diet, is a valuable nutrient that helps protect your cells from free radicals and aids your body’s healing process. But, when incorporated into your skincare routine, it can also hold as many benefits for your skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your skin from environmental damage and can reduce fine lines, dark spots and blemishes.
However, it’s certainly not a case of washing your face in orange juice every morning, and there are many factors to consider when slotting vitamin C into your skincare routine.
When it comes to skincare, it’s crucial to make informed choices – because whether you’re a skincare beginner or an experienced pro, the key to achieving radiant and healthy skin lies in understanding the science behind your regimen. Here, Beauty Daily speaks we speak to Clarins retail trainer, Julie Unwin, about the fascinating world of vitamin C skincare, and explores how this powerhouse ingredient can revolutionise your beauty routine.
Vitamin C is a reputable superstar in the skincare world, as it boasts a huge range of benefits for your skin.
Much research proves vitamin C’s efficacy in improving and smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Studies report that using a product infused with the good stuff every day for 12 weeks will improve wrinkles and smooth skin texture. “Topical vitamin C is absorbed directly into the topmost layers of the skin, allowing it to work immediately on smoothing the skin, reducing fine lines and dark spots and protecting against free radicals,” explains
Certain derivatives of vitamin C used in skincare have been shown to boost hydration and help your skin to retain moisture better, meaning it also gives your skin barrier a helping hand.
If you’re wondering whether vitamin C serums will help acne, due to their anti-inflammatory properties, they can help control the sebum production in your skin, a big plus in acne-prone skin. While there have been trials that have shown that vitamin C can improve acne lesions, it’s worth noting that research in this area is in relative infancy, with more studies needed to draw more accurate conclusions.
A further benefit of vitamin C’s antioxidant qualities is its ability to soothe skin and reduce redness, leaving your skin tone looking more even.
Vitamin C can also help hinder the amount of Melanin (pigment) your skin produces, meaning that using vitamin C topically has been shown to improve dark spots, discolouration and hyperpigmentation.
“At Clarins, we use derivatives of vitamin C from powerful plant extracts. The derivatives tend to work more on the surface of the skin, and are great for boosting radiance, improving the skin’s texture and reducing pigmentation by decreasing melanin synthesis in the skin,” Unwin explains. “For an instant hit of vitamin C that will brighten up your complexion after just one use, try the Clarins Super Restorative Remodelling Serum, £113, which contains montpellier rock-rose, brimming with a vitamin C derivative that helps to reduce the appearance of age spots and restore evenness to the skin,” adds Unwin.
A problematic area for many of us, dark circles under our eyes and the fine lines often found in this delicate area of skin can be plumped and hydrated by a vitamin C serum, plus the ingredient is adept at evening out skin tone, so it will help alleviate any darkness in the area.
Collagen is an important protein that keeps our skin bouncy and plump. However, as we age, the levels of collagen we produce significantly declines. Vitamin C helps to boost collagen production in the skin, which means firmer, tighter skin awaits. “When applied topically, vitamin C accelerates the production of collagen and elastin, which help keep the skin plump and firm,” adds Dr Benito.
Vitamin C, when used in conjunction with vitamin E, can help accelerate cell turnover, meaning cells that have been damaged by exposure to the sun can heal quicker.
The beauty of vitamin C is its versatility. It caters to various skin types; whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, this ingredient can adapt to your specific needs. One of its standout features is its ability to even out skin tone and fade dark spots, making it a go-to for those seeking a brighter, more even-toned complexion.
“Vitamin C packed skincare can be a miracle worker. “Those who are going through menopause find that this is a time of life where hormonal changes can trigger melasma and make age spots more apparent on the skin. Those with Black and brown skin are genetically prone to developing hyperpigmentation no matter their age, making this gold-standard ingredient a must. And people who get regular breakouts will find that their acne can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, making vitamin C skincare a must-have in their skincare arsenal too,” explains Unwin.
If you have quite sensitive skin or dry skin, you might wonder: “Does Vitamin C dry out skin?”. The answer should be “No, Vitamin C won’t dry out your skin”, unless you use too much. Using hyaluronic acid as an addition skincare to vitamin C will make sure it does not overwork the skin.
Keen to try this powerhouse ingredient? To incorporate it into your routine and get the most out of your products, we recommend investing in a vitamin C serum, here’s how…
● Step 1 - Cleanser: Begin your routine with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and prepare your skin. We recommend you use Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser to gently and effectively removes impurities, makeup, and pollution. Hence, it is also formulated with mattifying Organic Meadowsweet extract and pore-cleansing blue granules made with salicylic acid to leave skin feeling refreshed, shine-free, and pristine-clean.
● Step 2 - Toner : Apply a toner to balance your skin’s pH levels. A soothing toning lotion is a great choice. Enriched with Clarins' [Microbiota Complex], which combines polyphenols from saffron flowers and marine-based prebiome, this refreshing and lightweight toner helps to preserve the balance of skin microbiota. Plus, organic chamomile extract soothes and softens the skin.
● Step 3 - Vitamin C serum : Use a few drops of your preferred vitamin C serum, applying it evenly to your face and neck.
Clarins has the iconic Double Serum - a vitamin C skincare that you would love. The serum has dual formula combines the identical 21 powerful plant extracts that help boost the 5 vital functions of the skin and act on signs of ageing. With a new 50% lighter feel, the serum absorbs instantly and leaves a "barely there" finish to your skin.
● Step 4 - Moisturiser : Follow up with your regular moisturiser to lock in hydration.
● Step 5 - Sunscreen : To complete your morning routine, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen for added protection.
If you’re seeking a lightweight option that absorbs quickly and penetrates deeply, vitamin C serums are a fantastic choice. They’re ideal for delivering concentrated doses of the ingredient to your skin, leaving you with a luminous glow.
Clarins Beauty Flash Fresh Ampoule Vitamin C Shot
Combining a 15% concentrated vitamin C complex with a serum, this hybrid 7-day intensive treatment targets dullness, dark spots, lacklustre skin and uneven skin tone. The serum contains Acerola extract, which is a natural source of vitamin C and can help to even out the skin-tone and boost collagen production. The Rose-myrtle extract helps skin cells to breathe better, resulting in radiant and luminous skin.
Clarins Bright Plus Advanced Brightening Dark Spot Targeting Serum
This powerhouse serum is packed with Vitamin C and New Organic Sea Lily to reduce drop spots and leave brighter, smoother and more radiant skin in its wake. In addition, this face serum is innovative, formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to provide the comfort of an emulsion and the concentrate of a serum. It absorbs easily into the skin, leaving it hydrated and radiant. If your skin is in a dull complexion situation, using this serum will reveal brighter and radiant skin that glows from within.
Vitamin C brightening creams are excellent for those who prefer a multi-tasking vitamin C packed product, as moisturisers are also designed to protect the skin barrier and provide long-lasting hydration, alongside protecting the skin from environmental aggressors.
Try: Clarins Bright Plus Dark Spot-Targeting Gel Cream, £62, which moisturises, mattifies and helps to reduce the look of dark spots. Innovatively formulated with extracts from two brightening super-fruits, acerola seed and rose myrtle, this moisturiser helps to reduce the look of dark spots while powerful plant extracts brighten and even skin.
“Most research says that vitamin C is best implemented into your skincare routine when used as a topical serum. The best time to apply vitamin C serum is in the morning, after cleansing your complexion, and before your moisturiser and SPF,” advises Dr Benito. Julie Brown agrees, adding, “Vitamin C should be used daily and preferably in the morning so you can make the most of the free radical fighting antioxidant throughout the day.”
Vitamin C serum slots into your routine post cleansing and toning, but pre-moisturiser and sunscreen to ensure the best possible absorption. It’s also important to consider the other products in your repertoire. “Vitamin C is also safe to use with other skincare actives, including alpha hydroxy acids and retinol,” says Dr Benito. However, “While you can use vitamin C and retinol in a skincare regimen, you should consider using them on alternating days rather than at the same time,” says Dr Benito.
Before getting on how to use Vitamin C, we have 2 tips for you to when using this ingredient in your skincare routine.
● Tip 1 - Patch test: A patch test is vital to ensure you won’t have an adverse reaction when adding a new product to your lineup. Apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow or behind your ear and monitor for 48 hours.
● Tip 2 - Start slow: “Start by applying vitamin C every other day or every few days, then work your way up frequently to avoid potential redness and irritation. It could sting or make your skin red at first, but that should go away if you keep using it,” advises Dr Benito. “Some minor tingling is normal, but if you experience anything more intense, stop using the product and consult your dermatologist or skin specialist.”
Vitamin C doesn’t play nicely with certain other ingredients, so be sure nothing is lurking on your skin before applying with a good
Apply a couple of drops of your chosen serum to clean dry skin on your face, neck, and chest. Remember that
If you’re wondering, should you apply vitamin C serum before or after moisturiser, the answer is always the former. A sumptuous dollop of moisturiser should come after your vitamin C serum.
We’ll never tire of reminding you to end your skincare routine with the enthusiastic application of
Dr Benito stresses that “Vitamin C is a safe and generally well-tolerated ingredient, although because of its instability and potency, it is not fit for use by all skin types.” In addition, vitamin C serums, particularly with higher concentrations, come with the added risk of irritating skin, especially those on the more sensitive side of the spectrum. “As with any skincare product, you may experience side effects when using a vitamin C serum. If you have sensitive skin, you may be more likely to experience common side effects such as itching, redness, skin irritation and tingling sensation. However, if the irritation is instantly evident and intense, you should stop using it immediately and consult your dermatologist,” adds Dr Benito.
And if you’re planning to apply twice a day, picking a lower concentration may help minimise this risk. Lastly, sensitive skin may not react well to L-ascorbic acid, the most common form of Vitamin C in skincare.
Vitamin C is known for its fast absorption, typically taking only a few minutes. After application, you can proceed with your moisturiser or sunscreen without delay.
You can use vitamin C everyday. However, we would recommend to use vitamin C serum up to three or four days a week. Plus, one time in a day is sufficient.
Hyaluronic acid is the cornerstone of a good skincare routine because it retains 1000 times its weight in water. Both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are potent soldiers on their own but create one hell of an army when used together, boosting the benefits each brings.
“Not only can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together, but when you do, they can help create a more effective skincare routine. When combined, they complement each other to hydrate, protect and repair ageing skin,” says Dr Benito. Lots of products utilise this by containing both ingredients, but if you are reaching for separate products, “depending on the consistencies of each serum will determine which to apply first,” advises Julie Brown. “A lighter vitamin C serum can be beneficial for the skin to apply first after cleansing, allowing it to work to the lower levels of the skin.”
For a skincare synergy that’ll really give you your skin of dreams, consider pairing vitamin C with compatible ingredients like:
● Hyaluronic Acid: This hydrating powerhouse complements vitamin C by boosting moisture levels and plumping the skin.
● Niacinamide: Known for its skin-barrier-strengthening properties, niacinamide pairs harmoniously with vitamin C to enhance its overall efficacy.
While vitamin C plays well with many ingredients, some combinations can lead to irritation or decreased effectiveness. Avoid using vitamin C products alongside:
● Retinol: Both ingredients are potent, and using them together may increase the risk of irritation. Instead, consider using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night.
Vitamin C has many benefits when used in skincare and can be used daily. However, remember to listen to your skin, and if it becomes irritated or sensitive after applying any product, dial back your usage and always consult your doctor if concerned.
You can use vitamin C serum both morning and night, with one study even suggesting an application every 8 hours for optimal results.
Patience is key when using Vitamin C serums, with results starting to show from around three weeks, but there’s a sweet spot of three months of daily use to see the benefits.
