What Vitamin C does to your skin
Vitamin C is an antioxidant which protects your skin from free radical damage caused by sun exposure and pollution. It helps brighten skin, can help fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation, helps support collagen production which maintain firmness and softens the appearance of fine lines. We love Vitamin C for its ability to improve skin tone and texture over time.
The source of vitamin C is important, but what matters most is the form of vitamin C and how well the product is formulated.
Natural vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables such as citrus fruits, berries, kale, and peppers. In skincare, it is often found in plant or fruit extracts. These extracts may contain vitamin C along with other beneficial antioxidants and plant compounds. However, the amount of vitamin C can vary depending on the source and processing, and natural vitamin C can be difficult to keep stable in a skincare formula.
Synthetic vitamin C is produced in a controlled environment and is commonly used in skincare as L-ascorbic acid, the pure form of vitamin C.
There are also vitamin C derivatives, which may be synthetically produced but are formulated to be more stable and gentler on the skin.
Ultimately, natural does not automatically mean better for your skin. Factors such as the type of vitamin C, concentration, stability, packaging, and formulation are often more important than whether the ingredient is labeled natural or synthetic.
Dos & Don'ts with Vitamin C
What pairs well:
✨Niacinamide to calm while vitamin C to brighten.
✨SPF - vitamin C helps increase the efficacy of your sun protection
What to avoid:
Retinol, AHAs, or BHAs as layering any of them with vitamin C can easily overwhelm the skin barrier and cause irritation. To safely get the benefits of each, firstly, ensure that you skin barrier is healthy.
Secondly, apply vitamin C in your AM routine onto clean skin and then follow with your toner, serum... Make sure to alternate with your retinol alternative in the PM, or use on different days.
AHA or BHA should be used once or twice per week depending on skin type and tolerance. As exfoliating acids can make skin more sensitive or irritated, it's important to apply and reapply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and limit excessive sun exposure. If your skin becomes irritated, dry, or sensitive, reduce the frequency or pause use until your skin recovers.
Avoid vitamin C after microneedling. Microneedling temporarily creates tiny openings in the skin, so active ingredients that are normally well tolerated can cause burning, irritation, or inflammation when applied too soon. Skin needs time to recover. Give it a few days, and always confirm with your aesthetician.
An important tip:
Apply your vitamin C serum before your hydrosol. It may feel tacky as you compress it into your skin. Wait a few minutes for it to absorb before continuing with your hydrosol and other products.
Common Myths about Vitamin C
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All vitamin C products are created equal. No. The form of vitamin C, its concentration, stability, and the overall formulation all matter.
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Higher percentage vitamin C offers better results. No. A higher percentage doesn't automatically mean higher efficiency, and it can actually increase the chance of irritation for some skin types. What matters more is the formulation as a whole, how stable it is and how well it's absorbed, not just the number on the label.
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If the colour of the vitamin C changes, it's still as potent. No. When vitamin C changes colour, that's a sign it's oxidizing and losing potency. It's most active when freshly opened, which is why proper storage matters. Keep your vitamin C product in a cool, dark space, away from sunlight and heat, to help it stay effective for longer.
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Vitamin C serum should last a long time. No. A typical vitamin C serum is most potent and stable around 3-6 months after opening so it's best to use
How to use Vitamin C correctly
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Apply Vitamin C to dry skin after cleansing, for optimal absorption. Then follow with toner and moisturizer. Do not dilute your Vitamin C.
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SPF is still essential. Vitamin C complements sunscreen rather than replacing it. It helps support your skin through the day.
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A few drop is all you need for your entire face. There's no need to layer. I like to apply it to my chest and the top of my hands as well.
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Give your skin time. Start vitamin C every other morning and work up to daily use.Once a day is plenty. It may be tempting to think more applications mean more benefit, but one thoughtful application, done consistently, is enough.
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Vitamin C does lose potency over time, so it's best used within 3 to 6 months of opening. Make sure to store in a dark cool space.
