Vitamin C for Skin – The Complete Guide

Vitamin C is often described as a cult ingredient in the skincare world. Most cannot live without having it in their routine. But what does Vitamin C even do, and how can it be used to reap the most benefits? Here is a guide to Vitamin C in skincare.

Benefits of Vitamin C in skincare
Brightening: Vitamin C helps reduce the skin’s pigmentation, and smooth out the skin’s surface since it impedes the production of melanin. This can reduce dullness while giving the skin a glow.
Reduces redness: Using vitamin C has also been known to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin, since it has an antioxidant effect on the skin. This means it will reduce puffiness, redness, and let your skin shine evenly.
Fades dark spots: Vitamin C is commonly used for its depigmentation activity. Since it inhibits the production of melanin, it can fade acne spots, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and more.
Hydrating: Vitamin C has been known to prevent water loss from the surface of the skin which happens naturally throughout the day. By helping the skin retain water better, it leaves your skin looking plump and hydrated.
Boosts collagen production: Collagen is needed to keep the skin looking young and healthy, but it naturally depletes over the years. The process of collagen synthesis cannot happen without Vitamin C. By adding Vitamin C to your routine, you can boost our collagen production and keep your skin looking vibrant and youthful.
How Vitamin C is formulated in skincare
You can find Vitamin C in skincare in many forms from drugstore under-eye roll-ons to lush night creams.

Serum: Vitamin C is often found in serums at a 5% to 20% concentration. Most people benefit from using 5% to 10% vitamin C serums. The serums are often available in dark glass bottles to prevent Vitamin C from oxidizing (in contact with heat or light).
Moisturiser: Another common Vitamin C skincare product is moisturisers. These often contain other vitamins like E or ferulic acid to stabilise the Vitamin C.
Face oil: You can also find Vitamin C available as a face oil. It can be combined with oils like avocado, rosehip, or jojoba to effectively deliver the Vitamin C into your skin. These oils are also rich in vitamins A and E which compound the skin benefits.
What is Vitamin C oil?
A face oil enriched with Vitamin C in the form of plant extracts is a Vitamin C oil. There are many types of Vitamin C oils available on the market today. Vitamin C oils help with bringing out the skin’s luminosity since they are loaded with antioxidants that help brighten the skin and fade spots. Our Vitamin C oil is enriched with the benefits of rosehip and jojoba as well.

Is vitamin c good to put on your face?
When formulated well, Vitamin C is safe to apply to your face. It can fade acne scars, brighten full spots, boost collagen production, and keep your skin hydrated. Apply your Vitamin C serum, moisturizer, or Vitamin C oil twice a day to cleansed skin. In the daytime, it is recommended to apply your Vitamin C skincare product and protect your skin with sunscreen. At night time, you can use it as a skin treatment while you sleep. It is recommended to pair Vitamin C with Vitamin E and ferulic acid to reap the most benefits. It is recommended to avoid using skin acids like AHAs and BHAs when using Vitamin C since you might over-exfoliate your skin.

How often should I put Vitamin c on my face?
While there isn’t any upper limit to using Vitamin C on your face, it’s recommended that you use it in skincare twice daily. Based on your skin’s needs, you could also opt to use it every other day, only at nighttime, or more frequently if you need to. Vitamin C oils or serums can be potent so you do not want to overuse them. At the same time, the oil might now be as easily absorbed into your skin as a Vitamin C serum. So the answer will vary based on your skin’s needs.

How to use vitamin c oil on face
You can use Vitamin C oil on freshly toned skin in both a morning and nighttime routine. In a morning routine, ensure you are using SPF on top of your face oil. But do you put vitamin c oil before moisturizer or after it? The answer depends. Some people find that Vitamin C oil can be used under the thicker moisturizer reaps the most benefits while others use the oil as the last step in their skincare routine before bed. Based on the consistency of your moisturizer, you can use Vitamin C face oil under it or over it. Ultimately, the thickest product should be the last in your skincare routine.

Does Vitamin C oil help with stretch marks?
Yes, Vitamin C oil can help with stretch marks over time. Vitamin C oil is best suited for those who are prone to developing acne scars, have dull or dehydrated skin, and prefer gentle exfoliation. It is also really beneficial for those who wish to reduce the appearance of fine lines since it boosts collagen production. Finally, it is suited to dry skin types since it can hydrate the skin well. If your skin is overly sensitive, it is recommended to patch test Vitamin C before adding it to your skincare routine.

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