Without doubt one of the hardest-working ingredients in skincare, Vitamin C has long been recognised for the great work it does in protecting, correcting, and perfecting the skin.
What is Vitamin C?
Also known as Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, or L-Ascorbate, Vitamin C is an organic compound and powerful antioxidant that is considered a vital ingredient for optimal health, including the health of your skin and the way it responds to daily stressors. Vitamin C is not stored in the body which is why we need to obtain it from the food we eat, the supplements we take, and the skincare we use to reap the benefits.
What Does Vitamin C Do For The Skin?
Also known as L-Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C is a powerful multi-tasker when it comes to its ability to protect, correct and perfect the skin. Here are just a few of its many skin benefits:
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Vitamin C is a great skin protector, defending skin cells against oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors such as pollution
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A potent antioxidant, it also protects against the harmful effects of UV exposure and has been shown to help reduce sunburn
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A powerful anti-inflammatory, Vitamin C soothes and calms reactive skins prone to inflammation
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It’s essential for the synthesis of Collagen (which naturally slows with age) so when incorporated into your skincare routine, Vitamin C can significantly improve skin texture, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity in the skin.
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It’s a proven performer when it comes to boosting skin clarity, evening out skin tone, and boosting natural radiance.
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Vitamin C is particularly beneficial to skins suffering from acne scarring, melasma, and hyperpigmentation as it works to improve both the tone and texture of the skin.
What is The Best Form of Vitamin C to Use?
A highly volatile ingredient sensitive to air and light, Vitamin C comes in many forms. When it comes to skincare, L-Ascorbic Acid is widely considered the most stable and the most effective at penetrating the skin’s barrier. Which is why we’ve based our best-selling Vitamin C 100% on L-Ascorbic Acid. In fact, this is Vitamin C in its purest powder form—nothing more, nothing less— which not only ensures that it remains stable over time but that it’s as effective as Vitamin C can be. L-Ascorbic Acid is water soluble so you can’t put our Vitamin C 100% directly on the skin; it needs to be mixed in with another product, like a moisturiser, serum, or mask in order to be easily absorbed and to do its best work. Vitamin C plays well with others, particularly Vitamin E, and together they truly dial up your antioxidant protection. Find out which products you can mix Vitamin C 100% with (and which to avoid!) here.
If you have sensitive skin or suffer from acne, Sodium Ascrobyl Phosphate is another Vitamin C derivative that delivers the same antioxidant benefits but without the potential irritation that some skins experience when using L-Ascorbic Acid. A key ingredient in our hydrating Multi-Active Mist, Sodium Ascrobyl Phosphate is a stable, water-soluble, and gentle form of Vitamin C that waits to convert into L-Ascorbic Acid once it is absorbed by the skin.
How Can I Incorporate Vitamin C into My Routine?
Easily. We’ve heroed Vitamin C in a number of our skinstitut products as we’re such big believers in the way it can help to transform your skin. You can find Vitamin C in the following:
- Moisture Defence - Normal
- Vitamin C 100%
- Multi Active Mist
- Repair Balm
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