If you're looking for radiance, homogeneity and firmness of the skin, vitamin C is the special ingredient your skincare routine needs. It is one of the most important vitamins with numerous properties.

 Vitamin C and Its Benefits

Known as ascorbic acid on skincare ingredient lists, vitamin C has the ability to protect the skin from environmental aggressions due to its antioxidant properties and its role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for skin firmness. 

Vitamin C has four important functions in skincare:

Protection against free radicals and UV radiation damage due to the presence of antioxidants.

Anti-aging: It aids in the production of type I and III collagen, which are the main types of collagen in the skin, regardless of age.

Eliminates spots, brightens, and illuminates: An indispensable ingredient in treatments useful for reducing skin discoloration, making it more even-toned.

Hydrates and tones the skin: When you notice your skin looking tired, dull, and discolored, a great help can come from this vitamin.

Vitamin C in Your Skincare Routine

Vitamin C can be used in the morning and at night. It is advisable to include it in your morning routine as it helps to instantly brighten the skin. 

If used as a single ingredient (as in some boosters, for example), it is best applied after cleansing and exfoliation, and before moisturizer and sunscreen, to create a stronger shield against UV rays.

Vitamin C is highly unstable and tends to oxidize quickly, so in formulations, it is often accompanied by vitamin E or other ingredients like green tea that help in its anti-aging action. 

Some products use magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a derivative of ascorbic acid, which offers greater and better stability.

To fully enjoy all the properties of vitamin C, it is inserted in its pure form inside pressure capsules that preserve its integrity.

Contraindications

Normally, there are no contraindications. You can use products with vitamin C mixed with other illuminating or hydrating active ingredients. 

However, those with sensitive and reactive skin should be cautious when using many products or a high concentration of active ingredients, as the skin may react poorly and present redness and other problems.

Another important factor for safety is to always remember to use high SPF sunscreen in case of sun exposure.

The Difference Between Pure Vitamin C and Stabilized Vitamin C

Pure vitamin C, being an acid, oxidizes more easily in formulations containing water, reducing the product's efficacy. Stabilized vitamin C, a derivative form, does not contain acid, is more stable, and can be applied to sensitive skin with better effectiveness.

Pure vitamin C is recommended for those with normal, oily, or acne-prone skin as they are more resistant to ascorbic acid. For those with sensitive skin or rosacea, stabilized vitamin C is ideal. 

It is also recommended for men who shave frequently, after exfoliation and peels, as the skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation during these times.

 Vitamin C Serum

A good skincare routine should include the use of a quality facial serum with vitamin C. Thanks to its antioxidant action, it is an excellent product that works on multiple levels to make the skin radiant, revitalized, and even-toned, enhancing the effect of the cream.

If the goal is to effectively combat not only skin aging by stimulating natural collagen production but also hyperpigmentation and skin imperfections, the serum becomes a true ally. The result will be brighter, firmer, and more even-toned skin. 

Be careful to choose a serum with stabilized vitamin C, as it is photosensitive and degrades easily.

Besides serums and boosters, there are many treatments with various types of vitamin C, and their effects can vary according to your skin type and needs.

By jbanaggia