May 31, 2023 | 1 min read | 0 Comments

Why Do I Need Vitamin C In My Skincare Routine?

Dealing with dullness, uneven tone, or rough texture? Chances are you've seen vitamin C touted as the cure-all for your skin woes, and for good reason — this skincare superhero can do everything from help brighten dark spots to neutralize damaging free radicals.

But if you have yet to incorporate this skin-boosting serum into your daily routine, you might have some questions, like what even is vitamin C in skincare? Can you use it on sensitive or acne-prone skin? And is it best to apply your serum in the morning or at night?

We break down everything you need to know about vitamin C below.

What exactly is a vitamin C serum?

Vitamin C serums offer high concentrations of active vitamin C that penetrate your skin to provide a host of benefits, like helping to protect the skin against damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution (thanks, antioxidants!).

When applied topically, it can also help brighten the skin, fade the look of dark spots, and improve overall skin tone and texture.

Benefits of vitamin C in your skincare routine

Vitamin C serums are highly celebrated for a reason. Some of its benefits include:

• Brightening: Vitamin C can help to brighten the skin by reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color.
• Collagen production: Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, which helps to keep skin firm and elastic.
• Protection against free radicals: Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that play a vital role in protecting the skin against damaging environmental stressors.

Of course, not all vitamin C serums are created equal. Depending on your own personal skin needs, you might find that some formulations don't perform as well as others or are irritating to your skin.

Types of vitamin C in skincare is acne-prone?

Vitamin C serums are highly celebrated for a reason. Some of its benefits include:

• Ascorbic acid: This is the most common form of vitamin C in skincare. It's highly effective but can be irritating to some skin types.
• Sodium ascorbyl phosphate: A more stable form of vitamin C, this derivative is less likely to cause irritation, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. (It's what we use in our Vitamin C Face Serum!)
• Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate: Another stable form of vitamin C; this is one of the most hydrating options.

While these are three of the most popular derivatives of vitamin C found in serums today, you may also find sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate, and ascorbyl palmitate on the ingredient list of your favourite vitamin C product.

Can I use vitamin C if my skin is acne-prone?

In short, yes. While vitamin C won't directly treat or get rid of your acne, the anti-inflammatory properties found in this powerful antioxidant can help minimize the redness and inflammation caused by acne.

The skin-brightening properties of vitamin C may also lighten any dark spots or hyperpigmentation left over from past breakouts.

How to use your vitamin C serum

If you want glowier, brighter, more even-toned skin, you'll want to make sure you're using your vitamin C correctly. Apply a few drops of your serum to clean, dry skin in the morning before your moisturizer and sunscreen, and as long as your skin agrees with your chosen serum, it's safe — and even encouraged — to use vitamin C daily.

Here's a snapshot of where you should add vitamin C in your daily skincare routine:

Vitamin C is reactive and can easily lose its antioxidant properties when it's exposed to things like heat, light, and air, so it's important to store your serum in a cool, dark place to help preserve its potency.

Our new Vitamin C Face Serum is available to shop on our website and at select retailers across Canada.