VITAMIN C - WHAT IT DOES AND HOW TO USE IT

Vitamins are wonderful substances. Whether it concerns our physical health, our mental health, our hair, or our skin: vitamins have many positive effects. One of the best known vitamins is vitamin C. It is an important player in our daily diet. Vitamin C is also a powerhouse in cosmetics and we will explain why this ingredient shouldn't be missing from your skincare routine.

If you aren't already using products with vitamin C, then it's about time you look into this effective ingredient. This well-known vitamin has a positive effect on the skin in many ways. Today, we will tell you all about this wonderful remedy, including the results you can achieve with it and the finest products with this ingredient.

WHAT DOES VITAMIN C DO?

Let's start with the most important thing right away: how does vitamin C change your skin? To begin with, vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen. This connective tissue is needed to strengthen the skin and keep it firm. Clinical studies have shown that after long-term use, the skin becomes firmer and smoother.

Speaking of smoothing, vitamin C helps to reduce acne, sun damage, and pigmentation. Because the ingredient is an antioxidant, it protects the skin from irritation, inflammation, and UV radiation. Vitamin C also (partially) repairs the damage caused by UV. All in all, an indispensable player in your skincare routine.

TWO TYPES OF VITAMIN C

Vitamin C can act in two ways: as a protective antioxidant or as a skin-improving active ingredient. The form of the vitamin and the percentage in the product determine its effect. There are two forms of vitamin C most used in skincare.

The most common form is ascorbic acid. A low percentage of ascorbic acid is added to skincare products to act as a protective antioxidant. In this way, it protects your skin from environmental damage, such as pollution and UV rays. It also gives your skin the clarity and fresh glow that vitamin C is known for. For this effect, a low percentage between 1% and 10% is sufficient.

Do you really want to tackle skin problems with vitamin C? Then you're aiming for a higher concentration of 10% to 20%. In this way, vitamin C is used as an active ingredient that works against fine lines and stimulates the production of collagen. Ascorbyl palmitate is often used for this purpose, which is ascobic acid esterified in palmitic acid. So, if you're going for an anti-age effect, but still with that brightening and glow you expect from vitamin C, then this is the way to go.

WHAT TO KNOW WHEN USING VITAMIN C?

Before you start using vitamin C, it is important to look at the formulation of the product. Does it work as an antioxidant or as a skin-improving active ingredient? The source of the vitamin C and its concentration will determine its effect.

Antioxidants, including vitamin C, lose their power when exposed to oxygen and light or in contact with water. Therefore, products in light-permeable packaging are not useful.

SKIN TYPE

Vitamin C is suitable for all skin types, with the exception of hypersensitive skin. Do you suffer from rosacea, rosacea or extreme dryness and redness? Then vitamin C is an ingredient to avoid.

HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE VITAMIN C INTO YOUR ROUTINE

Care products with vitamin C come in all shapes and sizes. There are many serums with vitamin C in them, but also facial oils, moisturisers, eye creams, and more. Bear in mind that if you expect a more intense effect, it is better to use a powerful serum or cream with a high concentration of vitamin C. Want to get a bit of the antioxidant benefits? Then a (tinted) moisturiser, a mild serum or lotion will do the trick.

COMBINING VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is a real team player and likes to be combined with other (active) ingredients. If you are going for a golden combination of vitamins, then vitamin C and vitamin E are fantastic. They are both antioxidants, so they reinforce each other's effect. Aesop's Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream contains both vitamin C and vitamin E and is an enrichment for every skincare routine.

PRODUCTS WITH VITAMIN C

Kat Burki's Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream

Kat Burki's Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream is a moisturiser specially formulated to help keep skin glowing and protected from environmental toxins. At the heart of the formula is 15% STAY C, a stable form of vitamin C, powered by the anti-ageing powerhouse Reishi Mushroom for better absorption into the skin.

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Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Vitamin C Energy Serum

Introducing Caudalie's Vinergetic C+ Energy Serum, here to instantly illuminate and replump the skin for a fresh and revitalised complexion. Infused with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, microcirculation-boosting spruce extract and smoothing polyphenols, Caudalie's Vinergetic C+ Energy Serum is a real heavy-hitter that helps to diminish fine lines and wrinkles for smoother, brighter, and firmer-feeling skin. Phewph! The perfect addition to your morning routine, prepare for skin to be thoroughly protected from environmental damage and await dramatically younger-looking and more radiant skin, day after day.

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Caudalie Vinergetic C+ 3-in-1 Vitamin C Energy Moisturizer

The Vinergetic C+ Moisturizer brightens and hydrates the skin whilst protecting it against pollution.

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Caudalie Vinergetic C+ Overnight Detox Oil

Vinergetic C+ Overnight Detox Oil helps revitalize stressed skin for a visiby fresh-looking complexion by morning. It contains 5 precious oils: grapeseed oil rich in Omega 6, musk rose and sweet almond oils, Neroli and Lavender essential oils.

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Patyka Pro-Collagen Lift Mask

From the age of 40 onwards, your skin loses 1% collagen, the protein that maintains skin's firmness and elasticity, every year. To act effectively, PATYKA has developed the Pro-Collagen Lift Mask, whose formula is highly concentrated in plant Retinol-Like, as effective as conventional Retinol, which blocks the degradation of collagen fibres and restarts their natural production. In addition, its high concentration of active ingredients - Amino Acids, Vitamin C and low weight Pure & Botanical Hyaluronic Acid - reboosts the skin thanks to their stimulating, lifting and firming benefits.

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