For years, many of us have equated vitamin C with a cup of OJ in the morning. However, this powerhouse vitamin is also chock full of skin benefits just waiting to be discovered.
“Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient that I recommend everyone incorporate in their skincare routine,” says Caitlin Hart, Licensed Aesthetician and Owner of Prism Face Lab.
Eager to learn more? We spoke to the skin experts to find out exactly why you should be using vitamin C to strengthen your skincare regimen. Scroll on to learn more.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a powerful skincare ingredient that brings with it bright results.
According to Stephanie Ivonne, a Licensed Esthetician for Smart Style Today, it’s safe to use on all skin types, but she says that those with ultra-sensitive skin might experience irritation as a reaction to the high levels of acidity.
Because of this, it’s recommended that you start off slow. “When it comes to any new product, it's highly recommended to start off slow and work your way up with the frequency to avoid any adverse reactions from occurring,” she explains.
While vitamin C as a skincare product can be found in many forms, such as serums, lotions and creams, the experts recommend a serum.
“Serums are a perfect way to easily allow the ingredients to absorb thoroughly into the skin. With adding the cream, you're adding extra moisture as well as locking in the skin's hydration,” Hart tells Lively. “I personally find applying a vitamin C serum followed by a vitamin C facial lotion every morning makes my skin appear more awake and refreshed even if I'm tired and didn't get a good night's sleep.”
Vitamin C Brightens**
Get a handle on hyperpigmentation with the properties of vitamin C.
It works by inhibiting the melanin in your skin, explains Ivonne. “It helps in preventing these types of dark spots from appearing on your skin, giving you a brighter glow.”
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Vitamin C Promotes Collagen Production**
“Collagen gives you a plump and youthful appearance, but as you age, your body starts breaking down your collagen supply,” says Ivonne.
Build that structure right back up with vitamin C, which promotes collagen and elastin, another protein responsible for the skin’s youthfulness.
“The two are necessary to have that younger-looking appearance as it plays a huge role in hyaluronic acid's synthesis,” says Ivonne. (She likes Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Vitamin C Day Serum). “It allows the skin the boost it needs.”
Looking to up your collagen intake? Try Vital Proteins products, such as our Original Collagen Peptides, which boasts hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and collagen. Or, our NEW Morning Get Up & Glow™ powder, a blend of collagen peptides, vitamin C, caffeine, biotin and hyaluronic acid that gets your day glowing.
Following a plant-based diet? Reach for our Beauty Boost™ capsules, our Skin Hydration Boost™ capsules, or our new Morning Get Up & Glow™ capsules.
How To Use Vitamin C
When looking for a product that contains vitamin C, Hart says to look for “Ascorbic acid” high on the ingredient list. You can use vitamin C day or night, but she says that during the day is especially important since it provides important protection. [Editor's note: We're big fans of Sunday Riley's vitamin C collection!]
In terms of how much of it you should be taking, the daily recommended amount of vitamin C is about 75mg for women and 90mg for men. As always, we do recommend consulting your licensed healthcare professional before adding a new supplement to your regimen.