Not just a weapon against cold and flu symptoms, Vitamin C has been found to possess game-changing properties for improving the appearance of skin.
“Vitamin C helps to visibly reduce the signs of premature skin ageing, while also buffing out blemishes and providing firmer-looking, glowing skin,” says Sydney facialist and skin therapist, Melissa Young.
“Vitamin C is also great at building the barrier function of the skin by increasing ceramide production.”
Here, Young tells us everything we’d ever need to know about Vitamin C serums and reveals her favourite products.
What skin concerns can vitamin C treat
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which provides a number of benefits to the skin, two main concerns would be skins showing signs of ageing and loss of firmness.
Are all vitamin C serums created equal
No, not all Vitamin C beauty products are created equally and understanding ingredients can be overwhelming.
When looking into which skincare brand to go with, I would recommend checking these two crucial things:
1. Ensure the packaging is airtight as you do not want your Vitamin C to oxidize.
2. Make sure the product is formulated with pure L-Ascorbic Acid.
When is the best time to apply vitamin C serum
I always tell my clients to think of C in conjunction with coffee.
The best time to apply vitamin C to the skin is first thing in the morning as the L-ascorbic acid works to neutralise the free radical damage we face daily.
The best vitamin C serums on the market
1. Ultraceuticals C range, $105 – $138
Young says she lives by the Ultraceuticals Vitamin C products. In her daily routine, she incorporates the Ultra C10+ Firming Serum, Ultra C23+ Firming Concentrate, and the Ultra C Firming Eye cream, a product Young says is “a must-have in your morning daily skincare routine”.
2. Tatcha Violet C Brightening Serum, $135, from Mecca
Ideal for those with pigmentation and acne scarring, Tatcha’s Violet C Brightening Serum is made with Japanese Angelica Root, used in traditional Asian medicine and known its restorative properties. With 20% vitamin C and 10% AHA, you’re getting bang for your buck with this one.
3. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Day Serum, $122, from Mecca
Don’t be fooled by the cute packaging, this is a product that packs a serious punch. With vitamin C, potent antioxidants and fruit enzymes, the formula works to calm and neutralise the effects of pollution and free radicals to reveal firmer and brighter skin.
