On world Vitamin C day we’re doing a deeper dive into Vitamin C and finding out from the experts at SkinCeuticals what it’s good for and why Vitamin C serums are not always created the same.
What is it and what is it good for?
Vitamin C serums have been lauded as one of the best remedies to reduce dullness, improve skin tone and brighten the complexion for more youthful, radiant looking skin – with Australian consumers jumping onto the trend.
Vitamin C is an ingredient commonly found in skincare. Pure L-ascorbic acid is a type of vitamin C that is a potent antioxidant and protects the skin against premature ageing. Antioxidants help block free radical damage from daily environmental aggressors such as UV and pollution exposure.
According to SkinCeuticals Scientific and Education Manager Dr Tania Romano, the difference from one vitamin C serum to another comes down to the parameters in which the vitamin C is formulated.
“Vitamin C is a highly potent antioxidant that, by its structure, has difficultly in effectively being absorbed by the skin,” said Dr Romano.
“Without the correct balance within the formulation, the serum will not be effective – which means not all vitamin C serums are in fact created equally or guarantee superior, visible results,” she added.
“We are the authority when it comes to antioxidant formulations, thanks to decades of scientific research and many clinical studies. SkinCeuticals’ vitamin C serums are the gold standard on the market because they’re formulated using the Duke Antioxidant patent which outlines three proven formulation rules required for effective delivery of vitamin C into the skin.”
What you should look for when buying a Vitamin C antioxidant serum
According to Dr Romano, when shopping for a vitamin C serum, Australian skincare consumers should make sure it adheres to the following criteria to ensure it will effectively penetrate the skin and generate visible results:
1. PURE L-ASCORBIC ACID
When applied topically, l-ascorbic acid has been shown to increase vitamin C levels in the skin. Other derivatives of vitamin C, including ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, do not penetrate as efficiently.
2. FORMULATED IN HIGH CONCENTRATIONS
A 10-20 per cent concentration of l-ascorbic acid will provide meaningful levels of vitamin C in the skin.
3. FORMULATED AT ACIDIC PH
L-ascorbic acid has the best penetration into the skin when formulated within the 2.0-3.5 pH range.
What are some Vitamin C serums that you could add to your routine
SkinCeuticals have formulated serums that are enhanced efficacy, absorption and stability – three specific serums available for different skin types – making it easy for customers to find and use the right product for them to target specific skin concerns. C E Ferulic targets visible ageing and is suitable for all skin types, Silymarin CF for oily or blemish-prone skin and Phloretin CF addresses discolouration and pigmentation and is suitable for normal to combination skin.
La Roche-Posay’s Vitamin C 10 Brightening serum is an anti ageing serum that reveals sensitive skin’s full radiance by targeting skin ageing and improves skin quality. The brightening and anti-wrinkle solution formulated with pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Salicylic Acid and Neurosensine to brighten even sensitive skin types. Designed to tackle wrinkles, loss of radiance, and irregular skin texture that can appear with age, for skin that feels softer, more hydrated, and glowing.
Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is packed with a powerful antioxidant complex of l-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and vitamin E to deliver a firmer, brighter and even looking complexion. The formulation helps to dissolve surface dead skin cells as it hydrates and soothes. It aims to help deliver a noticeably diminished appearance of signs of ageing and photodamage and increase radiance and luminosity in the skin.
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