The phrase game-changer gets tossed around a lot in beauty, but for a few select ingredients the title is well-earned. One of those undisputable superstars is Vitamin C, because it’s a tireless multi-tasker that maintains skin health and delivers results. The benefits of Vitamin C serum include antioxidant protection, the promotion of collagen production, reduction of hyperpigmentation (aka dark spots) and overall brightening of skin tone. With an ability to target and treat a wide scope of common skin aging concerns, Vitamin C serum is considered an essential for all skin types and tones. It is repeatedly heralded as one-third of a simple-but-effective skin care routine along with retinol and SPF. In a nutshell, it’s a must-have!
Science and Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in healthy functioning skin. While you can come across a few different forms of the ingredient used throughout the beauty industry, the gold standard (and what you should look for on a bottle or box ingredient list) is L-ascorbic acid. The well-researched ingredient is best known for its antioxidant power.
What Does Vitamin C Do?
The overall benefit of Vitamin C is that it excels at neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules we produce naturally in our bodies and encounter daily through UV exposure and pollutants. Free radicals are trouble makers, disrupting functioning skin cells by stealing extra electrons from other molecules. This leads to damage that can break down collagen and accelerate fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. Free radical damage can also impair skin’s ability to retain hydration and result in a dull or uneven skin tone. Lastly, unprotected exposure to free radicals can trigger the development of dark spots by encouraging excess melanin production which occurs in the deeper layers of the epidermis.
Results You Can C
By offering significant antioxidant protection, L-ascorbic acid can visibly transform skin and work on many different skin concerns simultaneously. Take a peek at this Vitamin C serum before and after for proof. This is perhaps the most exciting aspect of Vitamin C – it’s a treatment with multiple benefits for anyone who adds it to their routine. Initially, you might choose to use it to target fine lines and wrinkles, but you’ll also notice a more radiant complexion over time. Need help with dark spots? A Vitamin C serum will help to fade hyperpigmentation, while also leaving skin softer and smoother. Either way your skin wins, and with daily use you can expect to see a firmer, brighter and smoother complexion in as little as four weeks.
How to Apply Vitamin C Serum
To achieve the best results, consistency is key as is knowing how to apply Vitamin C serum. After cleansing skin, dispense 2-3 drops of serum into the palm of your hand and use your fingertips to press a thin layer to face, neck and chest. Don’t forget to also dab any excess product onto the back of your hands – it’s a part of the body that gets frequent sun exposure and often the first to show signs of aging. Apply your Vitamin C serum daily, and always follow up with sunscreen in the morning.
Now that you’re brushed up on all the benefits of Vitamin C serum you’re ready to find the best vitamin C serum for your skin type. From sensitive to oily, and normal to dry, there’s an effective formula that’s a perfect match.