Ask any beauty specialist or dermatologist what is absolutely necessary in their skin care routine and you will hear: facial sunscreens, retinol and vitamin C serums.
Why; It is quite simple. When used side by side, these three are the best opportunity for your skin to fight the visible signs of aging. Not only that, but this sacred trinity also promotes a happy, healthy and well-functioning skin. You probably have your best SPF moisturizer ready and you know which retinol serum works best for you, so now is the time to take a closer look at vitamin C.
What does vitamin C do?
Vitamin C is something like a mega multitasker in the world of skin care. It encourages the production of collagen, helps in the brightness of black spots and pigmentation and acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radicals (unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress on skin cells, AKA premature aging).
Not only that, but it is also an excellent anti-inflammatory agent, softens the rough texture of the skin and gives your skin a wonderful natural glow (meaning that the best face serums containing vitamin C will allow you to skip even the best highlighter) .
How to use vitamin C in your skin care routine
Now let’s get to the good things: how do you start using this ingredient in your skin treatment? “You have to pay close attention to the shape and concentration you use on the skin,” says Mohs, a dermatologist and microsurgeon. St Johns Institute of Dermatology Dr. Emma Craythorne. “The optimal concentration depends on its composition.
“In most cases, to be a biologically important product, it must have a concentration of more than 8%. Studies have shown that a concentration of more than 20% does not increase its biological importance, but can cause irritation.
“Therefore, the reliable vitamin C products available today range from 10 to 20%,” he continues. “Pure vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid. This is the most effective form of vitamin C in the skin. “
In short, vitamin C is a rather spicy active ingredient, so it is a good idea to let your skin get used to it. But do not panic – just insert it slowly by applying it every two days for a start and your skin will have to adjust. You can then gradually increase your usage.
However, vitamin C is known to be unstable, which means that its effectiveness and strength are affected by factors such as light, air and heat exposure. He is also a bit of a lone wolf and does not always play well with some other active ingredients. We do not recommend applying an AHA or BHA toner (something with salicylic acid or glycolic acid) in advance because it could destabilize the pH level of vitamin C and stop working.
The best serums of vitamin C.
Are you ready to find your new hero serum? Below you will find the collection of the best vitamin C serums that the market has to offer, approved by the beauty editor. Marie Claire’s team was thorough in testing the following. They were on the lookout for products that are well absorbed into the skin, available in smart vitamin C-friendly packaging (to prevent oxidation) and have an effective formula – the percentage of vitamin C cuts mustard?