December 06, 2019
Vitamin C: What, Why & How
The Power of Vitamin C.
By Nateisha Scott
Who doesn’t want brighter, smoother and more radiant skin? Not only an ingredient that helps to create a more vibrant complexion but also an immunity boost, Vitamin C is the answer to both a stronger immune system and brighter complexion.
Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is one of the most dermatologist-approved and powerful antioxidants currently on the market. This skin-transformer comes in many shapes and forms – from prescription and over the counter to being added in products as a step in your routine. We understand the importance of implementing something new, so breaking down the what, why and how behind retinol before incorporating it into your routine is vital.
Who doesn’t want brighter, smoother and more radiant skin? Even though the weather does not permit it during winter, we should be reaching for ingredients that help to achieve a more vibrant complexion. That is where Vitamin C steps in, as an essential skincare ingredient to keep our skin looking bright and radiant. Vitamin C is the answer to healthier and glowing skin whilst we battle through the restricted sunlight hours that winter has bestowed on us.
What is VITAMIN C?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the skin from UVA damage, stimulates collagen production and lifts away any dark spots or marks revealing brighter skin underneath. Whilst consuming the ingredient helps protect your body, applying it as a topical treatment can help the skin. As a superior brightening ingredient, Vitamin C works by inhibiting the production of tyrosinase to help the skin achieve an even tone with reduced signs of pigmentation. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, to help support skin health and encourage collagen production for a younger looking complexion. Vitamin C should be an essential in your skincare regimen for both brightening and healing properties.
Why do we need VITAMIN C?
For many of us that suffer with uneven skin texture, dark marks and discolouration, Vitamin C will answer all of those needs. As a hero ingredient it doesn’t just fend off colds but encourages collagen production, improve visible signs of sun damage and scarring and defends the skin against environmental damage caused by free radicals as an antioxidant.
It is a multi-functional ingredient that helps with skin health, tone and texture. Vitamin C can make the skin appear more youthful, protect it from damage and brighten so it’s the ultimate ingredient for most skin types.
VITAMIN C for immunity?
Not only supporting the skin but the body as well, Vitamin C supports a vast number of immune mechanisms in the body. Vitamin C helps to stimulate the production and function of white blood cells that are vital in fighting off illness-causing viruses and bacteria. It also helps to produce vital antibodies and as a powerful antioxidant, it helps to protect certain white blood cells from the toxic compounds they produce when fighting pathogens. In addition, it is important to note that your immune system isn’t just made up of white blood cells but is a complex and intricate network of cells that is interconnected by organs, cells and processes and to support this, vitamin c plays a vital role in keeping this network strong and fortified. Our reformulated Reparative Beauty Dose is the support system that your body needs, not only designed with Vitamin A, E, Glutathione and Coenzyme Q10 but 900mcg dose of Vitamin C that lives up to the 100% recommended daily amount.
HOW TO MAKE VITAMIN C EFFECTIVE?
Vitamin C is an ingredient that is hard to stabilise in a formula. Signs of this is usually changes in smell or the product appearing off-colour. In addition, any products containing Vitamin C should be kept in darker bottles as Vitamin C actually breaks down when it's exposed to light or air, so darker bottles help keep its stability and effectiveness.
WHEN starting out WITH VITAMIN C ...
Vitamin C is rather potent so ensure you start with a smaller percentage until your skin becomes accustomed to it. For those that suffer with sensitive skin, applying Vitamin C isn’t highly recommended, as it is acidic, testing out before consistent use is strongly advised.
WHEN APPLYING VITAMIN C ...
When incorporating Vitamin C into your routine ensure that you are not combining it with any harsh acids or retinol at the same time as this can cause irritation and photosensitivity, Also ensure you apply before adding your daily moisturiser to reap its full benefits, either in a serum or booster, Vitamin C will be your skin’s best friend when it comes to brightening. Our Vitamin C Brightening Booster and Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser is a concentrated treatment that targets signs of hyperpigmentation, age spots and uneven skin tone. It delivers brightening actives which are designed to inhibit tyrosinase production that reduces and prevents discolouration. Our booster in particular is designed to be most effective at night, especially for maintaining and extending the benefits of an in-office and intensive topical treatments.