Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a natural component of healthy skin. High levels of ascorbic acid supports important functions within the skin, such as collagen synthesis. Find out more about vitamin C.

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What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, with powerful antioxidant action. When we are young, levels within the epidermis and dermis remain high, contributing to a bright, youthful appearance. Unfortunately, the ageing process leads to a decline in levels of the vitamin in both layers of the skin. Damage from the environment, such as excessive UV exposure and pollution, also contributes to this decline. Topical ascorbic acid can be used to boost levels within the skin, which is ideal as we age. Topical application has a dual action effect, contributing to healing present damage while also preventing future damage.

Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C has a range of benefits for the skin.

• Fades Hyperpigmentation: By inhibiting the enzyme that triggers melanin production, ascorbic acid helps lighten dark spots, acne scars and age spots.
• Brightens Complexion: Since vitamin C affects melanin production, it also contributes to a more radiant and even-toned complexion.
• Boosts Collagen Production: Regular use of ascorbic acid promotes collagen synthesis, improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Protects Against Sun Damage: Vitamin C isn’t a substitute for sunscreen, but it does enhance the skin’s defence against UV rays by neutralising free radicals produced by sun exposure. Therefore, helping to prevent premature signs of sun damage.
• Reduces Inflammation: Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness and soothe irritated skin, making it useful for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

What Should My Skincare Label Say

There are a variety of ways that vitamin C will show up on your skincare label. If not ‘vitamin c’, you may see ‘L-ascorbic acid’, ‘ascorbate’ or ‘3-O ethyl ascorbic acid’ which signifies the ingredient is a derivative of vitamin C. You may also find your skincare label has vitamin c listed as an ‘antiscorbutic agent’, ‘calcium ascorbate’, d’ehydroascorbic acid’ or ‘sodium ascorbate.’

What % Should I Use

Identifying the right concentration of vitamin c for your skin type is important. When introducing a new skin ingredient, you should always start with a low, tolerable concentration and work your way up. Begin with 10% (or lower!) and work your way up to 15%/20% if your skin will allow it. This will ensure your skincare is as effective as possible, and allow you to reap the benefits of your ascorbic acid.

How Do I Use Vitamin C

As previously mentioned, vitamin C can be provided to the skin through topical application. This application is often done via a serum. This infusion allows the skin to benefit from the range of benefits that ascorbic acid brings.

When you introduce vitamin c into your routine, you should apply it less frequently e.g. a few times a week/every other day. If you have no negative effects, and your skin tolerates the ingredient, you can increase frequency and apply it daily. It can take up to 8-12 weeks of consistent use to see a noticeable improvement.

The outermost layer of the skin (stratum corneum) is the main obstacle to efficient ascorbic acid absorption. Therefore, removing the stratum corneum by chemical or mechanical methods can enhance absorption. You should properly cleanse the skin before applying a vitamin c serum, and follow up with your moisturiser and SPF.

Vitamin C & Your Skincare Routine

To get the most out of using Vitamin C in your skincare routine, you should apply it onto clean skin in a morning. Follow up with moisturiser and SPF, as ascorbic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. As discussed in the benefits above, this combination will allow you enhanced protection from environmental damage throughout the day.

SkinBase Microdermabrasion

SkinBase Microdermabrasion is a mechanical method of exfoliation of the stratum corneum. The treatment uses a stream of non-allergenic crystals (crystal microdermabrasion) to remove your skin’s outermost layers of dead cells. A key benefit of SkinBase Microdermabrasion is enhanced product absorption. By removing the dirt, dead cells and impurities off the skin, skincare products, including vitamin C, can penetrate more efficiently. Incorporating a weekly Microdermabrasion treatment into your skincare routine can increase the efficiency of your daily products.

SkinBase Hydro

SkinBase Hydro is a chemical method of exfoliation, using hardworking active ingredients within a chemical peel. A range of AHAs and BHAs, including salicylic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid, are used to unclog your pores, promote the shedding of dead skin cells, and exfoliate the top layer of skin to soften and smooth your complexion. As with Microdermabrasion, this has the added bonus of enhanced product absorption.

SkinBase Hydro: Vitamin C

SkinBase Hydro takes it one step further, following up the exfoliation with an infusion of botanicals and actives. The SkinBase Hydro brightening serum contains 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, a derivative of pure vitamin C that is more tolerable for the skin, and still offers the same benefits. The vacuum also enhances absorption and penetration. Therefore, when applied with the vacuum action, the 3-0-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, suspended in a water-based serum, penetrates the skin more effectively.

Find a Therapist

If you want to benefit from the SkinBase Microdermabrasion or Hydro treatment, you can find your nearest SkinBase Therapist to get started.