Wondering how to get bright, dewy skin? Get your daily dose of Vitamin C (serum that is!)
What is Vitamin C Serum?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. This ingredient, when used in skin care is thought to prevent the formation of free radicals, which contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in our skin. Vitamin C serums are often touted as offering benefits such as firming, plumping, brightening, and collagen-boosting. That means this one convenient addition to your skincare routine can pack a powerful punch! I recommend adding a Vitamin C serum to help promote a healthy, radiant glow in your AM routine!
What Skin Care Concerns Does Vitamin C Serum Help Address?
Vitamin C serum is useful for the following skin care concerns:
- Brightness- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. When applied topically, this skincare special weapon can help you get that glow!
- Even Texture- Vitamin C can work to help even skin tone, fading dark spots.
- Sun damage- Overexposure to the sun can lead to premature wrinkles and signs of aging. Vitamin C serum helps with collagen production to reduce the signs of sun damage.
How to Use Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C in skincare typically comes in a serum or gel form and is applied topically to the face and neck area after cleansing in the morning. It works to boost the efficacy of your sunscreen, so make sure to layer that on top.
Every skin type can benefit from Vitamin C serum, the trick is finding one that doesn’t irritate your skin or increase your risk of breaking out.
Choosing a Vitamin C Serum
If choosing a serum that only contains L-ascorbic acid, make sure it’s in an opaque bottle or one which comes with an air-tight pump as these formulations tend to destabilize or oxidize with exposure to air or light, making the ingredients ineffective.
If the bottle is not opaque, check for the more stable ester derivatives like Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate These are shelf stable derivatives of Vitamin C. As a bonus these ingredients are more gentle and better suited for sensitive skin.
Look for serums that also contain other key ingredients such as Vitamin E, ferulic acid, moisturizers like hyaluronic acid, or anti-aging ingredients such as retinol.
What Are Some Different Types of Vitamin C, and What do They Do?
My current favorite Vitamin C serum has THREE types of Vitamin C- L-Ascorbic Acid from Kakadu Plum, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. These forms of Vitamin C are incredibly effective at protecting the skin from free radical damage (even at less than 1%!). They are stable forms of Vitamin C and are friendly for those with sensitive skin.
Did you know Kakadu Plum contains 100x more Vitamin C than an orange? It’s the super fruit hero Ren’s Glow and Protect serum and is one of the highest natural sources of Vitamin C in the food industry with 5x the antioxidant capability of blueberries.
This ingredient boosts the skin’s natural brightness and evens the appearance of skin tone, and protects against free radical damage. This particular formula also contains Vitamin E, and a variety of minerals such as zinc, folate, magnesium, and calcium.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate are oil-soluble, synthetic forms of Vitamin C. These ingredients are ideal for sensitive skin as they are easily absorbed and converted into Vitamin C in the skin and help to promote brightness without irritation. They are also more stable forms, preventing the serum from oxidizing and going bad quickly!
Lastly Ren’s Glow and Protect Serum uses pure Dragon Fruit extract (cold-pressed from the fruit without water added) to support the skin’s microbiome with naturally occurring prebiotics and hydration-boosting minerals. The addition of Pomegranate Seed extract is also used in the formula to soothe the skin and protect the natural barrier.
How to Incorporate Vitamin C Serum Into Your Skincare Routine
Where does Vitamin C fit in between cleansing and sunscreen? I recommend starting with the following order for your morning routine with a Vitamin C serum
- Cleanser
- Vitamin C serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Interested in Trying a Vitamin C Serum?
I’ve included Ren’s Glow and Protect serum in my Spring Dermy Doc Box! Supplies are limited so order quickly to receive a minimum of $100 worth of high quality skin care products, delivered to your door every 3 months!
XOXO
Sources
Enescu CD, Bedford LM, Potts G, Fahs F. A review of topical vitamin C derivatives and their efficacy. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Sep 24. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14465. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34559950.
Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Jul;10(7):14-17. Epub 2017 Jul 1. PMID: 29104718; PMCID: PMC5605218.
