What is vitamin C? It’s a potent antioxidant found naturally in foods like citrus fruits. Synthetic forms of vitamin C are commonly used in cleansers, serums, oils, creams, lotions, and more.
What does vitamin C do for skin? It works to reduce the appearance of dark spots, gives skin a firmer look, and . It also helps protect against free radicals (skin-damaging molecules created by pollution and more). See what vitamin C products you can add to your skincare routine!
Are there different types of vitamin C? There are two main types of vitamin C found in skincare: L-ascorbic acid and THD ascorbate. These two varieties are also blended with other ingredients to make them more stable, resulting in derivatives like ascorbyl palmitate.
How do I use it? Use vitamin C skincare products daily for best results, especially during the day since it helps protect skin from environmental stressors like sun and pollution. Check the packaging for specific instructions since these can vary from product to product.
What can I pair it with? Vitamin C can be used with most ingredients and products. In fact, it acts as an insurance policy for the rest of your skincare routine—by protecting your complexion against free radicals, it helps maintain the results your other products deliver.
Anything I shouldn’t pair it with? If you experience irritation, avoid using vitamin C on days you use potent active ingredients, like retinol and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Go slow. Test the waters with a lower-concentration formula to see how your skin reacts. Slight tingling is normal, but if you do experience anything more intense, talk to your derm. Research shows that even very low concentrations (under 1%) deliver antioxidant protection and dullness-brightening benefits.
Establish a routine. Once you find the right formula for your skin, use it consistently to see results.
Layer on a moisturizer. This essential step nourishes and balances skin so it doesn’t overproduce oil.
Say yes to SPF. Protect your skin against harmful UV rays every single day—it’s a crucial part of a healthy routine.