What does vitamin C do for the skin and how can I add it into my routine? Everything you need to know about this skincare ingredient
Ask any dermatologist, skin expert or beauty editor about their skincare essentials, and a product containing vitamin C is sure to be high up on the list.
A renowned antioxidant, when applied topically it helps to protect the skin from external pollutants and free radicals. It also helps to brighten the complexion, tackle pigmentation and even out skin tone.
Here’s everything you need to know about this wonder ingredient…
How do I use it in my skincare routine?
Vitamin C is usually found in the form of a serum or a cream and can be used morning or night – although if you’re also using exfoliating acids or retinol in the evening, you may wish to keep your vit C use to the morning only to avoid any potential risk of irritating the skin by overloading it with active ingredients.
What should I be looking out for?
Look out for L-ascorbic acid or ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate in the ingredients list – these are the most active forms of vitamin C.
Is vitamin C suitable for every skin type?
Yes, every skin type can use vitamin C, although if your complexion is particularly sensitive you may wish to start with a product containing a low concentration, and introduce it gradually into your routine.
Are there any issues with using vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a notorious unstable ingredient, and can quickly oxidise when exposed to oxygen or light.
Fortunately there are plenty of smart skincare products nowadays that have formulated the ingredient in stable forms – or even better in single-use formats like Oskia Super-C Capsules.
These travel-friendly skincare capsules have a nourishing serum-oil inside, which contains a stable form of vitamin C along with other antioxidants vitamin E and tomato lycopene. Simply twist open the little pod and massage the serum into your skin morning or night.
If you fancy trying them out before committing to buying a full-size tub, you can get your hands on a travel-sized tube containing seven Oskia Super-C Capsules – enough for a week’s use – in this month’s Go & Glow OK! Beauty Box. This tube would normally be worth £11, but new subscribers can pick up the whole box for just £7.50 – that’s 50% off the normal monthly subscription cost of £15 – just sign up using the code 50FIRSTBOX.
The box also contains five other brilliant summer beauty must-haves worth over £60 in total, and comes delivered in an eco-friendly box, made from FSC-certified forests, recycled material or controlled wood.