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Why You Should Invest in a Vitamin C Product

Vitamin C in Skincare: Benefits and Expert Tips


You’ve probably seen a lot of buzz about the benefits of vitamin C in skincare – there’s lots to get excited about! In fact, Gerwyn, skincare expert at Kiehl’s, says “vitamin C is hugely beneficial because it's an antioxidant”. And that means it does lots of wonderful things for the skin.

Curious to learn more about why vitamin C is such a great ingredient to include skincare products? You’re in luck! We’ve chatted to our in-house expert and put together a full guide on everything you need to know about the many functions of this powerhouse of skincare.


Why Should I Use Vitamin C? The Key Vitamin C Benefits

We’ve said vitamin C has a whole host of benefits that make it a brilliant ingredient for almost anybody interested in caring for their skin. So, let’s look a little more specifically at just what it could do for you.


Vitamin C & Brightening Skin

Vitamin C is mildly acidic, meaning that it can help to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells, leaving your complexion looking refreshed and brighter. “If you want healthy, glowing, radiant looking skin,” Gerwyn said, “vitamin C is a great bet”.

Vitamin C, being mildly acidic, is able to gently exfoliate these skin-dulling dead cells to reveal a brighter-looking complexion. Not only that, but it tackles pigmentation too. Pigmentation is another skin foe that can make your complexion look uneven—Vitamin C can help prevent it being produced so your complexion appears brighter and clearer.

Vitamin C & Hydration

Vitamin C might not typically be considered a moisturiser in and of itself, but it can have a deeply hydrating effect as it helps your skin to retain moisture. This can result in a fresher and plumper appearance and helps fight dry skin and scaliness.

Vitamin C & Anti-Ageing

Vitamin C often shows up in products that target age-related skincare concerns. And it’s no wonder, because it’s effective in tackling several of these – particularly certain forms of vitamin C.

“There are derivatives of vitamin C, like L-ascorbic acid, that are really effective in reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles,” Gerwyn explained. On top of that – as we touched on – “vitamin C is beneficial for correcting pigmentation,” including dark spots that often appear as we age.

Vitamin C & Anti-Pollution

Related to its powers in the realm of anti-ageing is vitamin C’s ability to protect our skin from the damage caused by day-to-day exposure to pollution (one of the culprits in accelerating the ageing process).

This all comes down to it being an antioxidant. Gerwyn broke down the science for us a little: “vitamin C is hugely beneficial because it's an antioxidant, which means it neutralises potential pollution damage, whereby pollution gets absorbed into the skin and disrupts its natural repair process. An antioxidant like vitamin C neutralises pollution and free radicals, protecting the skin.”

Vitamin C & Rosacea

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C is often used to tackle rosacea, which typically presents as redness on the face.

Here, too, its antioxidant powers are at play. Those free radicals we mentioned can also cause irritation and inflammation that exacerbate conditions like rosacea. Vitamin C can soothe these flare-ups, leaving you with a more even complexion.

Vitamin C & Pigmentation

As well as brightening the skin tone, vitamin C can also even your complexion. As Gerwyn told us, “Vitamin C is really great at equalising pigment and calming any pigmentation marks that may be appearing”. This leaves you with a more balanced, bright and fresh-looking complexion.

Vitamin C & Wound Healing

People have been using vitamin C to support recovery from illness and injury for many years. As well as being a go-to for many fighting a common cold, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to support wound healing.

Where Can I Find Vitamin C?

Our skincare team has put together a range of vitamin C products to pick from, so you can choose the one that best suits you. Our Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum, which targets those delicate areas.

Of course, there are also plenty of other ways you can boost your vitamin C intake. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are a popular source but some lesser-known foods that contain lots of vitamin C include bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries and even potatoes.

Vitamin C & Anti-Ageing

Vitamin C often shows up in products that target age-related skincare concerns. And it’s no wonder, because it’s effective in tackling several of these – particularly certain forms of vitamin C.

“There are derivatives of vitamin C, like L-ascorbic acid, that are really effective in reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles,” Gerwyn explained. On top of that – as we touched on – “vitamin C is beneficial for correcting pigmentation,” including dark spots that often appear as we age.


Vitamin C & Anti-Pollution

Related to its powers in the realm of anti-ageing is vitamin C’s ability to protect our skin from the damage caused by day-to-day exposure to pollution (one of the culprits in accelerating the ageing process).

This all comes down to it being an antioxidant. Gerwyn broke down the science for us a little: “vitamin C is hugely beneficial because it's an antioxidant, which means it neutralises potential pollution damage, whereby pollution gets absorbed into the skin and disrupts its natural repair process. An antioxidant like vitamin C neutralises pollution and free radicals, protecting the skin.”

Vitamin C & Rosacea

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C is often used to tackle rosacea, which typically presents as redness on the face.

Here, too, its antioxidant powers are at play. Those free radicals we mentioned can also cause irritation and inflammation that exacerbate conditions like rosacea. Vitamin C can soothe these flare-ups, leaving you with a more even complexion.

Vitamin C & Pigmentation

As well as brightening the skin tone, vitamin C can also even your complexion. As Gerwyn told us, “Vitamin C is really great at equalising pigment and calming any pigmentation marks that may be appearing”. This leaves you with a more balanced, bright and fresh-looking complexion.

Vitamin C & Wound Healing

People have been using vitamin C to support recovery from illness and injury for many years. As well as being a go-to for many fighting a common cold, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to support wound healing.

Where Can I Find Vitamin C?

Our skincare team has put together a range of vitamin C products to pick from, so you can choose the one that best suits you. Our Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is designed with all skin types in mind, including sensitive skin. It combines vitamin C with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and reduce visible signs of wrinkles. It’s well complemented by our Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum, which targets those delicate areas.

Of course, there are also plenty of other ways you can boost your vitamin C intake. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are a popular source but some lesser-known foods that contain lots of vitamin C include bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries and even potatoes.

FAQs

How Should Vitamin C Be Incorporated Into A Skincare Routine?

Vitamin C can be incorporated into many skincare products, depending on which areas you want to target. Vitamin C eye creams and serums are a popular option because the ingredient can target dark circles. It’s also often found in anti-ageing products such as face serums, which can be applied daily.

Can Vitamin C Be Used By All Skin Types?

Vitamin C is available in various concentrations, which means you can find a product that’s right for your skin type. Those with sensitive skin might want a lower concentration while those with specific skincare goals may want a product that’s made with that in mind.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Vitamin C On The Skin?

While vitamin C is a common and popular ingredient, it’s important to pay attention to your individual skin’s reactions. As with any skincare product, if you experience side effects such as itching or burning, you should stop using it and seek professional advice.


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