16 Jul A Comprehensive Guide to Vitamin C Skincare

Any time you visit a makeup store, chemist or dermatology clinic, you’ll come across skincare products containing vitamin C, like our Zecca C.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that shields and protects the skin from cellular damage and the elements, but how does it work, what does it do, and who would benefit from using it?

In this blog, we’ll take you through all the most frequently asked questions about skincare products with vitamin C.
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What Is Vitamin C in Skincare?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant that is found naturally in the skin. It is used topically in skincare products to neutralise free radicals and fight environmental damage.

There are four different forms of vitamin C in skincare:

• L-Ascorbic Acid – This is the purest and most effective form of vitamin C, however, it can be irritating for people with sensitive skin.
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate – This is a more gentle, stable type of vitamin C that works well for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
• Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate – This is an oil-soluble form of vitamin C that is great for dehydrated or mature skin.
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate – This is a water-soluble vitamin C derivative that is excellent for dry and/or pigmented skin.

How Do Vitamin C Skin Products Work?

Topical vitamin C works in a few ways to improve skin health. Dermatological research highlights what’s known as the Duke Parameters, which set the gold standard for how vitamin C should be formulated. These include:

• A concentration of 10% to 20%
• A low pH of 2.0 to 3.5 to ensure proper absorption

Products that meet these criteria are designed to deliver visible results.

That said, the ideal strength also depends on your skin’s needs. High concentrations – around 15% or more – can be effective for targeting stubborn skin issues.

But for general maintenance, low concentrations (as little as 0.6%) have been shown to work. You just have to be consistent and patient.

Vitamin C Skincare Benefits

There are two key vitamin C advantages for skin.

The first one is its ability to address pigmentation problems like dark spots, melasma, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C lightens and brightens the skin by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the production of melanin.

In conjunction with regular sunscreen use, vitamin C will improve dull or sun-damaged skin. It improves hydration, promotes cell turnover, and provides extra antioxidant protection against oxidative stress.

The other key benefit is anti-ageing. Vitamin C skin products boost collagen production and restore firmness and elasticity to the skin, which in turn reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It also fights premature skin ageing caused by environmental free radicals like UV rays and pollution.

How to Introduce Vitamin C in Skincare

To properly integrate your vitamin C products, you need to start low and slow.

The first thing you should do is a patch test. Apply the same amount you would use on your face to the inside of your forearm or elbow and leave it on for 24 hours. If you don’t get a reaction, you can go ahead with your planned application.

The next thing you need to know is when to use vitamin C in your skincare routine. It’s best to apply your product in the AM, after cleansing and before moisturising and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Choose vitamin C serums with low concentrations to begin with (10% or less) and gradually increase the potency as your skin gets used to it.

Who Can Use Vitamin C Skincare Products?

Although vitamin C is generally well tolerated by all skin types, there are some caveats.

You can use small amounts of vitamin C for sensitive skin to help reduce redness – just avoid applying it at the same time as the following products:

• Acids – It is not advisable to combine vitamin C with ingredients like lactic acid, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid. Together, they can cause inflammation.
• Retinol – Using vitamin C and retinol one after the other can cause significant irritation or peeling.

Be sure to keep your vitamin C applications to the morning only, and use other active ingredients in the evening. You should also never apply vitamin C on broken skin or areas that are still healing.

Say Hello to Glow With Vitamin C for Skin

Want to get a more even and radiant complexion? Look no further than vitamin C skincare.

Formulated to fade discolouration, fight environmental aggressors, and block free radicals, vitamin C is a powerhouse product that can transform dull and uneven skin into healthy skin.

When used correctly, it brightens your complexion, supports collagen production, and defends against the seven signs of ageing.

In our Zecca Sydney clinic, we stock a wide range of skincare products, including serums and creams containing vitamin C. Contact us via phone or email, or visit us in-store today to ask about finding the best skin-enhancing products for you!
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