Why you need Vitamin C in Your Skincare Routine

• July 31, 2024

Beauty trends may come and go, but the desire for radiant, glowing skin remains constant: that’s where Vitamin C comes in.

In recent years, vitamin C has become a staple in skincare routines for its ability to brighten the skin and reduce dark spots. Indeed beauties, this powerful antioxidant can restore your skin’s glow when used regularly.

We sat down with Dr. Costi to give us the reasons why Vitamin C is an essential ingredient that deserves a place in your skincare collection.

Why Vitamin C is Essential in Skincare

The answer lies in its ability to combat oxidative stress, a natural part of aging that affects your skin’s health. Dr. Costi explains that oxidative stress can result from various factors such as UV radiation, smoking, pollution, and poor diet. It damages cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to premature aging, collagen loss, pigmentation, and wrinkles.

While using broad-spectrum SPF daily is crucial for UV protection, applying vitamin C under your sunscreen adds an extra layer of defense against sun damage and environmental pollutants.

In addition, Vitamin C doesn’t just prevent damage; it can also repair it. Dr. Costi notes that vitamin C aids in your skin’s natural regeneration process, helping repair damaged cells. It’s a popular choice for treating hyperpigmentation and dark spots.

How to Use Vitamin C Serum

To maximize the benefits of vitamin C, it’s important to know how and when to use it. Dr. Costi suggests that using vitamin C in the morning allows it to work in balance with your SPF. While you can use vitamin C at night, be cautious of interactions with other nighttime products like retinol, which can increase sensitivity.

As for application order, vitamin C should be the first product you apply after cleansing in the morning. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before layering other products like moisturizer and SPF. Most people can use vitamin C daily, but the frequency depends on the product’s formulation and your skin type. If you experience dryness or stinging, try using it every other day and see if it improves.

Different Types of Vitamin C Products

Vitamin C is commonly found in the form of serums but it’s also included in moisturizers, masks, and eye creams. The purest and most stable form of vitamin C is l-ascorbic acid. Other forms include ascorbyl glucoside (water-soluble) and ascorbyl palmitate (oil-soluble), which are less potent but suitable for sensitive skin.

Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is a newer, more potent form that penetrates deeper and absorbs faster.

Tips for Combining Vitamin C with Other Skincare Products

While vitamin C pairs well with other active ingredients, it’s best to avoid using them all at once to prevent overwhelming your skin. Use vitamin C in the morning and save retinol or exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs for your evening routine.

If your skin feels overworked, consider alternating between active ingredients and soothing ones. Hyaluronic acid, for example, complements vitamin C well due to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, which can counteract any dryness from vitamin C.

Extra tip: Vitamin C and Retinol

Both vitamin C and retinol are beneficial for nearly all skin types but using them simultaneously can cause irritation. Dr. Costi recommends using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night, paired with an SPF during the day. This combination creates an effective anti-aging routine that Dr. Costi encourages his patients to adopt.

Extra Extra tip: Vitamin C and Niacinamide

Vitamin C and niacinamide are a compatible duo and can be used together without issues. These ingredients work well to enhance each other’s benefits, making them a great addition to your skincare routine.

In conclusion beauties, incorporating vitamin C into your skincare regimen can provide numerous benefits. For more personalized advice on how to integrate it into your routine, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Costi. Keep shining beauties!