Hi, Chicsters as promised today's post is all about vitamin C. Not only is it good for your insides thanks to the current health crisis it is also really great for your outsides. Experts reveal that if you want glowy, even and youthful-looking skin then you need to incorporate products with Vitamin C into your skincare routine.
One of the main areas of concern for most women of color happens to be uneven skin and as you know I have hyperpigmentation so this topic is close to my heart. I've shared in the past habits that contribute to uneven skin and in today's post, we are continuing the topic of how to get and keep brighter more even-toned skin.
So why does vitamin C work and why do you need it. Short answer it protects your skin from sun damage.
It works because it is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure.
It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance. Additionally, it is anti-inflammatory and diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, Need I say more?
So with all of these great benefits, the popularity of vitamin C products makes sense.
However, all Vitamin C products are not created equal especially with Vitamin C products ranging in price from under $20 to over $100. Formulation, mode of delivery, and the addition of other active ingredients affect the efficacy and potency of each product.
Here are 5 things to consider when choosing the right Vitamin C product for you!
- First look for Vitamin C serums made from Ascorbic Acid also known as L-ascorbic acid — the most active form of vitamin C
- Second look for serums, they are generally more effective than creams or toners
- Third look for the percent concentration, the higher the concentration the better; most serums are made up of anywhere between 5% and 20%
- Look for serums that have other antioxidants combined with Vitamin C like Vitamin E its effectiveness increases and you get double the benefits
- Vitamin C actually breaks down when it's exposed to light or air, so look for dark glass bottles which help maintain its stability (and therefore, maximize benefits)
Speaking of breaking down look for more stable formulations to maximize the benefits like the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum.
Because Vitamin C is water-soluble and reactive in less precisely formulated serums, it won’t effectively penetrate the skin. Beauty experts rave about this product for many reasons. CE Ferulic is a light, non-greasy feel, serum that delivers the maximum amount of its active ingredients to the skin. It’s not cheap, but worth the price due to its super-stable formula. It contains 15% ascorbic acid and manages to deliver vitamin C through the top layer without disrupting the protective barrier of the skin.
Now if you don’t have over $100 to shell out on one product I’ve linked other favorites from experts below. If you are looking for the benefits of the CE Ferulic for half the price check out the C-Firma Day Serum by Drunk Elephant, have acne-prone skin try out the Fresh Pressed System with Vitamin C by Clinique the set contains 2 Vitamin C infused product plus Salicylic acid a popular acne-fighting ingredient.
Personally I have been using the C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum and have seen a difference in my skin. It's a weightless gel-serum packed with 3-O C vitamin C (great for boosting collagen synthesis and lightening skin), collagen amino acids, and a proprietary energy complex for a revitalized complexion.
Finally, I did want to note that for you to reap the benefits of any Vitamin C serum you cannot skimp on sunscreen. Wondering why the short answer UV radiation for more on the benefits of UV protection for WOC check out this post. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin experts say it's best to start out with a low concentration of Vitamin C and work your way up as your skin grows more accustomed to the ingredient.
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