Vitamin C: Does It Live Up To The Hype?

Everyone, even if you’re not exactly a skincare fiend, knows what vitamin C is. Between fading dark spots and protecting you against free radical damage, this miracle ingredient is the one thing that does it all! If there’s one skincare ingredient you could use for the rest of your life, you should probably pick vitamin C! It is one of the most effective antioxidants out there when it comes to brightening and preventing premature ageing. Too good to be true? Well, you better believe it! 

How vitamin C benefits your skin?

• When applied on clean, dry skin, vitamin C can help prevent free radical damage from pollution, dust and UV rays to keep your skin healthy. 
• This superstar also inhibits the production of excess melanin in your skin – and as we know, melanin is what gives the skin colour, and when there is an excess of it in a certain spot, it causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
• Vitamin C also smoothens fine lines and wrinkles with regular use. 
• It boosts collagen production, making your skin firmer and smoother. 

What are the dos and don’ts of using vitamin C? 

1) Use vitamin C everyday 

As with any skincare product, consistency is key if you want to see real results. If you don’t apply it religiously every day, you may not see the results you want. 

2) Start with a lower percentage 

If you’re just starting out with vitamin C, and if you’re opting for a face serum, look for a concentration around 5%. Starting directly with a higher concentration may cause redness and inflammation as your skin isn’t used to it. Keep this in mind if your skin is on the sensitive side. 

3) Use it in the morning 

While you can apply it any time, you will get the most benefit out of it when you apply it in the morning as it protects the skin from UV radiation. However, vitamin C is sensitive to light, so make sure it has time to sink in and absorb before heading out. 

4) Apply it on dry skin 

Vitamin C is a highly unstable ingredient and any mixing can render it useless, or in the worst case scenario, make your skin red and inflamed. Usually, it is formulated in combination with ferulic acid. The most stable form is L-ascorbic acid. Apply it to dry skin and gently pat it in until absorbed. 

5) Pair it with sunscreen

Since vitamin C fights free radical damage, pairing it with sunscreen boosts its efficacy and makes your sunscreen work better. After applying vitamin C, follow up with a moisturizer or a hydrating serum and apply a generous layer of sunscreen before stepping out. 

6) Store it in a cool, dark place 

Vitamin C is volatile and unstable and exposure to light and oxygen can render it useless. Make sure that when you buy vitamin C serums, they are in opaque or tinted bottles. Also, steer clear of serums with a dropper and opt for pumps to preserve the efficacy of the product and prevent oxidation. 

7) Avoid combining it with certain ingredients 

This ingredient has a slight exfoliating effect on the skin, so avoid combining it with AHAs and BHAs as it can potentially irritate your skin. Also avoid mixing it with niacinamide as the pH levels don’t interact well with those of vitamin C. Vitamin C makes a winning combination with hyaluronic acid – so feel free to combine the two! 

Thinking of including vitamin C to your skincare regime?

You can find vitamin C rich brightening ingredients such as grapefruit, amla, orange peel oil, L-ascorbic acid, mandarins, lemon oil and many more in our Mama Cica and Mon Cherry Skincare range. Here are a few Quench vitamin C rich products to add to your daily skincare routine: 

Mama Cica Dark Circle Fading Under Eye Cream

To fade dark circles, reduce puffiness and brighten your under eye area with the help of vitamin-C rich orange peel oil and hydrating hyaluronic acid. 

Mon Cherry Brightening Foam Cleanser

This skin brightening foam cleanser gently exfoliates and leaves skin glowing. The unique 2-in-1 cleanser has citric acid and babassu seed oil that keeps skin hydrated and plumpy soft!

Mama Cica Dark Spot Correcting Ampoule

This gentle skin ampoule treats dark spots and reduces hyperpigmentation with regular use. It contains vitamin C-rich lotus root which boosts skin health and keeping your skin glowing. 

Mon Cherry Dirt Dissolving Cleansing Balm

Our hero cleanser removes tough makeup, purifies and nourishes the skin gently and gives it a boost of glow, thanks to its infusion of grapefruit, an excellent source of vitamin C. It also contains salicylic acid which keeps acne at bay. 

So, will you be including this miracle ingredient in your skincare routine?