For any robust skin strategy, Vitamin C is a very important ingredient to look for, especially when it comes to skin over age 30. This potent topical antioxidant is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that protects skin from free radical damage, promotes collagen synthesis and brightens complexion. It improves dermal elasticity and provides a smoother complexion overall.
However, despite being an extremely effective ingredient, you may have had Vitamin C enriched serums fail you in the past. Here are the eight most important things you should know about Vitamin C serums:
1. Vitamin C is Commercially Produced in Several Forms
When product labels read Vitamin C, it doesn’t mean that a few drops of fresh lemon juice have been added to the formula. Commercially concentrated forms of Vitamin C such L-ascorbic acid, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate may be added as a key ‘active ingredient’ in Vitamin C serums. However, not all forms of Vitamin C provide equal results.
‘L-ascorbic acid’ (naturally obtained from, lemon, oranges and other citrus fruits) is by far the best researched and is widely accepted as the most stable and effective form of Vitamin C.
2. It’s One of the Best-Known Free Radical Scavenger
Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants. It is very effective at neutralizing free radicals generated from pollution, sunlight, chemicals – all known to age the skin. It promotes circulation which helps eliminate toxic build-up and deliver fresh nutrients to the cells.. an important factor in skin healing.
When combined with ingredients that improve collagen production like ‘Peptides’ (Argireline and Matrixyl), the formula is highly effective at slowing down the skin’s natural aging process.
3. Serums Give the Best Performance
Serums contain higher concentrations of active elements. Vitamin C based serums are often combined with Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid and other concentrated skin actives, which keeps the formula stable and enhances penetration deep into the skin. In contrast, creams, lotions and in other DIY formulas, the concentration of Vitamin C is not balanced enough to produce effective results. Vitamin E, in fact, increases the benefits of Vitamin C 2X times.
Regular usage of our BioScience Peptide Complex with 100% Pure Vitamin C Peptides, Vitamin E and 50+ other botanicals can actually help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles in less than 60 days. Our serums work effectively both during the day and nighttime.
Our products containing Vitamin C Bioflavonoids (obtained from Bilberry, Lemon and Oranges) are:
4. Vitamin C Enriched Formulas Should Always Be pH Balanced
Absorption of Vitamin C is largely dependent on the pH of the formula. A formula with a pH of approximately ~3.5 ensures optimal absorption,. However, if you have sensitive skin, the pH should be adjusted to at least 4 or 4.5 so that it doesn’t irritate the skin.
Instead of checking with a pH strip every time, it’s better to look for products that are pH balanced and are specifically designed for sensitive or ‘all’ skin types.
Editor’s Pro Tip: If you have sensitive skin, you should be very cautious about using certain ingredients with Vitamin C. As instance, you should not use benzoyl peroxide, exfoliating acids and retinoids along with Vitamin C. Using them as same part of your routine can cause excessive dryness, irritation and sensitivity.
5. Packaging Can Change The Entire Chemistry
No matter how much a formula is efficient pre-production, its efficacy can get entirely disturbed if not packaged the right way. Vitamin C can become unstable when not kept in airtight and dark containers. A change in color, increased rancidity and cloudiness are some of the signs which indicate that the product has turned bad. Vitamin C is light sensitive, so always make sure you protect it from direct sunlight to reduce the chances of oxidization.
As such, it can be quite difficult to formulate Vitamin C serums that can be naturally preserved and saved from oxidization for the longest time. This is why we package our serums in dark glass containers or opaque packaging, which helps improve stability and reduce oxidation. Natural preservatives and antioxidants in the formula also help in improving the shelf-life of the product.
6. Treats Dark Circles, Baggy Eyes and Crow’s Feet Around the Eyes
Vitamin C actually works pretty quickly in eliminating dark circles and puffy or lax skin around the eyes. Our Vitamin C enriched Aloe Eye Serum and Eyeline Prevention Oil (with roll-on applicator) easily penetrate delicate eye skin to help relax and drain toxic fluid build-up. By reducing dark circles, puffiness, dryness and fine lines, Vitamin C gives a smoother appearance to the under-eye area. Vitamin C also boosts collagen production to help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet and deep expression lines.
7. Higher Concentration Doesn’t Mean Better Effectiveness
Just as many people believe erroneously that a higher SPF factor in sunscreen provides better protection (learn why it’s a myth), a serum containing higher concentration of Vitamin C doesn’t improve its effectiveness. While at least 10% of L-ascorbic acid is essential for reaping the benefits, a higher dose of of 20% or more may not be suitable for all skin types. A combination of Vitamin E, Antioxidants and other hydroxy acids in the formula add more value to the product than the concentration of Vitamin C alone.
8. It’s Very Effective in Fighting Hyperpigmentation
Not just anti-aging, Vitamin C is also well-known to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C interrupts the functioning of the enzyme ‘tyrosinase’, which is essential in creating melanin or the pigment cells. In fact, Vitamin C along with our DevaBright formula (containing Uva ursi, Licorice root and Kojic acid from Mushrooms) is the strongest known natural combination that produces similar result to hydroquinone (or chemical bleach), without side effects.
Don’t limit yourself to just organic serums for your topical vitamin C! Mild forms of Vitamin C can also be introduced to your skin through cleansers, hydrators and masks. Remember that it takes time to show real results. Dedicated application with our dosha-specific natural products transform your skin within 60 days and show visible, long-lasting results without any side effects. Our products are clean, organic, proven by science, cruelty-free and eco-friendly, which makes them good for your skin, health and the planet!
