It's time to meet your skincare squeeze
You’re probably used to pouring yourself a tall, cool glass of orange juice to start your day, but did you know you can give your skin a morning boost with the beauty power player that is vitamin C? It’s one of the most highly searched skincare ingredients, with more and more brands releasing serums, tonics, masks and more to add to our ever growing skincare shelf.
But what exactly are skincare benefits of vitamin C, and just how should you use it? Amanda Bell, Global Director of Makeup Artistry and Education for Pixi Skincare, says ‘The benefits of vitamin C in your skincare routine are multiple, making it a perfect daily maintenance ingredient for your skin. For a brighter complexion and even skin tone, while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, vitamin C is an essential ingredient.’
How much vitamin C do I need in my skincare?
‘The right concentration is important’, says Dr Mike Bell, Scientific Skincare Advisor at Boots. ‘While vitamin C in different forms can be effective at lower levels, you need concentrations of five percent or more of the most active form of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for it to have an impact on collagen and skin structural integrity.’
Amanda Bell adds, ‘Vitamin C can be applied topically through a skincare regime allowing the powerful antioxidant to perform its skin-brightening, hyperpigmentation-correcting and skin tone-evening benefits.’
With any new skincare product it’s important to build up slowly so your skin can acclimatise on its own terms. Add a little vitamin C two to three times a week, and if it feels good then increase this to a daily dose of glow-glow juice.
What about the different formats?
Serums, masks, cleansers, tonics, moisturisers - it might seem tricky navigating your way around vitamin C skincare, but here are a few rules we love to live by that will help you along the way:
• Serums tend to contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than creams or lotions, so add one to your skincare routine and say hello to that glow
• Cleansers and masks are great for sensitive skin, as they are only in contact with skin for a short time
• Always apply skincare products in order of consistency – from thinnest (serums) to thickest (moisturiser)
• Pairing vitamin C with hyaluronic acid is a great way to give dehydrated skin a splash of moisture
Now you’ve got the juice on all things vitamin C, here are our top juicy picks:
No7 Radiance+ Vitamin C Glow Toner 200ml
It’s a zinger
Sweep this radiance-inducing toner over a cleansed face and neck to instantly transform dull, tired and lacklustre skin, whilst minimising the appearance of pores. It’s powered with two percent vitamin C, the perfect amount for energised, glowing and healthy-looking skin.
Olay Vitamin C + AHA24 Day Gel Face Cream
Wake up & glow
Dull skin? Brighten it up with this citrus-scented day cream. The silky, lightweight formula contains a cocktail of vitamin C, AHA and niacinamide to bring you brighter-looking skin, a more even skin tone and texture AND instant hydration. What’s not to love?
NIVEA Q10 Energy Fresh Look Eye Cream with Vitamin C 15ml
Wake up your eyes
This refreshing eye cream is enriched with three powerful antioxidants – Q10, vitamin C and vitamin E – to help revitalise dull and tired skin around the eyes. Sweep this revitalising formula from the inner corner to the outer corner of your under eyes to reveal your radiance.
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Vitamin C Booster
Our hydration hero
If you’re looking for skincare that packs a punch then this is the one for you. This serum contains a whopping 10 percent freshly activated vitamin C, as well as hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and smooth the skin. It also promises more radiant skin in seven days, so why not leave us a review and let us know your thoughts?
Pixi Vitamin-C Tonic
Your daily dose of glow
Pixi’s Amanda Bell says, ‘Vitamin C helps boost your skin's collagen production to give you plumper and firmer skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.’ Which makes this gorgeous tonic (aka toner) a top pick for all skin types, plus it's alcohol free so won’t zap skin’s moisture.
Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Glow Boost Skin Serum
Brighten up your day
Serums should be the first skincare saviour you apply (after cleansing and toning of course) and this glow booster is a great addition to your morning and night-time routine. It also contains hyaluronic acid which is a dream come true for dehydrated skin.
Your Good Skin Balancing Skin Concentrate
Only the good stuff
Life can be a balancing act, so this little treat from Your Good Skin means your skin is one less thing to juggle. As well as vitamin C (come on, you know the benefits by now) it also contains green tea, Sphinganine (great for helping to reduce shine) and Japanese Lily Turf (fab for helping to retain moisture). For the best results, apply before and after snoozing.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Crème
Wake up before you make-up
A banana bright crème that contains vitamin C; it’s not as confusing as it sounds. This cult skincare wonder contains make-up artist’s must-have ‘banana powder’, which helps colour correct the eye area, as well as hydrating vitamin C to help brighten – try it for yourself and just see how great your concealer looks after!
Now you’re topped up on all things vitamin C, why not add a little orange to your skincare routine?
