Vitamin C: What It Does And Why You Should Use It

As someone with acne-prone skin, I started using it daily when a facialist advised me on how to fade pigmentation or dark spots caused by old blemishes. But I was interested to find out what other benefits this ingredient has to offer.

From benzoyl peroxide to sulphur, 2020 has officially been the year of trending skincare ingredients, and we've tried them all.

There's one key ingredient, however, that anyone with amazing skin swears by – Vitamin C.

Known as an antioxidant powerhouse, Vitamin C has hit the mainstream in skincare. From brightening cleansers to intensive serum treatments there are plenty of ways to get this skincare hero into your life.

There are numerous forms of Vitamin C, with ascorbic acid (also known as L-ascorbic acid) being the best researched for its effect on the skin. Full of skin-protecting antioxidants, it offers other significant benefits for skin, from brightening to boosting hydration.

Vitamin C is often thought of as unstable – as soon as you open that jar of eye cream or moisturiser, your vitamin powerhouse began to oxidise and lose its power. However new formulations and delivery methods are sidestepping this.

Oil-based, or water-free, formulations ensure that this water-soluble vitamin doesn’t break down, while some brands – such as Clinique – have created ‘fresh’ delivery systems to keep peak efficacy.

If you're keen to introduce a little Vit C into your skincare life, there are many ways to do so.

Daily Vitamin C, €105, Omorvicza

This new arrival teams a highly stable form of Vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate) with a host of extra skincare. It has a brightening complex of watercress extract, zinc and niacinamide; hydrating hyaluronic acid, and Omorovicza’s patented Healing Concentrate for a hardworking daily skin booster.

C15 Super Booster, €53, Paula’s Choice

A potent booster, with 15 per cent pure Vitamin C, you can add a drop or two to your regular moisturiser to give it a brightening, antioxidant upgrade. It's also got Vitamin E, ferulic acid and peptides, for an all-round complexion boost.

Fresh Pressed 7-Day System with Pure Vitamin C, €34, Clinique

Great for travel, or for short term use when you want a skin pick-me-up, this kit from Clinique features a week’s worth of single-use power cleaners with Vitamin C and a 7-day vial of Daily Booster with 10 per cent Vitamin C. The delivery system means you release a fresh dose with every use.

C E Ferulic, €155.45, SkinCeuticals

A multiple award-winner, this teams 15 per cent pure Vitamin C with 1 per cent Vitamin E and 0.5 per cent Ferulic Acid. As well as being high on antioxidants, to protect skin from pollution and UV, it works to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Hydrating Facial Cleanser, €36, Image Skincare

Image Skincare has a whole range of Vitamin C products, including serums, moisturisers and masks. This hydrating cleanser. It contains high potency Vitamin C along with vitamins, to soothe the skin as it gets to work on makeup and impurities.

C + Collagen Brighten + Firm Vitamin C Serum, RRP€89, Dr Dennis Gross

This renowned serum from Dr Dennis Gross teams Vitamin C with an energy complex to recharge the skin. It contains CoQ10, and niacinamide, to tackle the signs of skin ageing.

C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream,€62, Drunk Elephant

As the eye area is one of the first to show signs of ageing, giving it some TLC is always advisable. This hardworking eye cream from the natural brand, Drunk Elephant contains five forms of Vitamin C, along with eight peptides. It’s also fragrance-free.

C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, €84, Sunday Riley

Just one or two pumps of this serum are needed to get the benefits. With 15 per cent vitamin C, it works on dullness while a phytosterols complex helps to ease redness and sensitivity, and glycolic acid refines skin. It also works well teamed with the brand's Luna Sleeping Night Oil.

Main image by @livincool

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