The ABCs of Vitamin C – What is it and why do you need it in your routine today?

Is it an essential for your skin? Well, if your skin is looking dull, suffers from hyperpigmentation (dark spots, blemishes) or you are concerned about premature aging of skin – then it is important! And crucially– you have to make sure the product you are using has an adequate dose and is actually delivering vitamin C to your skin cells (as there are many products that just use the title as a gimmick). Read on to find out our top 4 recommended Vitamin C products for your skin – that actually work! 

The word antioxidant is mentioned a lot in skincare – but what does it really mean? Essentially as our cells work, replicate and grow – they produce free radicals, which are dangerous particles that run loose and can damage DNA, structures and lead to premature aging. Antioxidants exist to eliminate these free radicals – targeting them directly and neutralizing them, ensuring cells can grow and repair safely.

This famous serum is packed full of vitamin C (63 percent!!), extracted from sea-buckthorn water (Hippophae rhamnoides), which also contains minerals and phenols which have shown to also have anti-inflammatory and calming properties. To prevent further irritation, this serum is coupled with centella asciatica leaf water to reduce irritation and 8 types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin. It’s designed to be hypoallergenic and not irritate skin, so the additional vitamin C does not cause redness. For those whose skin takes in the serum, its said to create an amazing brightening effect in a few uses and it absorbs quickly. For anti-aging effect and moisturizing – it gets all the stars – but it can cause breakouts in acne-prone skin and has a risk of irritation due to the high Vitamin C content. 

If you have combination, normal or dry skin – and want the antioxidant effect with anti-aging properties, this is an amazing serum for you! It won’t suit all skin types, though.

ANUA unlocks a little secret of Vitamin C, and that is that it is rejuvenated and protected by Vitamin E. Vitamin E is also playing its own part, helping lock down moisture in skin and protect against sunlight. 20% pure vitamin C is mixed with 56% green lemon extract – creating a brightening, natural effect which absorbs quickly. Vitamins are directly delivered past the skin barrier via moisturizing panthenol and glutathione, allowing these ultimate ingredients to work their magic directly in skin cells.  

It has great effect, has a low irritative index and will lighten skin tone and blemishes within a few uses. It does require storage in the fridge to prevent break-down of Vitamin C – to allow maximum use and can be sticky to use. Ensure to follow up with a good moisturizer to prevent skin drying out – but will be the ideal for fine lines or acne scarring. Is highly refreshing and makes a great addition to the routine.

COSRX the original, no-nonsense lead in K-Beauty and the Vitamin C 23 serum is no different. All the factors we spoke of that allow Vitamin C to target and reach skin cells is carefully tailored in this serum. It is has flower oils blended with stabilized 23% Vitamin C to allow it to penetrate the skin barrier and absorb quickly.  

With additions of caffeine (for dark spots) and soothing, hydrating panthenol and allantoin (with a touch of licorice root) - it is carefully formulated to brighten skin, achieve maximum delivery of Vitamin C. It is science-backed and achieves the exact brightening result Vitamin C was designed for. It tackles hyperpigmentation for strong results and can help clear darker scars and revive skin tone after damage. It is a strong formula and can lead to irritation (as it maximizes Vitamin C delivery to skin) so it is important to note how your skin reacts to strong products and use accordingly. Should be used with a good, soothing moisturizer on top, to ensure skin does not dry out after use and it is recommended to store product in the fridge to maximize freshness.

TIRTIR packs Vitamin C with a careful team of hydrating and anti-inflammatory players to produce a serum that brightens, plumps skin and directly targets hyperpigmentation to reduce. With three types of collagen, it reaches deep into skin to moisturize. It also doubles with centella asciatica extract to soothe and Madecassoside extract (a wonderful antioxidant that works to inhibit melanin production due to inflammation) - it reaches deeply to soothe and promote plump, line-free skin.  

It’s designed to work well within a routine – and blends well with other moisturizers and make-up to provide a seamless addition to any skincare routine. Its suitable for any skin type – but obviously stands out in tackling dull skin, fine lines or hyperpigmentation.

If you are looking for a deeply soothing, beneficial addition to your skincare routine that will fit in seamlessly and give you the maximum benefit of Vitamin C - this is the one!