What's the deal with Vitamin C?

What is it and why do I need to use it on my skin?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant! The gold standard in Vitmain C is L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA) because it has the most clinical research aaand works beautifully with our skin. However, there are many forms/derivatives out in the market. I will go over them here, but first some basic info for you.

Benefits:

· Brightens

· Reduces inflammation

· Exfoliates

· Lightens hyperpigmentation

· Reduces fine lines/wrinkles

· Builds collagen

· Produces ceramides

· Fights off free radicals

Fun facts:

· Produces best results in the AM! Vitamin C neutralizes/fights off free radicals

· Creates sensitivity in the skin so SPF is a must

· 10% L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA) mixed with an SPF can increase sun protection by 50%

· Works beautifully mixed with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid

· Produces Collagen when used with Arbutin/Peptides

Do not mix with the following:

· AHA/BHA- can overexfoliate

· Niacinamide (vitmain B)- loses its affect and can sometimes irritate

· Benzoyl Peroxide- loses its affect and can sometimes irritate

· Collagen- will clot and harden and not be able to penetrate

· Niacinamide (vitamin B)- loses its affect and can sometimes irritate

Though LAA is the best form of Vitamin C, some skin can become irritated while using it. Also note, most skin will go through a purge phase (sometimes up to 6 months). So, unless it is burning or irritating the skin, I would stick with LAA if possible.

Let’s go through some of the forms/derivatives on the market and some great products in each category. (Remember you can still get results from derivatives but the results are not researched as well and you might not results as soon)

L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA): The gold standard. Look for a water based serum for least irritation.

* 5-10% if you are young or do not have many skin issues.

* 10-15% if you are looking for slow and steady results.

* 15% + to focus on hyperpigmentation

- Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic (#1 in clinical studies)

- Maelove Glow Maker (close second for my fave)

- Drunk Elephant C Firma Day Serum (my faaaaaaaave) https://amzn.to/2wWqp8l

- Rohto Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence (Japanese) https://amzn.to/2NrkySQ

- Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (low level) https://amzn.to/2Qh9DtA

- CosRX Lightening C (oxidizes easily)

Sodium Asobyl Phosphate:

* works well with acne prone skin

* hydrating and soothing

* water soluable

- Derma E Vitamin C Concentrated Serum https://amzn.to/2NsIJ3q

- Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum https://amzn.to/2CBck6q

- Jordan Samuel Hydrating Serum (most hydrating)

Tetrahexydecyl L Ascorbate (THD):

* new and popular

* creamy and moisturizing

* oil soluable

* great for spots, brightening, hyperpigmentation

- Sunday Riley CEO Rapid Flash https://amzn.to/2QhPuDQ

- Biossance Squalene & Vitamin C Rose Oil

- The Ordinary THD/Vitamin E

- Peter Thomas Roth C Serum https://amzn.to/2NsIbuo

Ascorbic Glucoside:

* good starter serum

* water based

- The Ordinary Ascorbic Glucoside 12%

Magnesium Ascobyl Phosphate:

* overall skin brightening

* cream form

- Youth to the People Superfood Firm & Brighten Serum

Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid

* only form that is not pure

* stable in water

* better at night

- Niod Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid

I hope this has been helpful! (and not too technical and boring). Vitamin C is one of the top three products that has made a real difference in my skin. I think it will for you too. Let me know your faves below :) Thanks for reading everyone.