What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C or L- Ascorbic Acid is a water soluble vitamin found naturally in various food sources such as citrus fruits, green vegetables, potatoes etc. It is an essential nutrient as the human body does not synthesise Vitamin C. Due to the many benefits of Vitamin C on skin, it is a popular skincare ingredient which is used in different formulations to treat different skin problems. Benefits of Vitamin C on skin

• It hydrates the skin.

• It is a powerful antioxidant.

• It has a brightening effect.

• It may help soothe a sunburn.

• It promotes collagen synthesis.

• It is effective in treating hyperpigmentation.

• It has an anti-inflammatory action.

• It may provide protection against sun damage.

How to use Vitamin C?

Although Vitamin C can be used at any time of the day, using it in the morning is considered to be the most effective due to its ability to minimise sun damage. It can safely be used every day in the morning as well as at night. After applying, it’s important to give it time to absorb into the skin as immediately applying another product can cause the effects of Vitamin C to deactivate. While applying your skincare products, always start with lower pH and move on to higher. Hence, Vitamin C, being acidic, should be applied in the beginning.

How to choose the right Vitamin C product for you?

While choosing a Vitamin C, it’s best to use a formulation containing a concentration of 10% to 20% Vitamin C. Using a concentration lower could be ineffective and a higher concentration of Vitamin C could potentially cause irritation. You can pick a Vitamin C in combination with other ingredients to tackle specific skin concerns, for eg. You can choose a combination of Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid for an enhanced action and protection provided by Ferulic Acid, while enjoying the many benefits of Vitamin C for skin or you could look for a formulation of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid or Vitamin E to prevent dryness and hydrate the skin. You can also choose a Vitamin C based on the type of formulation. Here’s some of the formulations available in the market for you to choose from-

• Serums- Serums are the most common and easiest way to include Vitamin C in your routine. Although they can generally be used in both day and night routines, it is especially beneficial to be used in your morning skincare routine. Find out more about Vitamin C serums in your skincare routine here.

• Moisturisers- Moisturisers are yet another great way to add Vitamin C to your routine. You can choose a moisturiser that’s formulates with other ingredients to treat specific skin problems.

• Masks- You can opt for a face mask containing Vitamin C to enjoy the benefits of Vitamin C on skin and provide your skin with an instant dose of brightness. Make sure to follow instructions and patch test before using.

• Eye cream- While many may be skeptical to use an eye cream containing Vitamin C because of the common misconception that it will sting, Vitamin C can safely be used in an eye cream to provide brightness to your under eyes. It’s important to choose a good eye cream with other hydrating ingredients to prevent signs of aging and dark under eyes. Be careful to patch test prior to using them to avoid any irritation.

What can Vitamin C be used with?

• Ferulic Acid- Using Vitamin C with Ferulic acid, which as antioxidant, increases the stability of Vitamin C. Moreover, it also boosts the action of Vitamin C and increases its photoprotection properties, making it the perfect ingredient to be paired with Vitamin C.

• Peptides– Peptides and Vitamin C work well together. The combination may help repair the skin, soothe damage and promote barrier repair.

• Hyaluronic Acid- Hyaluronic Acid is a stable ingredient that works well with most other ingredients, including Vitamin C. Hyaluronic Acid helps in keeping the skin hydrated and Vitamin C treats pigmentation and provides protection from sun damage.
• Vitamin E- Similar to Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E helps stabilize Vitamin C in a combination.

What to avoid with Vitamin C?

• AHAs/BHAs- AHAs, BHAs and Vitamin C are all acidic ingredients. Using them together increases the chance of irritation which is why it’s best to avoid using them in the same routine.

• Retinol- Vitamin C and Retinol don’t go well together. They have a similar course of action and using them together creates a risk of irritation as well.

• Benzoyl Peroxide- Using Vitamin C and Benzoyl Peroxide together causes their actions to cancel out, deactivating the effect of both the ingredients. So it’s best to avoid using the two together.
• Niacinamide- The effect of Vitamin C and Niacinamide together has been debated a lot. While many argue that using the two together can be effective, it’s suggested that using Niacinamide and Vitamin C together can reduce the efficacy of both the ingredients and may even cause irritation. Although it’s vastly dependent on the type and concentration of Vitamin C and Niacinamide used, why take the chance of irritation.

Who can use Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is well tolerated by most skin types. It can be used by anyone looking for plump, hydrated skin. People with dry skin should stick to lower concentration to avoid irritation whereas other skin types can venture out and find a percentage that works. Vitamin C can also be used to tackle specific concerns such as dullness and hyperpigmentation. Side Effects of Vitamin C Some of the common side effects associated with Vitamin C are itchiness, redness, tingling sensation and skin irritation. Deconstruct’s range of Vitamin C products Deconstruct Vitamin C serum with 10% Vitamin C + 0.5% Ferulic Acid is a potent serum with a combination with 10% Vitamin C and 0.5% Ferulic acid that provides anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and a brightening effect with consistent usage. Deconstruct Brightening Moisturiser with 5% Niacinamide + 1% Kojic Acid is a one-of-a-kind moisturiser that combines three brightening ingredients in one formula. With a combination of 5% Niacinamide, 1% Kojic Acid and 5% Vitamin C, this power packed formula provides intense brightening.

Conclusion

Due to the multitude of benefits of Vitamin C on skin, it is an all-round ingredient which can be used by all skin types. Packed with antioxidant properties and a brightening action, including Vitamin C in your routine can help you tackle multiple skin concerns such as pigmentation, acne and dullness.

FAQs

• Can Vitamin C be used every day?

Yes, Vitamin C can be used every day, at night or in the morning as well.

• Is Vitamin C good for acne?

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant properties which can help soothe acne.

• How long does Vitamin C take to show results?

You may start seeing results within just 4 weeks of usage, but significant changes may take up to 12 weeks to show.

• Can Vitamin C and Niacinamide be used together?

No, it’s advisable to not use Vitamin C and Niacinamide together. Using them together may cause irritation and affect the efficacy of both the ingredients.