Why (and How) You Should Incorporate Vitamin C Into Your Skincare Rout

Why (and How) You Should Incorporate Vitamin C Into Your Skincare Routine

by Emily Linehan on November 30, 2023

I recently had a client ask me “Is Vitamin C worth the hype”? While my answer was a resounding, “Yes!”, I was also surprised that she didn’t already know this! So, I want to take a moment to dive into some of the many benefits of Vitamin C, and how you can seamlessly incorporate it into your skincare routine.

Top 3 Benefits of Vitamin C

Prevents Pigmentation from Sun Damage
Think of Vitamin C as your skin's undercover sun ally. While it doesn't replace sunscreen, its daily use fortifies your skin, minimizing the chances of those pesky dark spots and uneven skin tone that arise from sun exposure.

Protects Against Free Radicals
Our skin battles so many external aggressors daily, from pollution to harmful UV rays, that can wreak havoc on our complexion. Thankfully, Vitamin C steps in, absorbing these damaging free radicals and acting like a shield against daily pollutants.

Cellular Level Repair
Vitamin C doesn't just work on the surface; it delves deep. By stimulating our skin's collagen production, it battles fine lines and wrinkles right at their source, rejuvenating from the inside out.

Incorporating Vitamin C The Right Way

Vitamin C can work wonders for your skin, but it needs the right environment and companions to thrive. Here's how to make the most of it:

Pick the Right Product

Not all forms of Vitamin C are created equal. While it is popularly incorporated into various products like moisturizers or creams, serums are my top choice for maximum efficiency when it comes to Vitamin C.

Our gentle but powerful Brilliant-C Serum is a great choice – not only does it contain two highly stable forms of Vitamin C, but we also formulated it with a brightening peptide called Ogliopeptide-68 which is proven to dramatically fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and even melasma. It has even been found to produce results that rival those of Hydroquinone, without adverse effects!

Apply in the Morning

Since vitamin C is unique in its ability to protect against sun damage, oxidative stress, and pollution, it is most effective when used in the daytime. However, it’s important to remember that you should also apply sunscreen daily as Vitamin C alone does not provide UV protection. Also, because studies have shown that vitamin C has a reservoir effect, using it once a day is sufficient as it will benefit the skin for up to 24 hours.

Application Sequence

While most people apply it right after their cleanser or toner, I actually recommend that my clients apply their Brilliant-C Serum after an exfoliating serum containing mandelic and lactic acid as the AHA’s allow the vitamin C to penetrate deeper and work more effectively. Additionally, it is best to allow the serum to absorb for 1-2 minutes before applying the next product in your skincare routine to allow for maximum penetration and efficacy.

Of course, what step you apply your Brilliant-C Serum will vary depending on your routine and unique skin type, so, if you’re an existing client, be sure to take advantage of my free online check-in to see what’s right for you.

Proper Pairing

As mentioned previously, Vitamin C acts as a powerhouse with your sunscreen, and pairing it with an exfoliating acid like an AHA can also allow it to work more effectively. However, one pairing you’ll want to avoid is mixing retinol and vitamin C. Since both are active ingredients it can result in increased irritation and dryness when used together. Instead, I recommend opting for vitamin C in the morning, and then retinol in the evening.

Storage Tips

Vitamin C is naturally unstable and products containing it do become less potent and effective over time. When it comes in contact with oxygen it can begin to oxidize, which can lead to the formula changing to a darker orange or even brown color. At Emme Diane, we use some of the most stable forms of Vitamin C and package them in airless pump bottles to prevent oxidation. However, we still recommend keeping your serum for no longer than one year unopened or 6 months opened to ensure maximum efficacy.

To Brighter Days Ahead…

As we look forward to brighter days ahead, remember that of all the ingredients I've tried with clients over the years, Vitamin C stands out time and time again as a true hero. So, if you’re ready to add this powerful ingredient to your existing routine, let's talk about what’s right for you!

Or, if you’re just getting started on your skincare journey, my free online skincare consultation is a great place to begin. I’ll work with you personally to provide a customized skincare routine, advice, and recommendations to help you reach your skincare goals.

xoxo,
Emme