Here’s how Vitamin C works and how to get the most out of this powerful ingredient.
If you’ve shopped for skin care recently, likely you‘ve noticed a dizzying array of formulations that feature Vitamin C as the star attraction in serums and creams. With good reason. To describe Vitamin C as a daily essential is an understatement. This skin-regenerating powerhouse not only protects skin from sun damage but also fights against wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots, and dull, dry skin.
If you’re thinking “sign me up”, it’s first important to know that not all Vitamin C formulations offer multi-benefits at an effective level. As an ingredient, C has been historically finicky to stabilize. You may have even used a product that changed hue and consistency into something rust-colored and sticky. This happens when Vitamin C oxidizes and loses its potency. There are key ingredients that produce a formulation that is stable and that penetrates skin at the deepest layers.
What is Vitamin C Exactly?
It’s a potent antioxidant proven to neutralize free radicals, for one. A quick refresher course on antioxidants: they prevent or reduce cell damage by fighting off the highly reactive molecules known as free radicals. In other words, they help keep our body and skin cells healthy. Vitamin C’s power isn’t limited to antioxidant protection, however. It also triggers the skin to heal itself through the production of collagen and elastin. There’s more. Vitamin C contains a property that inhibits the skin’s melanin production, the process that causes brown spots and hyperpigmentation. With regular use, it can help prevent dark spots from forming in the first place.
What To Know When Choosing a Vitamin C Serum
Why is one Vitamin C more potent than another? First, look for a formulation with L Ascorbic acid, the most stable form of vitamin C. It’s been consistently proven to penetrate the skin at the deepest levels. And its effectiveness increases with an assist from Ferulic Acid, a plant-based antioxidant. This power duo is found in GM Collins’ Vital C15 Serum – a light, silky formula that contains 15 percent L Ascorbic acid, ferulic acid, and Camu Camu an antioxidant extract derived from plants native to the Amazon rainforests. Rounding out the chemistry are peptides to improve skin tone and texture and to minimize the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles.
When Should I Use My Serum?
Think of your morning routine as the protection phase of your skin care. Since vitamin C serum helps shield your skin from free radicals, we typically recommend (along with dermatologists) that you apply it in the morning followed by a broad-spectrum, mineral-based SPF to prevent damage during the day. Research has shown that UV damage continues for hours after you’ve left the sun, so it’s smart to apply -and reapply- a daily protective barrier for the skin.
Pro Tip: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 30 or higher. But more important than the actual SPF is finding a broad-spectrum sunscreen — one that protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which mostly cause skin aging and wrinkles, and UVB rays that cause burning and skin cancer — that you’ll enjoy wearing. Look for ultra-light fluid formulations like GM Collins’ Urban Protection Veil to apply -and reapply- easily throughout the day for damage control.
Nighttime is the skin’s period of repair and cellular regeneration. You can opt to apply Vitamin C serum at night as well if you’re concerned with uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. However, if you also use a retinol, the combination will be irritating. Make sure that you don’t use Vitamin C within a few hours of using glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or a retinol. We recommend working with your esthetician to create a routine that alternates – rather than layers- acids to avoid burning, stinging or a compromised barrier.
Is There A Facial That Includes Vitamin C?
In a word, yes! GM Collins’ Sea C Spa Treatment is a highly effective treatment facial that harnesses the brightening, lightening, and tightening powers of Vitamin C. Also formulated with 15 percent L Ascorbic, this treatment attacks free radical damage and stimulates collagen synthesis to diminish the look of fine lines. Vitamin C is blended with a Thermal Alluvium mud mask that stimulates the skin’s micro-circulation. You’ll experience total relaxation with results-driven skincare for a radiant complexion. Recommended in a series of four treatments for glowing, revitalized skin and sustained results.
Book your Sea C Spa appointment at spadaspa.com/contact or by calling 239-482-1858.