Author: Tracey McAlpine Category: Beauty Product Reviews, Beauty, Pro-Ageing, Skincare
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We look at the potent antioxidant and review products we’ve tried and tested this year

Are you getting enough antioxidants?  We know how beneficial they are to our bodies, but have you considered using them for your skin?  One of the most effective antioxidants is Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is a powerful agent to prevent oxidisation caused by free radicals.  As Nikki says in our video, imagine cutting an apple in half, painting a Vitamin C product on one half and see what happens in 30 minutes.  The protected side will remain the same while the other half will be showing clear signs of oxidisation.  A Vitamin C product will act in a similar manner protecting the skin by neutralising the free radical before it has the chance to damage the skin.

Environmental pollution is harming our skin daily.  Combine this with photo ageing and the depletion of collagen and elastin, skin looks dull and lifeless.  Including a good Vitamin C product into your routine can quickly brighten the complexion, visibly improve skin tone, stimulate collagen production, and help protect from future sun damage.

Vitamin C what to look for

Look for Ascorbic Acid and L-Ascorbic Acid on the ingredient list as these have been the most widely researched for their efficacy.  You may also find Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Glucosamine, and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate listed.

Keeping Vitamin C stable

One of the major problems manufacturers have incorporating Vitamin C into skincare, is due to its active nature – it isn’t stable.  Brands are coming up with more imaginative ways of encapsulating Vitamin C and stabilising it.  Beauty Pie for example has launched a Vitamin C serum in a twist-to-open biodegradable shell, which keeps it safe from air, sun and water.  The Ordinary has a 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder that you mix with your regular skincare, and Lixir, a Vitamin C paste that is applied as a mask and then rinsed off.

When to use Vitamin C products

You can use Vitamin C during the day or at night after cleansing, spritz face first for better absorption.  Remember to use an SPF product during the day to protect the skin from sun damage.

When not to use Vitamin C products

Avoid using Niacinamide (Vitamin B) at the same time at Vitamin C. 

Can I use a retinol product at the same time as a Vitamin C product?

Vitamin C works well in conjunction with Retinol products, we would recommend using Vitamin C in the morning and a Retinol product in the evening.  Always remembering to use a high SPF product during the day.

5 Vitamin C products we have tested

This is not by any means and exhaustive list of Vitamin C products.  We have tested many over the past few years which have also worked equally well as those mentioned below.  These are the latest products that we have tested during the first half of 2018.

Watch our video about these products

 

 

Lixir Vitamin C Paste

A quick morning mask that protects and corrects in one go.  Harnessing 10% L Ascorbic Acid, the paste is designed to be washed from the face after use.  Using water to become active, the Vitamin C Paste reaches the cells to do its job but doesn’t need to remain on the skin during the day.  Expect skin to look brighter, more vibrant and smoother and even toned.

Lixir Vitamin C Paste 50ml £32.00 available from Lixirskin

Beauty Pie Superactive Pure Double Vitamin C and Vitamin E Serum Capsules

A super-targeted one-shot facial serum in twist-off capsules.  High dose stable actives to pep-up skin with a double dose of pure Vitamin C and boosted with Vitamin E acetate for moisture and antioxidation.  Expect skin to feel firmer, smoother and with softer lines and wrinkles.

Beauty Pie Superactive Pure Double Vitamin C and Vitamin E Serum 60 x 0.3ml Regular price £50.00 Members price £9.23 available from Beauty Pie

Alpha-H Vitamin C with Grapeseed

A light gentle resurfacing and regulating serum that’s even suitable for sensitive skin.  Combining botanicals with hyaluronic acid, this antioxidant helps stimulate collagen while reducing pigmentation and refining pores.  Expect brighter, plump, firm and vibrant skin when used over a period of time.

Alpha-H Vitamin C with Grapeseed 25ml £39.00 available from Cult Beauty

The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder

This very fine L-Ascorbic Acid powder has been formulated to mix with other skincare products (except those containing Niacinamide and EUK 134). This powder offers the most direct concentration of topical Vitamin C.  Expect a strong tingling sensation during the first 1-2 weeks of use.  Apply alternate days until the skin is used to the formulation.  Simply mix a small amount of powder in the palm of your hand with other treatments either in the morning or night time.

The Ordinary 100% L-Ascorbic Acid Powder 20g £4.90 available from Deciem

Eviternity Age Defence Vitamin C Super Serum

This super serum is packed with 20% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a stable and water-soluble form of Vitamin C.  Combined with Hyaluronic Acid, Kakadu Plum and eleven other natural ingredients this serum offers excellent value for money.  Expect this product to work as well as some of the more expensive products on the market.

Eviternity Age Defence Vitamin C Super Serum 30ml currently unavailable – we will update as soon as it’s back in stock