Everything you need to know about vitamin C in skincare
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VITAMIN C IN SKINCARE
Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, supports the growth, development and repair of tissues throughout the body.
Although this antioxidant is abundant in the skin, the human body cannot produce it naturally. It therefore relies on external sources, including food, dietary supplements and skincare products. Scientific studies report that applying vitamin C topically to the skin is 20 times more effective than obtaining it from vegetables, fruit or vitamin supplements.
HOW VITAMIN C WORKS IN SKINCARE
Vitamin C has long been considered an essential skincare ingredient. It is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens, firms, revitalises and rejuvenates the skin.
Its main benefits include:
- protecting the skin from UV radiation
- evening out skin tone
- supporting collagen production
The disadvantage of ascorbic acid is that it is highly unstable. When exposed to heat, light, air or incompatible substances, it breaks down over time. To prevent oxidation and deactivation, it is combined with other antioxidants and active ingredients that enhance its effects. It works best with vitamin E and ferulic acid. Together, they absorb quickly and easily, visibly reduce signs of ageing, brighten the skin and protect it from free radicals. Vitamin C also combines well with vitamin B and hyaluronic acid. Airtight, opaque packaging helps maintain its effectiveness and protects it from external influences.
Our tip
Anti-wrinkle serum – firming
A highly concentrated dose of intensive active ingredients instantly hydrates and soothes the skin while improving its texture. It smooths wrinkles, including expression lines. The serum leaves skin firm and smooth, with a healthy, youthful appearance.
DIFFERENT FORMS, DIFFERENT EFFECTS
In skincare products, ascorbic acid is used in liposomal form and as derivatives. Liposomal vitamin C is protected by natural fats – liposomes – which increase its absorption up to twentyfold and its availability to cells to more than 90%.
The most commonly used derivatives include:
* Ascorbyl palmitate
lightens the skin, supports collagen production, has anti-inflammatory properties, protects against UVA and UVB radiation and reduces redness. Its disadvantage is poor absorption.
* Ascorbyl glucoside
evens out skin tone and lightens dark spots and uneven pigmentation. It penetrates the deeper layers of the skin.
* Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
has brightening and antioxidant properties and a gentle texture. It is added to face masks, body creams and anti-ageing creams.
* Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
has strong antibacterial properties. It is added to products for acne-prone and problem skin.
* Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
is one of the most effective and most expensive derivatives. It provides exceptional skin protection and effectively slows the visible signs of ageing. It is used in anti-ageing creams, emulsions and masks.
* 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid
is the newest and most effective vitamin C derivative. It penetrates skin cells easily. It has powerful antioxidant properties. It provides protection against photoageing, free radicals and other environmental aggressors. It stops hyperpigmentation. It brightens the skin and evens out its tone. It significantly improves the structure of skin cells and the overall condition of the skin. It reduces visible signs of ageing, including wrinkles and fine lines. It keeps the skin smooth, supple and healthy. It prevents puffiness. It also helps combat inflammatory lesions and acne. It reduces redness and acne scars.
Our tip
Daily facial essence – brightening
A facial concentrate spray rich in stabilised vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid and ectoin to maintain radiant skin. Its unique formula ensures a bright, healthy appearance. It gives the skin natural elasticity and firmness. It protects against UV radiation and oxidative stress and helps reduce inflammation. It stimulates the skin's own collagen production, slowing the ageing process. The effective combination of active ingredients reduces the appearance of dark spots and evens out uneven skin pigmentation.
More information: 12% Vitamin C Concentrate
Skincare products contain different concentrations of vitamin C. These generally range from less than 5% to 30%. Research shows that concentrations between 10% and 20% are the most effective.
Our tip
Anti-wrinkle cream with hyaluronic acid and Q10
This rejuvenating face cream reduces visible signs of ageing, including wrinkles. It is rich in precious oils and other valuable ingredients that renew skin cells. The cream improves skin firmness and elasticity. It provides protection against UV radiation and hyperpigmentation.
More information: Anti-wrinkle face cream
11 REASONS TO GIVE YOUR SKIN VITAMIN C
I. FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND AGE GROUPS
Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. In dermatology and skincare, it is used topically for treatment and prevention. It is suitable for all skin types. Allergic reactions to its use are very rare.
II. HYDRATION
Vitamin C has a moisturising effect. It reduces transepidermal water loss and helps the skin retain moisture more effectively.
III. BRIGHTENING
Vitamin C evens out pigmentation and has a smoothing and exfoliating effect. This leaves the skin more radiant and youthful-looking.
IV. REDUCING REDNESS AND EVENING OUT SKIN TONE
Vitamin C treats a wide range of inflammatory skin conditions. Reducing inflammation and eliminating redness helps create an even skin tone.
V. STOPPING HYPERPIGMENTATION AND LIGHTENING THE SKIN
Vitamin C stops the production of melanin, the skin pigment responsible for dark spots and age spots. It also lightens the skin.
VI. ELIMINATING DARK CIRCLES
Vitamin C smooths, hydrates and lightens the skin under the eyes.
VII. SUPPORTING COLLAGEN PRODUCTION
Vitamin C increases collagen production. A lack of it causes premature skin ageing.
VIII. STRENGTHENING THE SKIN
Vitamin C improves elasticity and firmness – as collagen levels fall, the skin begins to sag.
IX. PROTECTION AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS
Vitamin C neutralises free radicals, which are primarily generated by exposure to UV radiation. This keeps the skin healthy and stops visible signs of ageing.
X. HELPING WOUNDS AND BURNS HEAL
Vitamin C speeds up the healing process. It reduces redness.
XI. STOPPING INFLAMMATION AND SUPPORTING REGENERATION
Vitamin C fights inflammation and infections. It speeds up skin cell renewal.
Our tip
Daily energising serum – instant effect
Highly concentrated active ingredients provide targeted care for tired, stressed skin that needs extra attention. They instantly give it the energy and protection it needs. The serum immediately firms and hydrates the skin and reduces signs of fatigue.
WHEN AND HOW TO USE VITAMIN C IN YOUR DAILY SKINCARE ROUTINE
Vitamin C skincare products are suitable for use twice a day, morning and evening. During the day, vitamin C protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. At night, it nourishes, regenerates and renews it. Follow the product recommendations when applying it. Always apply the product to cleansed skin. If you choose a serum, remember to shake it before use. Complete your skincare routine with other recommended products to enhance the effects of the active ingredients. When choosing products, pay attention to their quality and check the expiry date. If the product has darkened or changed colour, the vitamin C has probably oxidised.