Everything You Need to Know About Adding Vitamin C To Your Skincare

Vitamin C is a super ingredient packed with benefits! This guide will tell you everything you need to know about adding it to your skincare routine.

Vitamin C has been the talk of the town for quite some time, especially with April 4th being National Vitamin C Day. You may not know how much of a powerhouse Vitamin C is, especially for your skin.

There’s a reason why the ingredient is in so many of our products and plays a significant role in our Skin Type 6 and Skin Type 1 Skincare Collections (not sure of your skin type, take our Skin ID Quiz).

So whether you are vitamin C obsessed like us or toying with adding it to your routine, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about this legendary ingredient.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a nutrient your body needs for healthy tissue growth and repair for the entire body (that means our skin too). Our body cannot produce vitamin C independently, so we have to get it from an outside source, like our food and skincare products. This powerful antioxidant is vital for your body to neutralize free radicals, which are responsible for causing a decrease in our skin's collagen and blemishes like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and loose skin.

What are the many benefits of Vitamin C?

Vitamin C has an impressive resume:

When applied topically, its acidic nature triggers your skin to heal by promoting collagen production and increasing elasticity. This keeps your skin firm and plump and reduces the signs of aging. It works well in treating areas prone to showing aging, especially for the areas that can get overlooked, like your neck and chest.
It is a brightening agent that works hard to fade brown spots without changing your normal skin pigmentation. It also can inhibit melanin production, which can stop future skin discoloration.
It fights against environmental stressors like pollutants, UV light, and free radicals because of its antioxidant capabilities. This helps protect your skin and its youthful appearance.

What are the side effects of Vitamin C?

Nothing in life is perfect, but vitamin C comes pretty close. One of the issues vitamin C may cause is skin irritation, especially from its acidic nature. Like with all products, it is essential to pick the correct type of vitamin C for your skin type and discontinue and speak to a professional if you experience burning, irritation, or redness.

Vitamin C can cause more irritation for those with sensitive skin. We recommend that anyone starting with vitamin C slowly add it to their routine as you would with a retinoid and work towards a total dosage once daily. This will decrease the chance of skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.

How can you add Vitamin C to your skincare routine?

You can use vitamin C morning or night, but we suggest adding it to your morning routine since it can protect your skin from environmental stressors throughout the day. It’s also a beneficial product for use every season because of its many masterful properties.

Additionally, you want to ensure that you use a vitamin C product that fits your skin type.

If you have oily skin, you’ll want to use a product that won’t over-dry or over-moisturize your skin. Our personal favorite is our Clear Skin Clarifying Creme.

If you have dry skin, you’ll want a product that delivers moisture with vitamin C. Our jam-packed Revitalize 7-in-1 Power Serum, Power Bright Mega-C Creme, and Recharge Vita-C & Peptide Toning Mist, are other great ways to add vitamin C into your routine.

Could you let me know your skin type? Discover it here!

Things to Keep In Mind

Vitamin C can be a bit high maintenance (but everything worthwhile is 😉). Because of its properties, products with vitamin C can oxidize when exposed to too much light, heat, or air. You can tell vitamin C has corrupted when it is no longer a clear or pale yellow/orange color and instead has turned to a dark yellow/orange color. If your vitamin C has oxidized, it is still safe but won’t be as effective.

Although vitamin C is a miracle ingredient, it does not help treat acne. It can, however, treat the side effects of acne, like hyperpigmentation and redness.

Lastly, you want to ensure you use sunscreen with your vitamin C to optimize protection. Think of your sunscreen as your main line of defense and your vitamin C as your second layer of security from environmental stressors like UV rays. Need a sunscreen that will pair well with your vitamin C product? Try our Complete Defense SPF 40.