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

Vitamin C has been the talk of the town for quite some time — and for good reason. You may not know just how much of a powerhouse it is, especially for your skin.

Whether you’re Vitamin C obsessed or just toying with adding it to your routine, here’s 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 — including your skin. Our bodies cannot produce Vitamin C independently, so we have to get it from outside sources like food and skincare products. This powerful antioxidant neutralizes free radicals, which are responsible for decreasing collagen and causing fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and loose skin.

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C?

• When applied topically, its acidic nature triggers your skin to heal by promoting collagen production and increasing elasticity — keeping skin firm, plump, and reducing signs of aging. It works especially well on areas prone to aging like the neck and chest.
• It’s a brightening agent that fades brown spots without changing your normal skin pigmentation, and can inhibit melanin production to prevent future discoloration.
• It fights environmental stressors like pollutants, UV light, and free radicals thanks to its antioxidant capabilities — protecting your skin’s youthful appearance.

What Are the Side Effects of Vitamin C?

Vitamin C can cause skin irritation, especially due to its acidic nature. It’s important to choose the correct type for your skin type and discontinue use if you experience burning, irritation, or redness.

For sensitive skin, we recommend slowly introducing Vitamin C into your routine — just as you would with a retinoid — and working toward once-daily use to minimize the chance of irritation.

How to 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 protects your skin from environmental stressors throughout the day. It’s also beneficial year-round because of its many properties.

Choose a Vitamin C product that fits your skin type:

• Oily skin: Try our Clear Skin Clarifying Creme — it delivers Vitamin C without over-drying or over-moisturizing.
• Dry skin: Our Power Bright Mega-C Creme and Recharge Vita-C & Peptide Toning Mist deliver moisture alongside Vitamin C for a hydrating boost.

Not sure of your skin type? Take our Advanced Regimen Builder to find your personalized routine.

Things to Keep in Mind

Vitamin C products can oxidize when exposed to too much light, heat, or air. You can tell it has oxidized when it turns from a clear or pale yellow/orange to a dark yellow/orange. Oxidized Vitamin C is still safe but won’t be as effective.

Vitamin C does not treat active acne, but it can address the side effects of acne like hyperpigmentation and redness.

Always pair Vitamin C with sunscreen to optimize protection. Think of sunscreen as your main line of defense and Vitamin C as your second layer of security. Our Complete Defense SPF 40 pairs perfectly with any Vitamin C product in your routine.