Vitamin C is one of the most effective ingredients in cosmetics; however, not all are the same. Are you aware of its properties? Do you know just what it can do for your skin? Answer to all your questions and find out all about this super ingredient!

Most experts agree that vitamin C is one of the most effective ingredients in the cosmetics industry. However, we're well aware that you’ll probably have questions about just how it works, which is why we have met up with an expert to find out all about its properties, when you should use it and why it is one of the most recommended active ingredients.

Read right up to the end, as we have a few recommendations for you about our favourite products containing vitamin C on the market.

What is vitamin C and what are its properties?

We have spoken to Elena Aparicio, Head of Science and Training at SkinCeuticals, and she has helped to answer all our questions. Elena asserts that it is important that we understand that vitamin C mainly offers a powerful anti-oxidant effect. It also boosts anti-inflammatory and healing properties, promoting the creation of new collagen in the skin, which helps to improve elasticity and firmness. What’s more, it has a depigmenting effect helping to clarify the skin and offer it luminosity. All these effects make vitamin C our anti-oxidant of choice in the prevention and treatment of ageing.

We have asked our expert about how this vitamin works in the prevention and correction of blemishes: “Applying a product that contains pure vitamin C, when formulated correctly, reduces the appearance of existing blemishes. As it inhibits tyrosinase (an enzyme involved in the formation of melanin), it reduces pigmentation and unifies the tone of your skin.”

How and when should vitamin C be used?

When should we use it? Ideally, you should apply 4–5 drops every morning onto clean skin, after your moisturizing or anti-ageing treatment. One question that often crops up is whether vitamin C should be used in summer, and the answer is: Yes! SkinCeuticals is a reference brand when it comes to anti-oxidants and they guarantee that the use of vitamin C before being exposed to the sun is safe, as its products are stable and formulated meaning that they are appropriate for use.

When it comes to formulating vitamin C, Elena asserts that for it to be effective, the following is necessary:

- it must be in the form of pure L-ascorbic acid

- The formula must contain ideal concentrations of L-ascorbic acid, between 10 and 20%

- The pH of the formula must be between 2 and 3.5

Our favourite products with vitamin C

All SkinCeuticals serums that contain vitamin C satisfy these requirements and are our favourite on the market:

Try Medix 5.5 Vitamin C + Turmeric Firming + Brightening Cream 444ml, the brand’s star anti-oxidant. This powerful anti-oxidising serum that helps to protect the skin against premature skin ageing by neutralising free radials and visibly reducing the signs of age. It contains 15% vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid) and 1% Ferulic acid. It is applied each morning after washing your face and before any moisturising or anti-ageing treatment. It is perfect for dry or normal skin types.

If your skin is mixed/oily, try Cosrx Vitamin C 23 Serum, another of the brand’s renowned anti-oxidants that treats wrinkles and corrects blemishes. It contains 2% Phloretin, 10% Vitamin C and 0.5% Ferulic acid. It is applied each morning after washing your face and before any moisturising or anti-ageing treatment.

Furthermore, if you are considering any of the aesthetic procedure, such as laser treatment, it is worth bearing in mind that Cosrx Vitamin C 23 Serum helps to reduce redness, puffiness and the recovery time of skin. It also extends the duration of results and guarantees long-term protection for your skin. Don’t take our word for it, this has been demonstrated by a scientific study on the synergic action of laser treatments and Cosrx Vitamin C 23 Serum by incorporating CE Ferulic into laser protocols, SkinCeuticals sets the bases for post-laser skin care.

What are you waiting for to try one out yourself?