First Things First WHAT IS VITAMIN C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant that is needed by the body for the growth and repair of body and skin tissue.
Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar tells us: “Vitamin C is an incredibly effective nutrient for your body and an all-around saviour for skin care. It’s been found to help prevent UV damage, reduce pigmentation, reduce inflammation and boost collagen production in skin.” We cannot produce Vitamin C and our bodies don’t store it; therefore, we can only receive its benefits by ingesting it (think chewable vitamins and freshly-squeezed orange juice) or by applying it topically (cue Vitamin C in your favourite skin care serums and moisturizers).
Vitamin C can be found in these popular sources:
- Citrus fruits such as lemon, orange and grapefruit
- Leafy greens such as kale, broccoli and spinach
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Rosehip oil
- Seabuckthorn oil
How Does Vitamin C Benefit the Skin?
It is one of the most popular ingredients in skin care due to it almost endless benefits to the skin. Vitamin C not only repairs damage to our skin from environmental stressors such as; UV, pollution, toxins... it also helps to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. During the day it offers additional protection for our skin and at night it helps to increase our bodies rejuvenation processes, reducing the damage caused by those environmental stressors we have been exposed to.
Vitamin C -
- Fights Free Radicals - neutralises free radicals and minimises the visible signs of free radical damage
- Supports Skins Moisture Barrier - increases the production of natural skin barrier oils/lipids and protects the skin from trans epidermal water loss
- Minimises Fine Lines and Wrinkles - reduces the free radical damage to collagen and elastin fibres which helps your skin to appear firmer and more supple
- Brightens Skin - reduces melanin production, evens out skin tone and minimises dark spots
- Boosts Skin Cell Renewal - removes dead, dull skin cells and stimulates the production of new skin cells speeding up the skins natural turnover process
- Increases Collagen Production - stimulates fibroblasts the cells that produce collagen and strengthens existing collagen
How To Use Vitamin C
Natalie tells us: “Vitamin C is essential in everyone’s routine. Your body doesn’t make this vitamin, so the only way to obtain its benefits is to apply it topically.” One of the best delivery vehicles for Vitamin C to the skin is a serum. Here’s how to use a Vitamin C serum in your skin care routine.
Perform A Patch Test
If you have sensitive skin, we recommend performing a patch test before adding a new ingredient to your skin care routine. Follow these steps with a professional skincare therapist at your favourite Eminence Organics Salon/Spa Partner:
- Select a small area of skin that can be easily concealed (like your forearm or behind your ear).
- Apply a small amount of product and wait 24 hours.
- If no side effects occur, apply to your face. Discontinue use if you experience any discomfort such as a rash, redness or irritation.
It is very simple to incorporate Vitamin C into your normal daily routine. Citrus Exfoliating Wash and Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum can both be used daily, Eminence's serum can be used in the morning and also at night for additional protection. Dispense 1-3 drops of serum into your hand and gently massage into your face and neck, it should absorb into the skin quite quickly, once fully absorbed apply your facial oil, moisturiser or SPF product over the top. To further enhance the benefits of Vitamin C you can also add Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque into your weekly routine. Face maques are highly concentrated with active ingredients and are best applied 2-3 per week for maximum benefits and results.
What Should You Look for With a Vitamin C Serum?
When choosing an effective Vitamin C Serum look for :
- L-ascorbic Acid as this is the potent and effective form of Vitamin C in skin care
- Use a concentration of 10-20%. Less than 10% may not be potent enough and above 20% can be too potent for most skins
- Additional ingredients can enhance the benefits of Vitamin C such as Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid
Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum -
Eminence Organics Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum is a lightweight serum formulated with Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid which enhance its antioxidant benefits and potency. Eminence's serum contains three types of Vitamin C, firstly there is L-ascorbic Acid, a potent form of the antioxidant. Secondly you'll find naturally sourced Vitamin C from citrus fruits and leafy greens and finally the serum contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which is also known as Vitamin C salt, a highly stable and effective form of Vitamin C.
Eminence Pro Tip: Enhance your routine with the Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil and Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque. The hydrating qualities of these complementary products add essential moisture and encourage the skin to absorb more Vitamin C over time, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the serum.
21/05/21 content inspired by Eminence Organic Skincare, quotes provided by Natalie Pergar.
