Vitamin C Products – Love Them or Lose them?
If you’re looking for another product to add to your skincare arsenal to help your skin look its best, Vitamin C may be your solution! This topical product is a favorite of dermatologists because it’s backed by clinical studies that show regular use of Vitamin C may help slow the signs of aging, improve skin’s appearance, and also prevent sun damage. Not only is it a great non-surgical option for boosting your skin’s appearance, Vitamin C is also widely accessible and can be used at home. It almost sounds too good to be true, so is it?
How Does it Work?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning that it fights harmful free radicals, or toxins, that we come in contact with, regardless if you know it or not. Toxins include air pollution, reactions to the food we eat, alcohol, normal body processes, and more. These toxins can damage the skin, creating wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots, which is something we all want to avoid. Using Vitamin C helps to combat these free radicals and protect the skin against toxins, not only improving the skin’s overall appearance but helping to keep the skin’s appearance from looking less optimal.
What Products are Available?
Just like any skincare product on the market, not all are made equal. When choosing the right Vitamin C product for your skin, it’s even important to pay attention to the packaging! Vitamin C products should be packaged in glass bottles and the thicker the glass, the better! The thick glass protects your product from light, which can oxidize the Vitamin C and decrease its efficacy. There are also different products for different skin types. As a general rule, if you have sensitive skin, you want to look for products with a lower percentage of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is acidic and can therefore irritate sensitive or acne prone skin. Combination products are also a good option for sensitive or acne prone skin because the other ingredients typically help combat irritation. A great product for sensitive skin or for someone who has just had a procedure done, is the Phyto Multi-Correction Serum which combines Vitamin C with a potent blend of antioxidants that help reduce irritation. A great product for more mature, dry skin is the Brightening Vitamin C Serum, which is a high-potency, clear lightweight Vitamin C-enriched serum. The CE + GTP Serum is a great option for all skin types, as it is designed to improve the look of wrinkles, brighten skin’s complexion and strengthen the microbiome.
How Do I Use It?
It’s simple, just add your Vitamin C-based product to your normal skincare routine. Most product instructions include applying the product to your face and neck. At first use, you may experience a mild tingling sensation, but this should go away with time. (If not, make sure to discontinue use and consult your dermatologist!) It could take a couple months of continued use for you to see improvements, too. It is also important to note that the use of Vitamin C does not replace using sunscreen, so make sure to continue to protect your skin while out in the sun!
While Vitamin C products can help to keep our skin looking fresh and healthy, it’s important to first discuss any new skin treatment with your dermatologist. Vitamin C is not recommended for children and may not be a great option for certain skin types or for people who are currently undergoing other skincare treatments. But that’s what our board certified dermatologists are here for – to help you enjoy the skin you’re in!
Please reach out today to schedule an appointment to discuss Vitamin C products, or any other products you might be considering, to help you achieve brighter, tighter and more youthful skin!
