Vitamin C: What It Does For Your Skin

It's no secret that Vitamin C is a skincare superstar. This powerhouse ingredient promotes a bright, clear, and firm looking complexion. Here are all the details you need to know about Vitamin C and how to add it to your skincare routine.


What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid, though when added to private label skincare formulas it can come in many different forms with different names (pro tip: we use an extra stable form of vitamin C in our formulas called sodium ascorbyl phosphate). Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant used throughout the body for a number of necessary functions - including those that affect the skin. Rainshadow Lab's Resident Esthetician Antonina tells us: "Vitamin C is an incredibly effective nutrient for your body and an all-around savior for skincare." Did you know that our bodies don't store Vitamin C? That means we can only receive its numerous benefits by ingesting it and/or applying it topically to the skin.


Vitamin C Benefits For Skin

The benefits of Vitamin C for the skin seem to be endless. From the appearance of improved clarity to the feel of firmer skin, all skin types and tones can use a Vitamin C serum.

Here's a closer look at Vitamin C's many skincare benefits:

  • Brighter and even looking skin tone

  • Encourages clearer-looking skin

  • Supports the skin to look and feel renewed and fresh

  • Helps the skin to look and feel more firm and plump


How To Use A Vitamin C Serum

One of the best delivery vehicles for Vitamin C to the skin is a serum. Adding a Vitamin C serum to your skincare routine is simple. Simply apply 1-2 drops of serum to cleansed and toned skin. Use your fingers to spread a thin layer of serum over your face and neck, then wait for the product to absorb before applying your favorite facial oil or moisturizer.


Here are a few things we suggest to look for in a Vitamin C Serum:

  • Pick a serum formulated with hydrating ingredients like botanical hyaluronic acid.

  • Look for a Vitamin C formulation that contains Vitamin E - this will help enhance Vitamin C's antioxidant properties and keep the formula stabilized.

  • Choose a product with a more stable and effective form of vitamin C like sodium ascorbyl phosphate. Though many vitamin C products use ascorbic acid due to the lower cost, they don t offer the same stability and gentle efficacy that formulas with sodium ascorbyl phosphate do.


Add more Vitamin C to your skin care regimen and lifestyle this summer by adding in a topical Vitamin C skincare product. You can opt-out of your thicker creamy cleanser for a gentle Vitamin C face wash or apply a topical serum or cream. And as always, stay consistent with your skincare regimen to see the best results.

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