Vitamin C might be the most widely known and popular ingredient in skincare. This hero ingredient has tons of features that are very important to our skin, but not only that. It takes part in many biochemical processes taking place in our body.
Benefits of topical vitamin C
Vitamin C owes its fame and broad application to its beneficial effects on the skin:
strong antioxidant properties
seals blood vessels
reduces redness
participates in the synthesis of collagen - strengthens and firms the epidermis, and reduces fine lines
inhibits the overproduction of melanin, which prevents discoloration and brightens the existing ones,
has anti-inflammatory properties and accelerates healing - therefore it is recommended for problematic skin, e.g. acne
an armor against pollution and other free radicals
moderately exfoliates
Forms of vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant coming in many forms: Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, Calcium Ascorbate, and Ascorbyl Palmitate. Kutemwa Skin offers a multi-tasking serum containing Sodium ascorbyl phosphate - gentler and more stable than its counterparts, therefore it’s suitable for all skin types as it’s less likely to cause irritation.
How do I use vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C can be applied both morning and evening. However, it is mostly recommended for AM routine as we often use other actives at night.
Cleanse - you don’t want the serum to mix with any impurities. Use a gentle cleanser and wash excess sebum and dirt off.
Use a hydrating toner to balance the skin’s PH.
Using your fingers, apply vitamin C serum by gently pressing it to your face, neck, and chest.
Apply moisturiser to form an occlusive barrier.
Don’t forget your sunscreen - when layered underneath sun cream with a minimum of SPF30, vitamin C protects the skin even further.
Top tip: Avoid using along benzoyl peroxide as it will oxidise vitamin C quickly, making it useless.