Can Vitamin C treat acne?

Usually, no. This is a superpower most forms of Vitamin C do NOT have.

The exception? Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. If you have acne-prone skin, this is the kind of Vitamin C you want in your stash.

You can find it in Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum. Here’s what sets it apart from other Vitamin C serums out there.

Key Ingredients In Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C)

L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA) is the pure form of Vitamin C. Study after study has proven its anti-aging properties:

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum uses Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP), a derivative of Vitamin C that’s less studied than L-Ascorbic Acid.

Studies show SAP does convert to L-Ascorbic Acid in the skin, but we still don’t know how it compares to LAA. It’s probably a little less effective at fighting wrinkles.

So why should you use SAP instead of LAA? Three reasons:

• Longer shelf life: LAA is famous for being unstable. It goes bad when exposed to light, heat and air. Even when you buy a freshly-made LAA serum that’s properly preserved to prolong its shelf-life, it usually lasts only a few short weeks. SAP is way stabler and lasts you for many months.
• Less irritation: High concentrations of LAA can irritate skin, especially if it’s sensitive. SAP is way gentler. All skin types can tolerate it.
• Acne-fighter: Unlike SAP, LAA can’t fight acne. Studies show SAP reduces sebum oxidation (a main cause of acne and inflammation) by up to 40%! It’s also more effective than 5% benzoyl peroxide and 0.1% differin.

If you have acne, sensitive skin or are simply tired of wasting a small fortune on vitamin C serums that go bad after a month, switching to Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate makes sense.

P.S. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum uses 10% Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate. That’s a higher dose than you’ll find in most serums.

Related: Is Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate The Best Vitamin C Derivative?

Vitamin E & Ferulic Acid

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant on its own. It works even better when paired with vitamin E and ferulic acid. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum contains both. Phew!

Studies show these three antioxidants boost one another’s effectiveness and increase the sun protection your sunscreen gives you. That’s why I layer underneath it every morning.

P.S. Ferulic acid is an antioxidant on steroids. It fights THREE types of free radicals! (Most antioxidants only destroy one).

Related: Is Ferulic Acid The Most Powerful Antioxidant Of Them All?

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant on steroids. Hume… what?

Humectant is a fancy way of describing ingredients that can draw water from the air into your skin and bind it there. Hyaluronic Acid is the best at this: it holds up to 1000 times its weight in water!

All that moisture has a plumping effect on the skin that reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It makes it softer to the touch and gives it a translucent glow, too.

P.S. Hyaluronic Acid ain’t the only humectant in Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum. This baby has glycerin, too.

Related: What The Heck Are Humectants And Why Should You Use Them?

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use And Opinion

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum has a lightweight, runny texture that sinks quickly into the skin and dries to a matte finish without leaving a greasy residue behind.

I apply it straight after cleansing and slather on sunscreen on top (I don’t use moisturizer in the mornings). It layers well under most sunscreens I’ve tried. No pilling or anything like that.

I find the serum fairly hydrating. The addition of Hyaluronic Acid and glycerin gives my skin an extra boost of moisture that helps to keep it hydrated all day long. If your skin’s drier than mine, you may need a moisturizer to keep an optimal moisture level as you go through your day.

I don’t have acne so I can’t vouch for how well it works. Still, the science is solid here so I’m confident it will make a difference.

What I can vouch for is the brightening effect. The serum gives my skin a lovely glow. It also helps me keep wrinkles at bay thanks to the infusion of antioxidants.

If you’re looking for an alternative to LAA, Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is definitely worth checking out.

P.S. This serum has a light floral scent that fades away quickly. That’s the natural smell of the ingredients. Mad Hippie didn’t add any scent to it.

Available at: $33.99 at Free People, iHerb, Ulta and Walmart

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Have you tried Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ingredients: Water Deionized, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Alkyl Benzoate, Vegetable Glycerin, Water, Glycerin, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Clary Sage (Salvia Sclarea), Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis), Hyaluronic acid, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf, Vitamin E (Tocotrienol), Ferulic acid, Chamomile Flower Extract (Recutita Matricaria), Sodium Phytate, Xanthum Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose 

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Stop the press! I’ve finally found a dupe for Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream – and it’s less than half the price!

The catch? Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream is NOT suitable for everyone. Some skin types will like it more than others. Are you one of the lucky few? Read on:

Peptides

Both Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream contain the same peptides (A LOT of them):

• sh-Oligopeptide-1: a.k.a. Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), it sends signals to molecules to stimulate cell growth and healing. It’s safe for 99% of people, but if you have skin cancer avoid. You want EGF to produce new healthy cells, not new cancer cells.
• sh-Oligopeptide-2: a.k.a. Insulin-like growth factor 1, it belongs to the same Growth Factors family as sh-Oligopeptide-1. It does the same thing: stimulates cell growth and wound healing. Studies show they work even better when used together. Again, this is safe for everyone NOT affected by skin cancer.
• sh-Polypeptide-1: a.k.a. Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor, it stimulates the growth of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. In other words, it helps your skin makes more collagen. Like other EGFs, it’s safe unless you apply it directly on skin cancer.
• sh-Polypeptide-9: a.k.a. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, it stimulates the formation of blood vessels to supply collagen-making cells with all the nutrients they need. It also helps them heal faster. Use it only on healthy skin.
• sh-Polypeptide-11: a.k.a. Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor, it stimulates the growth of collagen-making cells, skin regeneration and wound healing. Use it on healthy skin only.
• Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14: it strengthens the skin’s protective barrier, boosts collagen and makes skin plumper.
• Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate: a peptide that transports Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14 to collagen-making cells so it can work its magic on them.
• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: part of Matrixyl 3000, it helps strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and soothe sensitive skin.
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1: part of Matrixyl 3000, it helps stimulate the production of collagen and firm skin.

I’m sceptical of peptides. Most of these studies were done in vitro (NOT on real skin) by the manufacturers. Not the most unbiased source!

Having said that, there’s enough independent evidence that copper peptides can keep skin in a constant state of repair and help firm skin. If you want to give those a try, both creams are worth a go.

FYI, Growth Factors do not cause cancer. But like everything else in your body, they can feed it. Dr. John and Dr. George, authors of barefacedtruth.com say it best:

We do not believe that EGF causes cancer. Period. There is much research about how cancers use EGF and other growth factors and their receptors to further their agenda of growth at all costs. But the same can be said of the ability of cancers to beg, borrow, or steal blood, oxygen, nutrients, and everything else they need for growth, often at the dire expense of tissues, organs or the whole organism. In short – that is the very nature of cancer and why it is dangerous – but that is not the nature of EGF. To blame EGF would be like blaming amino acids, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, hormones, etc. (cancers use them all). But you should think of EGF as the stolen object, not the thief. To the extent that cancers may co opt EGF, well then so does healing tissue after a surgery, or skin after damage by the sun.  There is no scientific evidence that EGF applied to skin in any dose causes cancer.  But then you don’t want to apply it to known skin cancers either. That is common sense. Knowing your own skin, and the signs of skin cancer, and promptly presenting to your doctor if you perceive any changes is the reasonable caution there.

Related: Do Copper Peptides Work Better Than Retinoids?

Moisturising Base

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream don’t just use the same peptides. 99% of the moisturising ingredients that make up the bulk of the cream are the same too:

Related: What The Heck Are Humectants And Why Are They In My Skincare Products?

Amino Acids Vs Antioxidants

So far, I’ve focused on what Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream have in common. They’re almost perfect dupes.

I say almost because Drunk Elephant chose to go with amino acids, while Acure is loaded with antioxidants. Let’s start with them.

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream has vitamin C, ferulic acid and turmeric, all antioxidants proven to fight the free radicals that give you wrinkles and dark spots. Granted, there’s only a sprinkle of them here but hey, every little bit helps.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream has every amino acids you can think of. Amino acids do all kinds of things for your skin, from fighting free radicals (histidine), to boosting collagen (proline) and helping skin heal faster (arginine).

Which one is better for anti-aging? Hard to say. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. A better approach is, what is your skincare missing?

If it’s low on amino acids, go with Drunk Elephant. If you could do with more antioxidants, Acure is the better choice.

Related: The Complete Guide To Amino Acids: What They Are, What They Do For Skin And Where To Find Them

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What Else Do You Need To Know?

The other main difference between Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream is their texture.

Drunk Elephant has a lightweight gel texture that sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue behind. It’s suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone.

Acure has a much heavier cream texture. It takes a while to sink in and can feel heavy on some skin types. I’d recommend it only to dry skin.

Which Of The Two Should You Go For?

If you’re looking for a peptide cream, both Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream and Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream will do. But which one is better for YOU? It depends on your skin type and needs:

Go with Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream if:

• You have combination, oily, acne-prone skin
• You need more amino acids in your skincare routine
• You prefer gel textures

Choose Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream if:

• You have dry skin
• You need more antioxidants in your skincare routine
• You prefer cream textures
• You’re on a budget and willing to compromise on texture

Availability

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream ($68.00): available at Cult Beauty, Sephora and SpaceNK

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream ($19.99): available at Acure, iHerb and Target

Is Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream A Dupe For Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream?

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream isn’t an exact dupe for Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream – but it’s close enough. If it’s a peptide cream you want, both will do the trick. But Acure is better for dry skin, while Drunk Elephant is suitable for all skin types.

Have you tried Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream and Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream? Share your pick in the comments below.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Bacillus/Soybean/ Folic Acid Ferment Extract, Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-11, Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14, Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Acetyl Glutamine, Coconut Alkanes, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aspartic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 60, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Isomalt, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenylpropanol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Whipped Night Cream Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Nymphaea Alba Root Extract, sh-Oligopeptide-1, sh-Oligopeptide-2, sh-Polypeptide-1, sh-Polypeptide-9, sh-Polypeptide-11, Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14, Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (Peptide Blend), Ferulic Acid, Ascorbic Glucoside, Coconut Alkanes, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract (Glacial Glycoproteins), Salicylic Acid Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aspartic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Lecithin, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract, Symphytum Officinale Callus Culture Extract

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Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

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Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

“Ouch! This baby stings like hell! But hey, if it can get rid of blackheads, I’ll take it,” I thought as I tried Bioderma Sebium Global Intensive Purifying Care for the first time.

It’s the first treatment that acts both on the causes and consequences of acne. Because zapping pimples once they’ve popped up is all well and good. But keeping them from popping up in the first place is even better.

Here are all the way this treatment helps you get rid of your acne – even before it appears:

Key Ingredients In Bioderma Sebium Global Intensive Purifying Care

Salicylic Acid To Unclog Pores & Get Rid Of Blackheads

Salicylic acid is an exfoliant on steroids. It helps treat acne in three ways:

1. Surface exfoliation: Salicylic acid dissolves the glue that holds skin cells together so they can slough off. Once they’re off your skin, they won’t accidentally fall into your pores and clog them up.
2. Pore exfoliation: Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it easily penetrates the skin’s lipid barrier and gets inside the pores, removing all the gunk that’s clogging them up and giving you blackheads and pimples.
3. Soothing: Salicylic Acid has anti-inflammatory properties that reduces the redness that always comes along with pimples.

If you’re dealing with blackheads, whiteheads or pimples, this is the exfoliant to use.

Related: Why Salicylic Acid Is Key To Spot-Free Skin

Citric Acid To Exfoliate Skin & Prevent Clogged Pores

Citric acid is a member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) family. Yep, the same family as glycolic acid. Citric isn’t as famous because it’s not as powerful.

It does the same job: dissolve the glue that holds skin cells together so they can slough off your face instead than getting into your pores and give you acne. But it’s weak. It peels skin only when you use A TON of it.

Citric Acid is the third ingredient in Bioderma Sebium Global Intensive Purifying Care, so it can do the job.

P.S. This stuff stings! If you have sensitive skin, I don’t recommend it.

Related: BHA VS AHAs: Which One Should YOU Use?

Zinc Gluconate To Soothe Redness

Zinc gluconate is the zinc salt of gluconic acid, an acid made from glucose. Studies show it helps treat acne. It works by reducing inflammation in the skin.

Acne is an inflammatory diseases. The redness that comes along with it a symptom of this inflammation. By adding zinc gluconate to your skincare routine, you may be able to soothe this red beast and help your skin heal faster.

I say “may” because this research only looked into oral supplements. We don’t know yet if Zinc Gluconate does the same thing when applied to the skin, too.

Bakuchiol To Regulate Oil Production

You’ve probably heard about bakuchiol. Rumour has it, it’s a natural alternative to retinol.

I wouldn’t go that far. Bakuchiol doesn’t belong to the same family. But it does a lot of the same things. Like retinol, it fights free radicals, brightens skin and improves its texture.

Bakuchiol isn’t just for antiaging. It’s good for acne, too – and not just because it kills P. Acnes, the bacteria that’s giving you acne and making your life hell.

Bakuchiol reduces the formation of 5-α-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, triggering the overproduction of sebum. Once you get this enzyme under control, oil production will slow down.

Related: 3 Little Known Anti-Acne Ingredients For Clearer Skin

Let’s Put It To The Test: Personal Use & Opinion

Bioderma Sebium Global Intensive Purifying Care has a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture that sinks immediately into the skin, without leaving a greasy residue behind.

I apply it on my t-zone straight after cleansing. Blackheads like to gather on my nose, while my forehead loves nothing better than pump out too much oil and shine brighter than a diamond.

The treatment does a wonderful job at getting rid of blackheads. They pop up real quick if I don’t exfoliate every day, but this baby keeps them at bay. If one rears its ugly head, it’s gone in three days.

I tried applying the treatment all my over my face but boy, does this stuff sting! I have pretty resistant skin that easily tolerates high concentrations of retinol and glycolic acid. But citric acid never fails to make my upper cheeks sting like crazy.

If you can put up with it, it does make your skin tone smoother and brighter. Me? I’m keeping Bioderma Sebium Global Intensive Purifying Care as a t-zone treatment only and sticking to glycolic acid for the rest of my face.

I also noticed my t-zone didn’t get shiny as quickly as it usually does. I get an extra couple hours before the shine overwhelms it again.

If your skin’s prone to acne, Bioderma Sebium Global Intensive Purifying Care can help you keep the pimples and blackheads at bay. If it’s sensitive to boot, treat it as a spot treatment only. That citric acid is strong!

Available at: £15.00 at Escentual and Feel Unique

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Have you tried Bioderma Sebium Global Intensive Purifying Care? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water, C12-13 Alkyl Lactate, Citric Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Hydroxyde, Glycerin, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Zinc Gluconate, Salicylic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Arachidyl Glucoside, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Squalane, Bakuchiol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Xylitol, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Fructooligosaccharides, Mannitol, Propyl Gallate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceide, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Rhamnose, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Fragrance [BI 673]

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Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

How do you deal with eczema-prone skin?

While all your friends are playing around with the newest anti-aging serums, you’re stuck with ugly medicinal creams that don’t always put out the fire in your skin.

Camille Knowles knows it first-hand. An eczema warrior herself, she’s tried everything to treat eczema once and for all. She’s tested both harsh steroid creams and gentler natural herbs, survived on a juice diet for months and even went bathing in the salty waters of the Dead Sea.

It took a lot of trial, error and positive thinking, but in the end Camille managed to crack the eczema code and clear up her skin. Now she’s made it her business (literally!) to help other eczema suffers do the same.

Camille is the author of The Beauty Of Eczema, a self-help book where she shares her HOPE principles to deal with eczema, and The Positive Scribes Journal, a healing journal that makes it a breeze to follow her recommendations.

In this interview, Camille shares her skincare routine and tips to keep eczema under control:

1. When did you become interested in skincare?

Growing up I have always been fascinated by skincare. My mum was a beautician, so I watched her use all her products and she would teach me from a young age how to ‘cleanse’, ‘tone’ and ‘moisturise’. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in skincare and my dream is to have my own range.

2. What’s your skincare routine like?

My skincare routine differs from when my skin is glowing to when I am having a flare up. When my skin is glowing, as always, I cleanse, tone, and moisturise, with all-natural products head to toe. I soak in salt baths and use more naturally scented products. When I am flaring I use treatment creams such as ‘hopes relief rescue cream’, coat my whole body in castor oil as a treatment before laying in the salt bath and opt for more none scented products.

3. If you could only use three skincare products for the rest of your life, what would they be?

1. Hopes relief moisturiser
2. My homemade multi-purpose serum
3. Dead sea bath salts

4. What are your fave skincare brands and why?

1. Weleda , I have been using their products for years, they are beautifully packaged, smell great and are affordable.
2. Hopes relief, not the prettiest of packaging but the products soothe me during the harder skin days.
3. Pacifica, stunning packaging, gorgeous tropical smells, although this is use more on my ‘good skin days.’

5. What are your top 3 skincare tips to take care of your skin?

1. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise, head to toe, morning and night, with a quality natural product.
2. Manage your stress, your skin is a reflection of your mind
3. Eat well, nourish yourself with foods you thrive on. I personally thrive on plant-based foods.

6. What skincare treatments do you regularly have done?

Natural facials, IV drips, massages to ease the stress.

7. What lifestyle habits do you have that keep your skin in top shape?

My H.O.P.E principles. I make sure I get enough beauty sleep, I meditate to foster a positive mind-set, I pamper head to toe with moisturiser daily, I exercise to get my lymphatic system going and to release endorphins and I nourish self with fresh, organic, plant-based food.

8. What’s in your makeup bag?

Thank you, Camille!

Don’t forget to check out Camille’s website, The Beauty Of Eczema, for more tips and tricks on how to care for eczema-prone skin. You can also keep up with her on Instagram, Youtube and Facebook.

Take The Guesswork Out Of Skincare Shopping

Get access to the “Pro Skincare Library” for exclusive skincare routine “cheat sheets” and tricks to help you navigate the beauty aisles jungle like a pro and immediately know what to pick off the shelves to achieve the gorgeous skin of your dreams – even when you’re drowning in an endless sea of skincare products.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription and get access to the skin library.

You know the saying, “an orange a day keeps wrinkles away.”

(What, that was apples and they keep doctors away, you say? Never mind, let’s just ignore that).

Oranges are loaded with vitamin C, an anti-aging superstar that saves skin that’s spent a bit too much time in the sun, gives a tired and dull face a much needed pick-me-up and makes everyone age slowly.

Hint: if it’s not part of your skincare routine, you’re missing out. Here’s why:

What The Heck Is Vitamin C?

It’s a water-soluble vitamin that comes in many forms:

• Ascorbic acid polypeptide
• Ascorbyl glucosamine
• Ascorbyl glucoside
• Ascorbyl palmitate
• Ester-C
• Ethyl ascorbic acid
• L-ascorbic acid (pure form)
• Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
• Sodium ascorbyl palmitate
• Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
• Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate

PRO TIP: if It has “ascorb” somewhere in the name, it’s a form of vitamin C.

Related: Types Of Vitamin C Used In Skincare

How Does Vitamin C Benefit Skin?

How does it not? This guy does everything. Well… almost.

1. Vitamin C Fights Free Radicals

You’ve probably heard of free radicals. They’re molecules that have gone crazy when they’ve lost one of their electrons. To get it back, they attack other molecules.

It’s the start of a chain reaction that damages your collagen and cellular DNA and ends in wrinkles.

Vitamin C is always on the lookout for those nasty free radicals. Once it spots one, it fights it and destroys it. How?

As an antioxidant, vitamin C works in two ways: “it can act both directly, by reaction with aqueous peroxyl radicals, and indirectly, by restoring the antioxidant properties of fat-soluble vitamin E.“

If vitamin C is around, those wrinkles won’t show up anytime soon.

2. Vitamin C Boosts Collagen And Elastin

If your skin were a building, collagen and elastin would be the scaffolding that supports it.

Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm. There’s no sagging on its watch.

Elastin is its BFF. It keeps your skin elastic. If your skin bounces back when you pinch it, you know elastin’s doing its job well.

Problem is, these two are always under attack. As you go carelessly about your day, UV rays, pollution, smoking and all the other usual culprits attack and destroy them.

To make things worse, as it gets older, your skin can’t produce all the collagen and elastin it needs to stay young and firm. Skin starts to sag. Wrinkles appear.

That’s when vitamin C comes in. Vitamin C is essential for collagen and elastin synthesis. When it’s around, it pumps up their production a notch or two, helping your skin stay younger for longer.

3. Vitamin C Fades Dark Spots

Spent a little bit too much time in the sun when you were younger and now your skin is riddled with sun spots?

Or maybe you’re pregnant and, all of a sudden, melasma has made an unwelcome appearance on your face?

Or you’ve popped that zit and now a dark spot has appeared where the damn thing used to be?

Blame melanin. It’s the substance that gives your skin its beautiful colour. When it goes into overdrive, dark spots show up all over the place.

Don’t panic. Vitamin C can fade them all. It speeds up your skin’s natural exfoliating process, helping to replace those darker and more damaged cells with lighter and healthier ones.

Wait! There’s more. Vitamin C also prevents the sun damage that makes your skin produce too much melanin in the first place. Those pesky dark spots won’t come back anytime soon.

4. Vitamin C Brightens Skin

Maybe you don’t have dark spots, yet.

But, your skin’s looking all dull and lackluster. Its natural glow has completely disappeared.

That’s a sign your skin isn’t exfoliating as quickly as it used to. Vitamin C can speed that up.

Exfoliation does wonders for your skin. It fades uneven spots, smoothes out rough patches, and brightens the complexion.

If you want your natural glow back, vitamin C’s your guy.

5. Vitamin C Treats Sun Damage

Vitamin C is very powerful on its own. But, when it meets together with its friends, vitamin E and ferulic acid, it is unstoppable.

A study conducted by Duke University has found that adding ferulic acid “into a topical solution of 15%l-ascorbic acid and 1%alpha-tocopherol improved chemical stability of the vitamins (C+E) and doubled photoprotection to solar-simulated irradiation of skin from 4-fold to approximately 8-fold as measured by both erythema and sunburn cell formation. This combination of pure natural low molecular weight antioxidants provides meaningful synergistic protection against oxidative stress in skin and should be useful for protection against photoaging and skin cancer.”

Translation: vitamin C + vitamin E + ferulic acid boost one another’s effectiveness and the protection your sunscreen gives you.

Vitamin C isn’t just for colds. It fights wrinkles, fades dark spots and makes skin glow.Click to Tweet

Where’s The Catch?

Vitamin C is a pain to formulate with. Both the ph and carrier system must be right or it won’t be able to penetrate your skin. If it can’t get in, it won’t work as well.

The concentration must be right, too. Too little and it won’t do anything for you. Too much and it’ll irritate your skin.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Yep. Nothing’s perfect, you know. So, what’s wrong with it?

• Irritation: if you use it too much, too often, it may irritate your skin (especially, if it’s sensitive)
• Stability: pure vitamin C is very unstable. When exposed to light, air and heat, it loses its effectiveness (its derivates are more stable, but less effective).

WARNING: if vitamin C turns yellow or brown, it means it is starting to lose all its anti-aging goodness.

Related: Can You Still Use Your Vitamin C Serum After It’s Turned Brown?

What Are The Best Products With Vitamin C?

Shop Vitamin C Serums

The Bottom Line

Vitamin C is one of the anti-aging superstars you should include in your skincare routine. It keeps wrinkles away, firms your skin, fades dark spots and even treats sun damage. What more could a girl ask for?

Are you already using vitamin C in your skincare routine? Share your experience in the comments below.

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