Vitamin C is well known as an antioxidant that supports the immune system and is an important nutrient for us to consume in our diets. You probably already know it can be beneficial to our immune systems when taken as a supplement, but did you also know that Vitamin C is a beneficial component of anti-aging skincare products?
In fact, it is one of the top 3 non-toxic and safer ingredients to look for in anti-aging products. The other two? Bakuchiol (read more about this retinol alternative here) and hyaluronic acid/sodium hyaluronate.
Vitamin C Benefits in Anti-Aging Skincare
As a skincare ingredient, vitamin C supports the synthesis of collagen, increases elastin production, decreases free radical damage, decreases skin wrinkling, reduces UV ray damage (which is a type of oxidative damage), and reduces the appearance of dark spots via its gentle lightening effect on the skin. This study showed that it can correct structural changes in the skin due to the aging process. What an impressive resume!
With regards to collagen, here is a quote from a review article: “Skin fibroblasts have an absolute dependence on vitamin C for the synthesis of collagen, and for the regulation of the collagen/elastin balance in the dermis.” (source)
Vitamin C skincare is anti-aging skincare, and it can be a great place to start to promote healthy aging and reverse signs of aging, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun or have exposure to environmental pollutants.
Most Stable Forms of Vitamin C In Skincare
You may be familiar with seeing vitamin C listed as ascorbic acid on food labels, but this form is notoriously unstable if used in skincare products, so there are different forms to look for to make sure you’re not spending money on a product that will quickly oxidize and become ineffective quickly.
You will often see magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or bis-glyceryl ascorbate in water-based formulas or tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate in oil-based formulas.
You can also see benefits to your skin by taking a vitamin C supplement (I take these liposomal capsules as well as this liquid), but for best results you’ll want to use a skincare product that supplies vitamin C topically.
IMPORTANT! Please remember that I ALWAYS RECOMMEND SPOT TESTING ANY NEW PRODUCT. No matter how natural the ingredients are, reactions happen. If you have sensitive skin you’ll want to be especially mindful of adding anti-aging ingredients to your skincare regimen. I always test on the inside of my wrist before applying anything new to my face. I also give my face time to adjust to a new product and start with 2-3 times per week and work up from there to the recommended frequency.
All Bright C Serum - Beautycounter
The new Counter+ All Bright C Serum by Beautycounter has become my new vitamin C serum for several reasons.
It includes both water-soluble and oil-soluble forms of highly stable vitamin C, and this dual-phase delivery system makes the serum effective all day long. The water-soluble bis-glyceryl ascorbate is immediately available to the skin, while the oil-soluble tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate is delivered over time.
This serum contains 5% of each type of vitamin C, for the optimal 10% concentration. Less than that = poor efficacy, while higher concentrations can be too harsh and cause sensitivities.
The All Bright C Serum is formulated with two other key ingredients: myrciaria dubia (camu camu) fruit extract and curcuma longa (turmeric) root extract.
Camu camu has strong antioxidant properties that help reduce the appearance of dark spots while brightening to visually improve signs of skin fatigue.
Turmeric is another antioxidant and helps to improve radiance by evening skin tone and helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Beautycounter also conducted a 32-subject consumer perception study and found that after 8 weeks:
100% said skin looked brighter
94% said it reduced the appearance of dark spots
97% said skin looked more youthful
94% said skin tone looked more even
If you are already a Beautycounter fan, then know that this new C Serum is the daytime counterpart to the famous Overnight Resurfacing Peel.
My current usage regimen: All Bright C serum every other day, with the Overnight Resurfacing Peel on the off nights. (So, C serum Monday, Peel Tuesday, C serum Wednesday, Peel Thursday, etc.)
No. 1 Brightening Mist and Oil by Beautycounter
It is no secret I am a facial oil junkie. I’ve loved this No 1 Brightening Oil by Beautycounter for years and it is one I love to use when I do facial gua sha (but truthfully, I rotate through quite a few different oils for gua sha depending on my mood and also how my skin is doing).
The oil is first and foremost a moisturizer, but it does contain tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, oil soluble stable vitamin C, to make the skin brighter, more glowing and radiant, and fade dark spots. I have seen this oil do amazing things for some of my clients, if you are interested to see photos email me amanda @ thecuriouscoconut.com and I will share.
All 3 Beautycounter face oils use a base formulation of their "Signature Seven Blend" featuring restorative (grapeseed, rosehip, rosa damascena), nutritional (marula, sea buckthorn), and protective (argan, meadowfoam) oils that blend together to create a luxurious, non-greasy, rapidly absorbed blend that is just such a joy to use.
In addition to the Brightening Vitamin C oil, No. 2 is Plumping (and great for dry mature skin) and No. 3 is Balancing (great for acne-prone or oily skin).
The Counter+ Brightening Mist contains the water-soluble magnesium ascorbyl phosphate form of vitamin C, and is infused with other actives like apple extract and lime pearl extract. It is alcohol-free and can be used as a toner, to set your makeup, or to refresh your complexion during the day (it is especially helpful after staring at a computer for many hours).
You get a generous 60 days to try any Beautycounter product. If you're unhappy for any reason you can return your used products for a full refund.
I used to use another brand’s vitamin C serum, and it was okay, but now that I have been using the All Bright C Serum which is a higher concentration and that contains many other actives and not just vitamin C, I simply cannot recommend the old brand anymore.
Save Money on Non-toxic skincare in my clean beauty community
I have a Clean Beauty Community newsletter and social media groups (on Instagram and Facebook) where I share education, tutorials, and offer discounts and gifts with purchase on a monthly basis. If you want to save money and get free gifts, make sure you sign up for the newsletter and request to be added to my two groups!
Not sure if vitamin C is right for your skin, or need further guidance for other products like cleansers, toners, treatments, moisturizers, or need help color matching foundation? Email me! I’ll be happy to guide you and can even mail you complimentary factory-sealed samples to try before you buy. amanda@thecuriouscoconut.com
You May Also Like:
Vitamin C is one of the top 3 best anti-aging ingredients to look for in non-toxic skincare. It is important to choose products that use a stable form of vitamin C.