Myth-busting one of the most raved about skincare products: Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C serum is very likely skin cares favourite child, I mean – she loves all her children equally, right? As one of the most talked about skin care components pretty well ever, there’s a lot of information going around about this star studded serum. So, like any internet sleuth with detective skills better than the FBI (I’d like to think so at least), I needed to know everything. Pair this with a glass of pinot noir and my nights became dedicated to getting you the facts. Why do we need it? What’s so special about this serum and how does it work to actually make a noticeable difference in your skin so quickly? It’s getting chilly out – grab your favourite tea and a cozy blanket and lets fact check the favourite child.

Did you know that your body doesn’t naturally produce vitamin C?

That’s right folks. Your body does not have the capability to naturally produce vitamin C on its own. This means that all consumption of vitamin C comes externally through diet, supplements, and topical use. This also means that many of the added benefits of using a vitamin C serum (dark circle correction, acne scarring reduction, complexion brightness and hyperpigmentation, just to name a few) are coming from this external nutrient source and explains why so many users see such a drastic positive change in their skin so quickly! Yeah, we’re patting it on the back right now too. 

Someone may have told you that vitamin C causes sun sensitivity, not true babe.

Vitamin C in its pure form is acidic, which may be why many people believe Vitamin C should be used in the evening only. But unlike some other acids, vitamin C is not shown to increase sensitivity to the sun. In fact, studies show that this powerful antioxidant can actually help protect against free radical damage from the sun. This doesn’t mean it’s time to skimp on your SPF, but pairing vitamin C with your SPF can be a great idea.

One of my favourite vitamin C benefits is that it can help bolster its defenses against environmental damage from exposure to UV light and pollutants. These factors contribute to the appearance of photoaged skin (like wrinkles, brown spots, and dryness). Due to its bad ass antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps combat harmful free radical damage that can wreak havoc on the skin. Sunkissed and super cute, in the sun and out. 

I heard from someone who told someone else, who told me, that vitamin C serum isn’t good for sensitive skin. Is that true? (no, and here’s why).

First of all, that sounds like a long game of telephone. Second of all, we made sure to think of you, and your sensitive skin, when formulating our own serum! Sensitivities surrounding vitamin C seem to lie in two different places. The concentration or percentage of the vitamin C used, and the adjacent products being used in the same skin care routine.

Different products may contain a wide variety of concentrations of vitamin C. In general, they range from below 5% all the way up to 30%. Dermatologists agree that this ingredient can have different effects at those concentrations. Extensive research and dermatology tested applications show that the effects begin to plateau after 20%, so there’s usually no need to go higher than that. Our vitamin C serum has been formulated at a consistent 18%, combining the upwards concentration able to tackle extensive pigmentation issues, while remaining under the threshold of becoming an irritant, and being no less effective than higher concentrates.

One last thing: It really does do that.

Yes, yes. The rumours are true. Vitamin C serum really can reduce acne scarring down to almost nothing if applied quickly after a cut has closed. It can reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots to the point of leaving you with nothing but fabulous glowing skin. It can even rapidly accelerate cell turnover to boost key collagen production, and directly prevent and reduce the signs of aging by targeting the deep layers of your skin responsible for elasticity! The only thing it can’t do is pay your bills, but that just wouldn’t be fair to other serums. So go ahead, “C” the difference. (You had to give me one good pun)