November 19, 2020
Vitamin C for the skin - effects and tips for correct use
by Lena Severin
- What is vitamin C?
- Effect: What does vitamin C do for the skin?
- The skin type question: Is vitamin C good for every skin?
- Which form of vitamin C is best?
- How do you use the vitamin C serums?
1. What is vitamin C?
Basically, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for us. We need it to survive and for all possible functions of our body. Of course, this also includes healthy skin. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the formation of collagen, proteins and fats. This is because humans cannot produce vitamin C themselves and cannot store it for a long period of time. We are therefore dependent on external sources. Regular intake of vitamin C through food or nutritional supplements is essential for us.
If our body and therefore our skin lacks vitamin C, it appears pale and flabby. It's perfect, then, that we can apply vitamin C in the form of creams and serums directly where we want it. And that brings us straight to the most exciting topic: the effect of vitamin C on our skin.
2. Effect: What does vitamin C do for the skin?
The benefits of this essential vitamin are manifold. Depending on the concentration, it is a real asset in the care of every skin and every skin type – with very few exceptions.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant
Vitamin C is one of the best-known antioxidants. And thanks to its antioxidant effect, it protects the skin from free radicals. These radicals are created during metabolic processes in our body through things like cigarette smoke, smog and UV radiation. In their search for reaction partners, they destroy everything that gets in their way. This includes innocent skin cells and their components. Vitamin C intercepts these like a shield and thus protects our skin from damage. It stays healthy and its protective barrier is strengthened.
Vitamin C stabilizes the collagen structure
Vitamin C has two advantages here. Firstly, through its antioxidant effect mentioned above and secondly by stimulating collagen production. It strengthens the existing structure, creates even more stability at the same time and is even involved in the formation of vitamin E. Vitamin E tightens the skin even more and keeps it elastic. The skin appears plumper, plumper and small wrinkles disappear. You can see exactly how this happens in the graphic here:
The anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin C on impure skin and acne
Here, vitamin C tackles the problem at its root. Micro-inflammations, which are a major factor in the development of impurities, spots and acne, are effectively soothed by the antioxidant. The anti-inflammatory properties noticeably refine the skin's appearance. Redness decreases and spots heal faster. The formation of new spots is also slowed down. The skin glows and appears healthier and more even.
Vitamin C for pigment and sun spots
Several studies show that vitamin C inhibits the excessive production of melanin in the skin and lightens existing spots. Thanks to its antioxidant effect, it offers double protection. The pigmentation is caused by the oxidation of a certain amino acid. This is how melanin is produced. The cells in the outermost layer of skin absorb this melanin and protect themselves from UV radiation by turning brown.
3. The skin type question: Is vitamin C good for every skin?
A clear yes! Because we need vitamin C in our bodies and in our skin to feel healthy and look radiant. It plays a key role in important processes in our body and also helps to maintain the skin's natural functions. So, whether you have impure, mature or balanced skin - every skin type can benefit from the many advantages of this all-rounder. As long as the concentration of vitamin C is designed for tolerability, even sensitive skin.
If you smoke, for example, I would strongly recommend it. The vitamin C requirement of smokers increases dramatically. It can be up to 50% higher than that of non-smokers. Even one cigarette causes the body to lose vitamin C and thus the skin too.
4. Which form of ascorbic acid is best?
Not all vitamin C is the same. Be sure to pay attention to the form in which the vitamin C is present in the product of your choice and, above all, in what concentration.
Ascorbic acid: pure vitamin C effect
Ascorbic acid, i.e. pure vitamin C, is the most effective form. But depending on the sensitivity of the skin, it can also have an irritating effect, as it is very acidic compared to pH-neutral vitamin C derivatives. It is also very susceptible to oxidation. Once exposed to air, it quickly loses its effectiveness. And because of its water-soluble properties, it is not easy to process into creams. That is why you will find vitamin C or pure ascorbic acid mainly in serums, ampoules or powdered products. But be careful: do not use it too often and preferably not on sensitive skin.
Because the effect itself is still great, we use pure L-ascorbic acid in our vitamin C ampoules. The hermetically sealed ampoule ensures that the active ingredient is completely preserved for the single dose. And because of the small amount and direct consumption, we can also do without silicones or microplastics, which are otherwise often used in products that are not hermetically sealed because the vitamin C is enclosed in them and protected from oxidation.
We also use it in powder form in our enzyme peeling. Here, vitamin C is present as a raw material in the form of a crystalline solid. It is therefore well protected from oxidation as long as it does not come into contact with water. Because our enzyme peeling is a dry, water-free powder, the vitamin C is only activated when it comes into contact with water and thus retains its full effect on the skin.
Ascorbyl Glucoside: Stable derivative for serums & creams
Vitamin C is also available in other forms, such as ascorbyl glucoside, a water-soluble derivative of vitamin C and much more stable than pure vitamin C. As a compound of ascorbic acid and glucose, ascorbyl glucoside provides a very pleasant serum texture and is therefore considered the gold standard among vitamin C derivatives.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a precursor to the actual active form and is only converted in the skin. In contrast to ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside works in the pH skin-neutral range. Ascorbic acid, on the other hand, can only develop its effect properly if the product is formulated in the pH range of 3.0-3.5. This acidic pH value can sometimes have an irritating effect. This enables a particularly skin-friendly application and there is less irritation, which is why it can also be used on sensitive skin without hesitation. This means that even sensitive skin benefits from the antioxidant glow effect of vitamin C.
So Ascorbyl Glucoside is especially great for you if you have little or no experience with vitamin C. And of course, if you prefer a mild serum. That's why we also use it in our Vitamin C Sensitive Serum and our eye cream .
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid: Intensive Effect for Advanced Users
If you have already tried vitamin C and would like to try the next step for your skin, ethyl ascorbic acid is the right choice. It is also a derivative and its effect is very similar to that of pure ascorbic acid, but it is much more stable and also works in the less acidic pH range of the skin. This makes it more compatible with your skin. Studies show that its effect increases collagen synthesis, protects against free radicals and reduces pigment spots.
Another advantage of ethyl ascorbic acid: it is hydrophilic (water-loving) and lipophilic (fat-loving), which means that the different molecules of this vitamin C derivative can be better absorbed by the skin.
That's why we chose it in our Vitamin C Intensive Serum . At a correspondingly high intensity of 10%, you can lighten acne scars and pigment spots, boost your skin's collagen production and protect it from oxidative stress and photo-aging, i.e. light-induced skin aging. For a fresh complexion and plumper skin.
5. How do you use the vitamin C serums?
Generally, you use our serums in the third step of your skincare routine: Let it work. This means you have already cleansed your skin and possibly applied a facial toner .
You can always use the Vitamin C Sensitive Serum in the morning and/or evening. If you use it in the morning, it can develop its antioxidant effect throughout the day and ward off environmental influences and free radicals. Important: Don't forget sun protection - this is the only way to really protect your skin effectively.
The Vitamin C Intensive Serum is best used in the evening. Overnight, your skin can absorb and process the powerful active ingredient particularly well. This means you can wake up the next morning with a wonderful glow. But the same applies here: protect your skin with the right sun care .
Spread your serum on your forehead, cheeks and chin. 2-3 drops are enough for your face. If you like, you can also pamper your neck and décolleté at the same time. Once it has been absorbed well, you can continue with your skincare routine as usual. It is best to store your vitamin C serums in a cool, dark place and tightly sealed.
Sun is not always fun – sun protection is a must!
As I have already mentioned a few times, I cannot say it often enough in connection with the active ingredient vitamin C: provide your skin with additional sun protection of at least SPF 30. Because if you use vitamin C, your skin will react even more sensitively to UV radiation. Ascorbic acid has an exfoliating effect, especially in higher concentrations (similar to an AHA peeling). This means that the outermost horny layer comes off and releases fresh cells. And young skin cannot yet protect itself against the sun and urgently needs support.
The combination of vitamin C and sun protection is doubly beneficial for your skin, because vitamin C can improve the effectiveness of your sunscreen by neutralizing free radicals.
So don’t forget your sunscreen!
Can I combine the Vitamin C serums and other Vitamin C products with other products?
Our vitamin C products combine well with other active ingredients and products from our range. The simultaneous use of vitamin C and additional vitamins and antioxidants is even recommended. For example, you can effectively combine our vitamin C sensitive serum with our hyaluronic acid concentrate or one of our hyaluronic acid creams .
In general, you can always see in the description on our product detail pages if there is anything to consider when combining it with other products.
Are you curious now? Then you're sure to find the perfect vitamin C product for your skin in our selection. And if not, please contact our customer service or get personal advice!
