Vitamin C: My Superhero

Let’s dive straight into one of my favorite skin care ingredients: VITAMIN C

Let’s look at my top 3 reasons for Vitamin C is beneficial in skincare:

1. Inhibition of Tyrosinase: Tyrosinase is an enzyme involved in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Vitamin C can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, which reduces the production of melanin, leading to a lighter and more even skin tone.
2. Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, which can trigger the overproduction of melanin and contribute to pigmentation issues. By reducing oxidative stress, vitamin C helps prevent new pigmentation from forming.
3. Collagen Production: Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis in the skin. A healthier collagen network can improve skin texture and make it more resistant to pigmentation concerns, including the fading of existing dark spots.

Types of Vitamin C in Skincare

Understanding the nuances of different vitamin C formulations is crucial for an effective skincare routine tailored to individual needs. The choice between potent forms like L-Ascorbic Acid and gentler derivatives such as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate can significantly impact skin health. The potency of vitamin C plays a pivotal role, influencing its efficacy and potential effects on the skin. For instance, individuals with sensitive skin may find milder derivatives more suitable, minimizing the risk of irritation. Knowing the distinction between esters like Ascorbyl Palmitate, which is less potent, and more stable derivatives like Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate allows for informed choices based on skin type and desired outcomes. This awareness empowers skincare enthusiasts to select the most suitable vitamin C variant, fostering a radiant complexion while ensuring compatibility with individual skin sensitivities.

Vitamin C Form	Potency	Skin Type Suitability
L-Ascorbic Acid	Potent	All skin types, but may cause irritation for some
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate	Moderate	Sensitive skin, as it’s less likely to cause irritation
Ascorbyl Palmitate	Less Potent	Dry and normal skin, suitable for oil-based products
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate	Moderate	All skin types, less irritating than L-ascorbic acid
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate	Moderate	All skin types, good penetration and stability
Ascorbic Glucoside	Moderate	All skin types, gradual and prolonged release
Ethyl Ascorbic Acid	Moderate	All skin types, known for brightening effects

This categorization gives an overview of the potency of each form of vitamin C, with L-Ascorbic Acid being the most potent.

der consulting with a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.

Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Powerhouse Combo

Ferulic Acid is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It is like a powerful shield for your skin cells, shielding them from harm caused by free radicals, which can lead to skin aging. This makes it beneficial for skincare and reducing the signs of aging.

You may find that there are many Vitamin C serums that are combined with Ferulic Acid. In my opinion… this is a powerhouse combo as Ferulic Acid actually complements Vitamin C in several ways:

• Stabilization: Ferulic acid helps stabilize vitamin C, preventing it from breaking down or oxidizing when exposed to light, air, or heat. This means that vitamin C remains effective for a longer time in skincare products.
• Synergy: When combined with ferulic acid, vitamin C becomes even more effective in neutralizing free radicals, providing enhanced antioxidant protection for the skin.
• Increased Efficacy: The combination of vitamin C and ferulic acid can lead to improved collagen production, better skin brightening, and a more significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation.

Vitamin C Percentages?

The choice between using a vitamin C serum with 10% or 20% concentration depends on your skin type, concerns, and sensitivity.

Here’s a chart providing a general guideline for the suitability of different percentages of vitamin C for various skin types:

Vitamin C Percentage	Skin Type Suitability
5-10%	Sensitive skin, beginners, daily use
15-20%	Normal to combination skin, occasional use
20% and above	Experienced users, tolerant skin types

These percentages are approximate and can vary based on individual skin sensitivity. It’s advisable to start with lower concentrations and gradually increase to assess how your skin responds. Always conduct a patch test and consi

When to use Vitamin C?

IMMEDIATELY before Sunscreen 🙂

When Vitamin C is used before sunscreen, it adds another layer of protection against UV Rays and neutralizes the free radicals generated by UV radiation.

More reasons include:

1. Reduced Oxidative Stress: UV exposure can increase oxidative stress on your skin, leading to premature aging and damage. Vitamin C helps reduce this stress, minimizing the potential for sunburn, fine lines, and pigmentation issues.
2. Photoprotection: Vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of your sunscreen by working in synergy with it. This means that when used together, they provide more comprehensive protection against UVA and UVB rays.
3. Improved Skin Repair: Vitamin C also supports the skin’s natural repair processes. If you do get some sun damage, vitamin C can assist in the recovery and healing of your skin.

To maximize the benefits, apply vitamin C serum in the morning before your sunscreen. Allow the vitamin C serum to absorb fully before applying sunscreen to ensure the best protection and skincare results.

Vitamin C sunscreen from Native Essentials

My favorite sunscreens: Banana Boat Simply Protect Baby SPF 50+

(I’ll get into why I choose certain sunscreens in another post)

In the Evening

During the night, the skin undergoes a natural renewal process, making it an opportune time to introduce the reparative and antioxidant properties of vitamin C. This powerhouse ingredient helps neutralize free radicals accumulated during the day, promoting skin recovery and rejuvenation. Additionally, vitamin C supports the skin’s collagen production, contributing to a more youthful and radiant complexion. By integrating vitamin C into your nighttime regimen, you harness its potential to combat environmental stressors and aid in the restoration of skin vitality, allowing you to wake up to a refreshed and revitalized appearance.

Vitamin C pairs well with various skincare ingredients, enhancing its efficacy and providing comprehensive benefits. Compatible ingredients include:

1. Hyaluronic Acid: Boosts hydration and plumps the skin.
2. Vitamin E: Works synergistically with vitamin C, offering additional antioxidant protection.
3. Ferulic Acid: Enhances stability and boosts the effectiveness of vitamin C.
4. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Supports skin barrier function and complements vitamin C.
5. Peptides: Aids in collagen synthesis and complements vitamin C’s anti-aging properties.
6. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Helps in exfoliation and enhances the penetration of vitamin C.

On the other hand, some ingredients may not pair well with vitamin C, and caution is advised when using them simultaneously:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide: May oxidize vitamin C, reducing its efficacy.
2. Retinol (Vitamin A): Both are potent ingredients, and using them together may increase the risk of irritation. If used together, it’s often recommended to alternate or apply them at different times.
3. Exfoliants: High concentrations or frequent use of exfoliating acids may increase sensitivity when combined with vitamin C.
4. Copper Peptides: There’s a theoretical concern that copper peptides may counteract the antioxidant properties of vitamin C.
5. Certain Essential Oils: Some essential oils, like lemon oil or bergamot oil, can be phototoxic and may increase sensitivity when combined with vitamin C.

If you plan to incorporate these additional ingredients into your nighttime skincare regimen, you might consider excluding Vitamin C during the evening.

Jojo’s non-comedogenic Vitamin C recommendations

L Ascorbic Acid (not for sensitive skin)

5% Vitamin C: Purito Pure Vitamin C

Timeless 10% Vitamin C + E with Ferulic Acid

Revolution Vitamin C 12.5% + Ferulic acid + Vitamins

Eczema Honey 15% Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Serum

Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E with Ferulic Acid

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone

True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (good for sensitive skin)

Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Eva Naturals Vitamin C+ Serum

Ascorbyl Palmitate (good for dry and normal skin)

The Inkey List C-50 Blemish Night Treatment

Elta MD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer

Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (good for all skin types)

Murad Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum

First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Resurfacing 10% AHA

Hada Labo Shirojyun Premium Whitening Emulsion

Timeless Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin C Serum

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (good for all skin types)

Allies of Skin Vitamin C 35% Collagen Rebuilding Serum (with Ethyl Ascorbic Acid)

Vanicream Vitamin C Serum

Naturium Quadruple Hyaluronic Acid Serum 5%

Ascorbyl Glucoside (good for all skin types)

12% Vitamin C: My iN.gredients Vitamin C Serum

Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (good for all skin types)

Alpha-H Vitamin C

Biossance Squaline + 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

Allies of Skin Vitamin C 20% Brighten and Firm

Herbivore Botanicals Nova (15% Vitamin C)

Be Minimalist Vitamin C + E + Ferulic 16%

TULA SKINCARE Brightening Treatment Drops Triple Vitamin C Serum

Here’s a Video of my neice, Aria, and I applying Vitamin C and Sunscreen in our Morning Routine❤️

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Disclosure: I’m an amazon associate, so I may earn a little commission on certain products listed above😊