What is vitamin C? And why should you be putting it on your face?
In case you hadn’t realised by now, I’m a big fan of active ingredients. What does ‘active’ refer to? Well, they’re not out going for a jog every morning if that’s what you’re thinking – instead, they’re molecules that have an effect on the skin cells or structure when applied topically. Think of them as actively changing and improving your skin over time. I’ve spoken about retinal, the hero ingredient in Angry Doctor Young Night previously and now it’s time for vitamin C to shine.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant; antioxidants block some of the damage caused by free radicals. What are free radicals? I’m glad you asked. Think of them as unstable atoms that can damage your healthy cells; free radicals caused by exposure to sunlight and pollutants cause premature skin ageing – but vitamin C counters these highly damaging compounds and reduces skin damage and wrinkles by protecting skin from them. Think of vitamin C as your daily defender against the things that are trying to damage and age your skin. Those nasty buggers!
How will my skin benefit from vitamin C?
Not only is vitamin C out here every day protecting your skin from free radicals, but it can also help reduce the DNA damage free radicals create which is thought to be the main cause of premature skin ageing. And skin ageing means sun spots, solar keratosis (dry scaly patches), fine lines, pigmentation and eventually skin cancer. Vitamin C also increases immune function of skin cells and can tackle acne while preventing moisture loss. This is one clever active ingredient! The first thing you may notice when you start using vitamin C regularly is its ability to transform dull skin into radiant, healthy skin. The type of skin that makes you look like you’ve got your shit together. In addition, vitamin C also stimulates collagen synthesis and triggers the production of enzymes that are necessary for the cross-linking of collagen molecules – or collagen production as it’s most commonly referred to – which keeps your skin plump and bouncy by providing structure and support similar to the springs in your mattress.
Oh, and vitamin C also gets along really well with vitamin E and ferulic acid – which is why you’ll notice them in Angry Doctor Morning Bright (‘Rich’ version). When combined, this trio of ingredients work in synergy to help reduce damage to the skin. The inclusion of vitamin E and ferulic acid also helps keep vitamin C stable so your skin can reap its benefits without the product oxidising or becoming less effective. For my Morning Bright (‘Light’ version) product, the vitamin C percentage is slightly lower – but just as effective – and therefore more stable, which is why you won’t spot vitamin E and ferulic acid in its ingredients list. Although it’s less potent, Morning Bright ‘Light’ is, as the name suggests, more lightweight, making it suitable for those who like the feeling of weightless skincare that sinks in quickly.
Why should I apply vitamin C every day?
The benefits of vitamin C are cumulative, which means that you’ll see the best results if you use it consistently (like all my products). In the same way you look after the health of your teeth by brushing them every day, you can take care of the health of your skin by incorporating vitamin C (and retinal) into your routine. It’s about building a habit and sticking to it – and given the benefits I banged on about above, why wouldn’t you?
Why would I use the ‘Light’ version when the ‘Rich’ version has vitamin E and ferulic acid as well?
Vitamin C is a vital ingredient everyone should be using for healthy skin for LIFE. Obviously everyone has different skin: some people have sensitive skin, and others are more on the oily side which could mean they don’t enjoy rich formulas. When it comes to the ‘Rich’ and ‘Light’ versions of my Angry Doctor Morning Bright, the ‘Rich’ version is the optimal choice, but if your skin enjoys the ‘Light’ version better then it’s not a second-rate choice – it’s a powerful alternative to the ‘Rich’ version for those with skin types better suited to it. For you individually, it will get more Vitamin C into your skin cells than the ‘Rich’ version you find hard to use, and will probably discontinue using if you’re not loving it. Long term, using any form of high-quality active Vitamin C will do wonders for your skin – whether it’s the ‘Rich’ or ‘Light’ version. Long story short, I want you to use the one that feels best on your skin – usability and enjoying how the product feels is the KEY to long-term usage and effective results.
How should vitamin C products be packaged?
Because L-ascorbic acid is inherently unstable, Morning Bright has been packaged carefully in an airless, opaque pump container – this helps preserve the potency of the vitamin C and stops it from degrading over time. I created these products with airless bottles in mind – in fact, Angry Doctor is one of the very few brands that use this technology. The packaging also means you get every last drop of serum from the bottle – you’re welcome.
How do you incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine?
Wake up, grab Morning Bright, apply a few pumps to clean skin and you’re done! Simple, right? The reason I called it Morning Bright was to remind you to apply it every morning so it can protect your skin against environmental stressors throughout the day. Be sure to follow up with sunscreen to provide additional protection – because what the heck is the point of applying skincare if you’re not following it up with SPF every bloody day?
Vitamin C is one way to achieve better skin for LIFE - but there are a few other factors too.
Reference:
Rashmi Saini , Sachin L. Badole, and Anand A. Zanwar. Chapter 6 Vitamin C (l -Ascorbic Acid): Antioxidant Involved in Skin Care. 2013.
