Skin looking dull, grey and a far cry from the glowy complexion you want to have?
Then there is one ingredient you absolutely need to include in your skincare regime: Vitamin C.
Dermatologists and beauty bloggers and skincare experts all agree: This powerhouse ingredient is a potent antioxidant that can help your skin look brighter, tighter and smoother by reducing skin inflammation, even out irregular pigmentation and promote healthy collagen production.
We are all aware Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is great for for our immune systems, and many of us are already taking supplements orally to keep colds and sniffles at bay, however, experts agree that to get the full effect of this antioxidant for your skin, you need to apply it topically.
Note: Ideally, your Vitamin C serum will be packaged in an air-tight container with a pump that is either an opaque or amber-hued bottle to avoid oxidation and light exposure.
We have rounded up three seriously great Vitamin C serums (in three different price categories) that we have personally put to the test. All of these impressed me and made a visible difference to my skin:
1. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Yes, this serum is on the price-y side, but it is also widely regarded by experts as one of the very best Vitamin C serums out there, and has won countless rewards for its effectiveness too.
This powerful antioxidant serum will do wonders for your face – and having road tested it these past few weeks, I have never gotten so many compliments for my skin before – and that’s with wearing no makeup at all.
The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic combines absorbic acid and vitamin E with ferulic acid to help brighten the skin and reduce visible signs of aging. And according to skin experts, Ferulic acid is a good ingredient to look out for—in addition to being a potent antioxidant and containing some impressive anti-aging properties, it can help to stabilize the vitamin C.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, €150, Skinshop.ie
2. Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate
This Vitamin C product has a bit of a cultish following, and when you start using it, you’ll soon see why.
The impressive formula contains hyaluronic acid along with a 12.5% concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid that layers over skin in a silky sheer finish similar to a primer. Use it, and you’ll soon see a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as well as skin that looks visibly more radiant and feels smoother.
If your pores are bothering you, this serum will help minimizes the appearance of these too, and the best bit? Even if you have skin more on the sensitive side, this serum is for you.
Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate, €58, Debenhams
3. The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension
Don’t let the incredibly affordable price fool you – this Vitamin C serum from cult skincare brand The Ordinary actually packs quite the punch, and having used it over the summer, I am more than happy to recommend it to anyone looking to try a Vitamin C serum on their skin for the first time.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone contains the pure L-Ascorbic Acid form of Vitamin C which is an especially effective antioxidant. L-Ascorbic Acid has been shown to help reverse multiple signs of skin ageing while brightening the skin when applied topically.
The formula contains no water, meaning the L-Ascorbic Acid remains completely stable, and the presence of very light silicones means the formulation feels smooth on the skin.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension, €6.50, Cloud10 Beauty
