Vitamin C revives dull, grey and tired-looking skin. It can make dark spots less visible by tempering melanin production, helping skin look more even over time.
As an antioxidant it neutralises free radicals. It also plays a key role in the skin's own collagen production, which can help fine lines look softer and skin feel firmer.
The pure form, ascorbic acid, is well researched but unstable and may tingle a little. It is typically used at around 10 to 20 percent. Derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate are more stable and gentler, and are converted to vitamin C in the skin.
How to use: Apply vitamin C in the morning, before sunscreen, to get the most from its antioxidant protection. If your skin is sensitive, a derivative or a lower strength is a good place to start.
Good to know: Vitamin C does not like light, air or heat. Keep the product tightly closed and replace it if it turns noticeably darker.
