Vitamin C

Not All Vitamin C Is Born Equal -

It’s fair to say that vitamin C has had a MOMENT in skincare in the last five years. It’s not surprising, given the fact that this powerful antioxidant has many skin benefits, including helping to brighten and protect the skin (more on that coming up). Vitamin C is pretty complex when it comes to skin formulations, as we’re about to reveal. It’s important to note that not all vitamin C products out there are equal. Read on to find out why

Let’s begin with a few reasons why we recommend incorporating vitamin C into most skincare routines. This multifunctional powerhouse ingredient is a major antioxidant, which means it will defend your skin against free radical damage from environmental aggressors, like pollution and UV rays. It works seamlessly at both the surface level and deep down, to protect skin DNA for optimal cellular health. It also helps support the body’s natural production of collagen, which improves the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring. If you’re concerned about hyperpigmentation or dull skin (who isn’t?), then vitamin C is a great active ingredient to add to your routine as it helps to even out the skin tone and brighten. As an anti-inflammatory ingredient, vitamin C helps combat the signs of ageing, as there is a very close link between ageing and inflammation in the body. Vitamin C also supports the skin’s natural production of hydration in the long term, helping to keep the skin in optimal condition.

Does that sound great? YES! But we must caution restraint – don’t just grab any old product labeled vitamin C and expect to get all of these benefits. We have to talk about science first . . .

The body exclusively relies on the purest, water-soluble form of vitamin C—L-ascorbic acid. To achieve the benefits detailed above, the clinically validated level is 15%. While fat-soluble vitamin C remains stable in formulations and is present in certain products, it remains unusable by the body, so steer clear! You may have heard about vitamin C products deteriorating rapidly, and that's entirely true. L-ascorbic acid is likely to oxidise if exposed to water, air, or light; it will go brown and in terrible news, become ineffective! Some products may start oxidizing shortly after opening, making large bottles of vitamin C serum a no-go. Some skincare companies offer powdered vitamin C that you can mix into a serum at home to prevent oxidation. The only trouble is it’s not possible to achieve the clinically validated percentage of 15% once it’s mixed.

So, what’s the solution? Well, our ultra-specialist, research and development team has it! They've created the now multi-award-winning EverActive C&E® + Peptide, the pioneering vitamin C serum that solves all formulation challenges. This unique serum, distributed in three UV-protective 15mL vials, is not only rich in nourishing vitamin E but also infused with Matrixyl® Synthe ‘6®, a potent bio-memetic peptide proven to support collagen and hydration. Now, you might be asking, where's the big C? Well, the big-hitting magic comes in the cap! Cleverly suspended above the serum in an air, light, and watertight cap are 2.7 grams of crystallized L-ascorbic acid—the precise dose needed for a 15% vitamin C serum! Our engineering team went to town on this one, ensuring that the cap flap opens fully when activated and stays in place while you mix the serum and crystals.

You get to embrace your inner chef/witch/skincare scientist as you compress the cap to release the crystals into the serum, shake for 60 seconds, and replace the cap with a professional-grade pipette. We love a pipette, and this version accurately releases the perfect-sized droplet every time. Each morning, simply apply 5 drops to your face and neck after cleansing and exfoliating. Your skin gets clinically-proven results in every drop.

The big secret is that vitamin C is NOT seasonal; you can use it year-round! Its protective benefits are particularly helpful in the summer.  Vitamin C is a key ingredient in fighting pigmentation, making it your go-to post-summer saviour. (Read our Summer Skin SOS blog here.)

As we begin to move into the cooler months, the environment will soon start to change, and as we get cold and the heat goes on, our skin is likely to suffer, becoming dry or dehydrated and looking dull. Once again, call on vitamin C for antioxidant support, extra hydration, and that radiant glow.  

Your skin pro will guide you through incorporating EverActive C&E® + Peptide into your daily routine and, as ever, provide you with all the advice and help you need to make sure you hit those skin goals! Don’t delay, boost your skin with a powerful dose of 15% L-ascorbic acid, and get ready to explain why you have that summer glow even as the weather cools down.