Vitamin C
What to know – and which products to try
Ask a dozen dermatologists about their favourite skincare ingredient, and you’ll get a dozen love letters waxing poetic about vitamin C. The reason? It’s because this is one of the (very) few ingredients out there that both rebuilds and protects your skin, while still being tolerable for most types.
‘Vitamin C is an antioxidant that goes deep into your skin to help repair the damage caused by free radicals,’ explains dermatologist Karan Lal (think: air pollution, UV light, cigarette smoke). It helps your body to produce collagen to smooth out any fine lines, while also lightening hyperpigmentation. Basically a ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for your skin.
So what does all that mean for you? Brighter, happier-looking and smoother skin the longer you use it. But just know that vitamin C takes around eight to 12 weeks to work on your fine lines (though you may see some brightening effects sooner than that), so try not to expect overnight miracles. Achieving good skin is a long game, friends.
Happily, because vitamin C comes in a zillion different potencies and forms (how much time have you got?), truly anyone can find a product that works for them, whether you’re a sensitive-skin newbie, or a 10-step routine-er. Now just wiggle your eyes to the right, and let’s get your vitamin C on.
THE BEST IN SHOW
The purest and most potent form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid – and this serum is filled with 20% of it. It’s gold-star effective, but start slow: two to three times a week at first, and never at the same time as retinol or acids. Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Bri
