beauty

All the reasons why we should be using Vitamin C on our skin, according to an expert

Published 16:45 5 Aug 2020 BST

Updated 16:56 5 Aug 2020 BST

Rebecca O'Keeffe

All the reasons why we should be using Vitamin C on our skin, according to an expert

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You'll never look back.

There are always buzz words and trends when it comes to skincare. We hear things like retinol, ceramides, glycolic acid... and you kind of start to wonder what is the best for you! However, a few months ago I started using Vitamin C on my skin, and to be honest, I have never looked back. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can neutralise free radicals on the skin, and thanks to its antioxidant properties, it helps your skin regenerate, repairing damaged skin cells. All good things, all good things. Anyway, when it comes to getting advice on my skin, I always call in the assistance of experts. While I do know quite a lot, experts know a lot more. So naturally, when I was delving into the world of Vitamin C, I gave a call to some of the best in the business. And OBVIOUSLY, Jennifer Rock was my go-to, as she knows everything there is to know about skin. "Vitamin C is an antioxidant first and foremost, which is the most understated and misrepresented element of skincare. What antioxidants do is provide protection against oxidisation, an unfortunate reality of life," she explained.

"The skin is an organ, and so we need to be sure that we’re protecting it daily from excessive exposure to pollution, smoke and all the stuff that prompts oxidisation." Of course, we can only do so much about where we live and pollution, which is where Vitamin C comes in to help us out. Antioxidants are essential in turning the tide against excessive oxidisation, and helping to slow down the external ageing process. As for the actual use of Vitamin C, I was curious to know at what stage should we start.

"I would be wary of using acid forms of Vitamin C pre-twenties as it can be an irritant, which we definitely don’t want. I tend to endorse usage of the fat-soluble form of vitamin C, retinyl palmitate, from an early age, even down to pre-teens. "It’s a natural photo-protector, it speeds up the healing ability of skin, prevents prolonged scarring, diffuses redness and even hydrates. Did you scoff when I called vitamin C a skin superhero? I call it like it is." And she's not wrong!

All of these benefits are key for teen skin, and beyond. Many brands might argue that Vitamin C should only be used from age twenty-five onwards, when chronological skin ageing is said to begin, but as it has benefits far beyond vanity, I tend to promote it for a younger skin seeking health and clarity. So, when it comes to Vit C, what's the best way to include it in a routine, I hear you ask? Jen said: "It’s really common for brands to include it as an ingredient in their masks or cleanser formulations. This is a nice addition to a regime, but not the core which I would recommend." "For that reason, I favour a serum which would be lighter in consistency and texture, and more effective as they have time to sink into the skin without being washed away before they’ve gotten enough time on the skin." (I've included some stunning products at the bottom, FYI)

So, considering how amazing it is, should anyone avoid using Vitamin C? "Based on the experiences of our 10,000 clients in the Nerd Network, we have learned that often with problematic skin, Vitamin C can sometimes be an issue, causing irritation, increased sebum production and inflamed spots." "So if you’re acne-prone or suffer from congested skin, be cautious in your application of Vitamin C products, and be sure to pay attention to how your skin responds before adding more into your routine." "Vitamin C comes in many formats within skincare, acids, oil and even water-soluble solutions with varying degrees of efficacy and potency, so there’s a Vitamin C product out there for everyone, regardless of their specific skin concerns."

I also had a brief chat with Michelle Ryan, one of the top trainers for Image Skincare, and she reiterated all of Jennifer's wise words. "We need Vitamin C for collagen production, think of the C as standing for collagen almost!" She continued, adding: "It’s an anti inflammatory so it brings down heat and redness which is perfect for our Celtic skin types."