Radiant, glowing skin is something we all crave and vitamin C might just be the skincare ingredient your routine has been missing. This powerhouse ingredient is known for its brightening and antioxidant properties, making it a must-have in any skincare routine. This ingredient has won the favour of skincare experts and influencers alike and beauty brands like The Body Shop have an entire range of skincare products dedicated to it.

But with so many vitamin C products flooding the market, finding the right ones can feel overwhelming. Should you go for a vitamin C serum, cream or cleanser? What concentration of vitamin C is safe for your skin type? If these are some of the questions circling your mind, then you are in the right place. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the right vitamin C products for your skin. 

• Find the right concentration

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When it comes to choosing vitamin C products, concentration matters the most. Start by identifying the right concentration of vitamin C for your skin type. If you’re new to active ingredients, you should start with a low concentration of 5-10% and see if your skin can tolerate it. For instance, The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum packs 10% vitamin C and is recommended for beginners and old-timers alike. Once your skin becomes accustomed to it, you can increase the concentration to 15% or 20% if you want.

• Consider your skin type

Your skin type plays an important role when choosing any skin care product, including vitamin C. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, select lightweight serums or gel-based products as they absorb quickly without clogging the pores. On the other hand, vitamin C creams and moisturisers are better suited for those with dry skin as they deliver both hydration and brightening benefits. Sensitive skin folks are better off choosing a lower concentration of vitamin C skin care products to avoid irritation. 

• Look for complementary ingredients

Vitamin C can work wonders when paired with complementary ingredients such as vitamin E, vitamin B, hyaluronic acid, and ferulic acid. For instance, you can pair a vitamin C serum for skin with retinol for anti-ageing benefits. Alternatively, you can use a serum infused with these complementary ingredients like The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Revealing Serum which is enriched with bakuchiol that’s known to have retinol-like effects on the skin. Combining these skincare ingredients can enhance the benefits of vitamin C and elevate your skincare routine.

• Incorporate it gradually into your routine

Vitamin C is a potent active skincare ingredient, so it’s essential to introduce it gradually into your skincare routine. For instance, if you’re using a vitamin C serum, start by using it three times a week and work up to daily use. This will help you avoid any adverse reactions and build your skin tolerance towards vitamin C. Remember, it takes several weeks of continuous use to start seeing a visible improvement in your skin complexion, so give it at least a month to work its magic. 

• Always follow it up with SPF

One of the most important rules when using any active ingredient is to layer it under a sunscreen. Although vitamin C is packed with antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals from sun exposure, it doesn’t provide comprehensive protection on its own. To make the most out of your vitamin C products, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen like The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Light Essence SPF 50 PA +++. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check their vitamin C range, made with 90% naturally derived ingredients. 

• Follow proper storage instructions

Another thing you must keep in mind while using vitamin C products is to store them safely to maintain their stability. This especially applies to vitamin C serum. Always store it in an airtight container in a dark, cool space away from sunlight. If you notice that the colour of your serum has become dark or cloudy or detect a rancid odour, the serum has likely oxidised. To prevent oxidisation, make sure to keep your serum airtight and away from sunlight. 

Final Thoughts

Vitamin C skin care products offer a range of benefits from brightening and glowing skin to neutralising free radicals. To reap these benefits, you must know how to choose the right products. This includes finding the right concentration, considering your skin type, starting slowly, pairing with complementary ingredients, layering under SPF and following proper storage instructions. With these tips in mind, you can get the most out of your vitamin C skin care products.