It is one of those "miracle" ingredients everyone is talking about at the moment.
And for good reason.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralises free radicals, which are generated by our bodies when exposed to certain conditions, including pollution and UV rays. Free radicals, in case you don't know, can negatively impact DNA and damage our cells, as well as disrupt the skin's ability to repair itself;
and slow down collagen production.
As well as neutralising free radicals, Vitamin C can also help stimulate collagen production, which slows down naturally as we age. What is collagen, I hear you ask? Collagen is a structural protein that helps hold our cells together, strengthens skin, and gives it elasticity — all of which are super important for a healthy, toned complexion. In other words, by boosting our skin's ability to make collagen, a serum containing this vitamin will help soften existing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as slow down the formation of new ones.
And it doesn't stop there.
Because it is also anti-inflammatory, Vitamin C can have a positive effect on acne, and will also help with hyper-pigmentation, which can be an issue for many women, especially after a pregnancy or if you have not been super vigilant about your sunscreen routine. However, all Vitamin C products are not created equal, and experts advise that you look for products that contain at least 15-30 percent, and that it is listed high up on the ingredients list at the back of your product.
With all this in mind – and having tested a lot of different products over the past few months, here are three that I can totally vouch for work – and that would be well worth spending your hard-earned cash on:
1. Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C
Want to super-charge your skin's glow and youthfulness? Well, then you should order a packet of Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C this very minute. What is it, you may ask? Well, only
a truly revolutionary Vitamin C supplement that has been clinically proven to be three times more absorbent than other leading Vitamin C products on the market, leaving you with skin that is vastly more smooth, youthful and glowy.
Seriously – I was a sceptic too, but this edible gel (that you drink in a glass of water) really made a difference to my skin's appearance. After having used it for a month, my skin really did feel more elastic, smooth and just really, really radiant – to the extent that other people noticed too. I had a facial a month into using this product, and my facialist asked what I had been doing, as she noticed a difference in my skin from my last visit six months previous.
Also, it is worth noting that the Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C supplement is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, Non-GMO and Hexan-free.
€47, Nourish.ie
2. Skinceuticals CE Ferulic
Yes, it's expensive. But if you are going to invest in a serum that really, really packs a punch and will make a noticeable difference to your skin – this is it.
This 12-ingredient formula, which is long since considered a cult product by dermatologists and beauty editors worldwide, has cold, hard, honest science on its side. It was launched in 2005, the result of 40 years of academic research conducted by leading dermatologist and professor Sheldon Pinnell, MD, who became the founding scientist and chief medical advisor behind SkinCeuticals.
To tell you the truth, it smells kind of weird, it doesn't come in fancy packaging, but it really, really works – delivering a super-powerful combination of Vitamin C and E – and will transform your skin's brightness and elasticity, giving you younger-looking skin after just a couple of weeks use.
€150, Skinshop.ie
3. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Ole Henriksen was an early adopter of Vitamin C in skincare, long before the rest of the world jumped on the Vitamin C bandwagon. Henriksen realised that the great antioxidant properties of Vitamin C, and how it could play a role in promoting collagen production in our skin.
Supercharged with True-C ComplexTM and boosted with collagen, Truth Serum is a powerful age-defying serum that helps brighten, firm and deliver all-day hydration. Enriched with orange and green tea extracts, this fast-absorbing, oil-free formula revives the complexion. I have used this on and off for years, and always get compliments for how glowy my skin looks when I am using it daily!
€77, Boots.ie
And it doesn't stop there.
Because it is also anti-inflammatory, Vitamin C can have a positive effect on acne, and will also help with hyper-pigmentation, which can be an issue for many women, especially after a pregnancy or if you have not been super vigilant about your sunscreen routine. However, all Vitamin C products are not created equal, and experts advise that you look for products that contain at least 15-30 percent, and that it is listed high up on the ingredients list at the back of your product.
With all this in mind – and having tested a lot of different products over the past few months, here are three that I can totally vouch for work – and that would be well worth spending your hard-earned cash on:
