Vitamin C can be as easy as ABC, if you do your skin homework. We’re here to help you brush up on all the powerful properties of this potent, perk-upping, brightening skincare ingredient (feat. our Australian Glow Berries range).
What does Vitamin C do for your skin?
Vitamin C has become a bit of a buzzword in the beauty business. But it’s often thrown around in regimes, round-ups and recommendation lists without any context or explanation as to what it really is and where exactly it comes from.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient (read: it can dissolve in h2o). It’s derived from citrus fruits and our skin needs it to form collagen, which assists in healing, renewal and keeping skin looking ultra plump. In layman’s terms, it’s seriously restorative face juice.
Worth noting: Vitamin C is also an antioxidant to help protect against skin damaging free radicals.
Yep, there’s different types of Vitamin C!
Like a good wine, there’s multiple varieties of Vitamin C out there. They all have their drawcards and caveats, so here’s a fool-proof guide to get you up to speed:
Ascorbic acid (otherwise known as L-Ascorbic acid)
Pros: This one’s got high-antioxidant efficacy to really ramp up skin radiance while reducing signs of ageing.
Cons: The downside? Ascorbic acid is highly unstable, especially in water formulas.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP)
Pros: More stable in water than L-ascorbic acid and safe for most skin types.
Cons: Less potent than L-ascorbic acid and is difficult to penetrate the skin’s epidermis. Increasing the percentage also increases the formula’s viscosity, limiting its use to a lotion or cream formula, as opposed to a light serum.
Ethyl ascorbic acid
Pros: Super stable, direct-acting Vitamin C. High potency equivalent or better than Ascorbic acid, yet with minimal stinging. Both oil and water soluble, this form penetrates deeply into the deeper layers of your skin and provides a highly effective result for hyperpigmentation.
Cons: Can be slightly oily during initial application but does absorb quickly within seconds.
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Pros: Oil soluble, this form is able to penetrate well to the skin lipid layer (better than L-ascorbic acid). It’s gentle on the skin, even at high concentration.
Cons: Needs to be solubilised in water-based formulation.
Getting used to Vit C
As Vitamin C is an active ingredient, it can be irritating to those with more sensitive skin. It’s best to start at a low-concentration to let skin get acclimatised, before slowly increasing the amount you use. While higher potency formulas may have a better impact, they can cause tingling/stinging and even damage to your precious skin barrier (a big no). This is why it’s paramount to find the right Vitamin C for your visage.
All products in our Australian Glow Berries range are made using the super stable Vitamin C (Ethyl-ascorbic acid), which is also 99% pure. Our creations are also complemented with natural Vitamin C from Aussie botanicals, like the exceedingly-rejuvenating Emu Apple and detoxifying Kakadu Plum - which is the world’s richest source of Vitamin C (contains 100x more than an orange!).
How to use Vitamin C in your skincare routine
We’ve taken this mighty vitamin and channeled it into the most hydrating, brightening and glow-giving skincare possible. Here’s the line-up:
Start with our Enzyme Powder Polish (minimal level of Vitamin C) to gently buff and glow-up skin by removing dull, dead skin cells. This powdered formula shields the Vitamin C from being diluted and oxidized in a watery solution. Simply activate the powder with drops of water, mix in your hands and massage gently onto skin for around 15 seconds.
Next up, deploy our Dreamy Glow Drops serum. This one’s designed for a daily dose (morning, night or both!) of Vitamin C at a higher concentration, with no water required. Just shake to activate the bi-phase oil-water Vitamin C formula, apply a few drops and let your skin drink it up. Stay tuned for a gradual evening-out of complexion.
Our final contender in this brightening brigade is the Super Bounce Mask. We reserve this Vitamin C face mask treatment for a once-a-week indulgence, like a spa-day at your place. Its superpower is all about preventative protection against signs of premature ageing. Mind you, we’ll always be grateful for the glorious privilege of growing old and relishing skincare rituals in every phase of life.
Care for your Vitamin C like it cares for you
It’s important to look after your skin-saviours so we recommend keeping your Glow Berries faves in a cool, dark place. Why? Direct sunlight exposure can oxidize that magical Vitamin C, reducing its potency. Our Enzyme Polish and Bounce Mask have clever, opaque packaging to help reduce this even further.
Oh, and ALWAYS SPF
Vitamin C and SPF are besties. When you’re using products with Vitamin C, it’s mega-important to slather on a good glaze of sun protection on top. While Vitamin C doesn’t make skin more vulnerable to sunburn, the most potent Vitamin C becomes unstable when exposed to light. Sunscreen of at least SPF30 helps to prevent further free radical damage and allow Vitamin C to protect the skin even further. A no-brainer step for everyday wear.
Shop our Vitamin C heroes here 🍑
