Spa+Clinic Team The prescribing of what skincare and when is a big issue for therapists, as is educating clients about how to use them for optimal results – and without side effects. Ultraceuticals’ Head of Education, Tracey Beeby, explains:
What age should you start to consider using vitamin C in skincare?
When we speak of vitamin C, we refer to this as the ingredient ascorbic acid, as this is the one true form of vitamin C.
Ascorbic acid works well in a stable formulation as an anti-ageing ingredient also helping with hydration, hyperpigmentation and redness, as well as being a potent antioxidant along with the derivatives.
As an antioxidant, these derivatives may be used in early 20s to aid in environmental protection and the prevention of free radical damage.
How does skin benefit from using vitamin C regularly?
Using vitamin C topically on a regular basis may assist to correct and prevent the skin from free radical damage, preserving and protecting skin cells from damage.
What time of day should I apply it?
It may be applied topically to the skin either morning or evening. Always ensure that an SPF of at least 30+ is used as a minimum when using active treatment products.
Best way to apply vitamin C?
How it is applied to the skin will vary depending on the base the product it is suspended in.
Generally, if ascorbic acid is in a silicone base, a light massage may be required on application to ensure the undissolved particles are able to penetrate the skin. Water-based ascorbic acid generally requires no massage.
Is it safe to be in the sun after using vitamin C skincare products?
The use of sunscreen daily is highly recommended no matter what active treatment products are being used on the skin.
However, the fact vitamin C reduces reactive oxygen species, it works to protect the cells from harmful free radical damage that is induced by the sun’s rays.
It is because of this action that it is of benefit to use a vitamin C skincare product underneath your daily SPF 30-50+.
Is a vitamin C serum better than a vitamin C cream?
Not necessarily. It’s all about the stability of the formulation and the vehicle in which the vitamin C is carried into the skin to make the product effective. For consumers, it is a choice: some prefer a cream base while others prefer a serum.
When will I start seeing results from vitamin C treatment?
Results are always dependent on the concern being treated and the triggering factors of the concern.
With this in mind, most results should be recognised within a 90-day period.
Is vitamin C ideal for all skin types?
Most skin types are able to use vitamin C, except for acneic skin or skin prone to breakouts.
What’s the biggest mistake people make with vitamin C skincare?
The greatest mistake is that many people do not know what they are purchasing. Not all vitamin C products are the same. As there are many vitamin C derivatives, you may not be getting the corrective benefits from your vitamin C product as anticipated. Products that claim to contain vitamin C are not always containing ascorbic acid but a derivative or provitamin C.
