This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
As I have said before, skincare is confusing as there are many beneficial ingredients to consider. So you have to find out which would be best for your skin. This week I am writing about Vitamin C. In previous articles, I have looked at Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.
Ageing is an inevitable process that affects all of us, and as women mature, the signs of ageing become more apparent, particularly on the skin. Wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots can dampen one’s confidence and self-esteem. However, there is a secret weapon that mature women can rely on to boost their skin’s health and appearance: Vitamin C. Known for its potent antioxidant properties, it has been gaining popularity in the skincare world for its numerous benefits, especially for those in their mature years.
The Power of Vitamin C
It is scientifically known as ascorbic acid, and plays a vital role in collagen synthesis, a protein responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and structure. As women age, collagen production decreases, leading to sagging and the formation of wrinkles. By incorporating Vitamin C into their skincare routine, mature women can stimulate collagen production, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and promoting a firmer, more youthful complexion.
Anti-Ageing Elixir
One of the most sought-after benefits of Vitamin C is its anti-ageing prowess. Its antioxidant properties protect the skin from harmful free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage skin cells, accelerating the ageing process. By neutralizing free radicals, it shields the skin from oxidative stress and prevents premature ageing, keeping it looking vibrant and healthy.
Brightening & even skin tone
Mature women may also experience hyperpigmentation and dark spots due to sun exposure and hormonal changes. Vitamin C has natural skin-lightening properties that can help fade these spots, promoting a more even skin tone. As a result, the complexion appears brighter and more radiant, restoring a youthful glow.
Protection against sun damage
Excessive sun exposure can wreak havoc on the skin, leading to sunburn, pigmentation, and the breakdown of collagen. While Vitamin C is not a substitute for sunscreen, studies suggest that it can enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens when used in combination. By providing an additional layer of defence against harmful UV rays, it can help mitigate sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Boosting Hydration
Mature skin tends to be drier as it loses moisture-retaining capabilities with age. Vitamin C assists in strengthening the skin’s barrier, allowing it to retain moisture more effectively. Regular use of Vitamin C-infused products can lead to better-hydrated skin, resulting in a plumper and more supple complexion is undoubtedly a game-changer in the skincare regimen of mature women. Its ability to stimulate collagen production, combat free radicals, brighten the skin, and protect against sun damage makes it a powerful ally in the fight against visible signs of ageing. Embracing the benefits of Vitamin C can empower mature women to embrace their natural beauty and age gracefully with skin that exudes radiance and confidence. As always, consulting a dermatologist is recommended before introducing any new skincare product into your routine to ensure it is suitable for your unique skin needs.
Here are some of my top recommendations for skincare products that include Vitamin C:
Balance Me Vitamin C Serum £35 is a very reliable and affordable range of skincare. They have many products containing Vitamin C, including a skin serum and an eye serum. This brand is well worth looking at for all things skincare. This serum combines stabilised Vitamin C and Boerhavia Diffusa for maximum efficacy and Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration. Fragranced with uplifting, sunshine aromatherapeutic oils.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum £70 is best for reducing pore sizes. It helps remove dead skin cells, which is an added bonus.
Medik8 C-Tetra Serum £34.50. This potent serum has a formulation that’s designed to penetrate your skin deeply. This helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, it shields the skin against pollution and other environmental aggressors. Plus, it’s cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and free from artificial fragrances.
Skin Ceuticals C E Ferulic £165 This is very popular with skin professionals. However, it is hugely expensive (out of my budget). It is a clinically proven, award-winning, and positively praised patented Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid formula. But it doesn’t have Retinol and vegan-friendly ingredients.
Habitual Skin Triple Vitamin C Serum £43. Apart from all the normal benefits of using a Vitamin C serum, Habitual has some great antioxidant benefits. It has a very light texture that blends perfectly with sunscreen and makeup foundation, making it easy to add an antioxidant booster every day.
Dermaceutic Tri Vita C30 £57.60 contains 30% Vitamin C and is probably the strongest in the market. It is a combination of three different forms of Vitamin C that promise to reach several layers of the skin. It provides longer-lasting protection and rejuvenation than ever before.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vit C Brightening Serum £70. I love this brand of skincare and whilst I have not tried this serum I am sure it will work. The reviews say that whilst expensive it works and is better than many of the other more expensive serums.
Dermalogica multi-vitamin serum reduced to £35.75 This serum includes Vitamins A,C & E. Featuring an innovative microencapsulated vitamin complex, this velvety-smooth serum is a multitasking powerhouse with its ability to hydrate, even out skin texture and address the first signs of ageing. It might be a bit late for me as I am in about the fourth stage of ageing.
The Inkey List Vitamin C & EGF Serum £15.99 THE INKEY LIST’s aim is simple: break through beauty jargon to deliver a straightforward take on the skin care’s most-wanted ingredients. Uniting antioxidant-rich vitamin C and signal peptide, EGF, this all-new 15% Vitamin C and EGF Serum helps to brighten and speed up skin regeneration.
Hopefully, I have not confused you with too many products. If you want to try Vitamin C on your skin, then perhaps start with the one from The Inkey List, and then if it suits your skin, you can try other more expensive ones.