Occasionally, our bodies need a little emergen-C kick to boost its immunity, but our skin can definitely benefit from some topical zing as well. Yup, we couldn’t let the year draw to a close without mentioning the most searched skincare ingredient of 2017: Vitamin C.
Why the spike in hype this year?
Known for its multi-functional ability to answer every skincare woe, vitamin C has actually been adored by skincare experts, makeup artists, and celebrities for the longest time now. However, a recent research conducted by Pinterest shows that vitamin C’s ‘saves on pinning’ went up by a whopping 3379%, so it’s pretty evident that this is skincare ingredient is having a hot moment right now.
What can it do for my skin?
For starters, vitamin C is an antioxidant – which is great news. To get a little sciencey about it (indulge me, won’t you?), vitamin C can donate electrons to neutralise free radicals created in skin after sun damage triggered by oxidative stress. So while vitamin C can’t protect skin like your daily sunscreen can, it most certainly can help to minimise damage that’s invisible to the naked eye.
Besides shielding the skin from free radicals, vitamin C is also one of the most reliable anti-ageing ingredients as it’s able to stabilise and create collagen molecules. Since topical and edible collagen aren’t exactly doing your skin any good, that fresh vitamin C serum of yours will certainly work double duty.
For those with acne-prone complexions seeking to reduce visible redness, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, vitamin C’s also got your back. Tag-teamed with its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C helps to expedite your skin’s natural healing process to leave it brighter and more even-toned. Here, we’ve picked 5 formulations to prep your skin for the New Year.
True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster
Once vitamin C is mixed with liquid, it starts to lose its efficacy, which is why this particular Vitamin C Booster comes in powder form. Combined with ferulic acid, this reparative treatment is kept in its freshest form in order to retain its potency. Add 2-3 shakes of it to any serum, mist, or, if you’re in a pinch, water.
US$90, available at truebotanicals.com.
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate with 12.5% Vitamin C
Now formulated with even more vitamin C, the brand has infused its bestselling Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate with 10.5% L-ascorbic acid and 2% ascorbyl glucoside to boost radiance, improve texture, and visibly minimise pores over time. Its new and improved formula also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin.
$105, available from 5 Jan 2018 at Kiehl’s stores.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Oh yes, a local stockist has finally brought in the cult-favourite skincare label Drunk Elephant, and we’ve got our eyes locked on their C-Firma Day Serum. Packed with a potent antioxidant complex, fruit enzymes, essential nutrients, and a chronopeptide that delivers all the benefits of vitamin D, this serum promises a brighter, more youthful complexion with continued use.
$125, available at altcos.com.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%
Affordability never equates to inefficacy when it comes to products from The Ordinary, and the same goes for their vitamin C treatment. Similar to the Kiehl’s serum, the key is its combination of L-ascorbic acid and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid), which work in tandem to brighten, hydrate, and smooth the skin’s surface.
$18.60, available at altcos.com.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
Every skincare junkie has waxed poetic about the genius of skin-care boosters, but allow us to refresh your memory with this vitamin C-spiked dropper. Made with 15% of pure vitamin c, you’ll only need to add a drop or two to your daily moisturiser to see a visible change in skin tone, texture, and firmness after a few uses.
$68, available at paulaschoice.sg.
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