Squeeze the goodness! While Vitamin C is well-known for its role in supporting the immune system, brain function, and healing, its skincare superpowers are a whole other story. On your skin, Vitamin C acts as a potent antioxidant - protecting healthy cells from environmental damage and playing a critical role in collagen production.
In our younger years, our skin naturally contains plenty of Vitamin C. But as we age, those levels decline, leading to visible signs of aging like dullness, fine lines, and loss of firmness. That’s where Vitamin C serums come in. Unlike creams, serums are made of smaller molecules, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeper and deliver targeted results.
Why Vitamin C Deserves a Spot in Your Skincare Routine
A high-quality Vitamin C serum can help brighten, firm, and even out the skin tone - making it a go-to for almost every skin type, from acne-prone and oily to dry, sensitive, or hyperpigmented. Whether you're aiming for a radiant glow or smoothing out texture and tone, Vitamin C is a key ingredient to help you reach your skincare goals.
Why Your Skin Loves Vitamin C
If there's one ingredient that deserves a top spot in your skincare routine, it's this antioxidant powerhouse. Here's what makes Vitamin C a standout:
Boosts Collagen for Firmer, Plumper Skin
Vitamin C is praised by dermatologists for being one of the best anti-aging ingredients on the market. When used regularly, it decreases the appearance of fine lines and sun spots. It does this by promoting collagen production. Collagen is a protein that naturally occurs in the body. As we age, we make less of it. The lack of collagen results in signs of aging like fine lines and skin that has lost some elasticity. Because Vitamin C is highly acidic, it initiates the skin's 'heal' reflex, thus accelerating collagen and elastin production.
How to Protect Collagen Naturally:
- Eating foods high in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, and avoiding a diet high in sugar, helps to prevent collagen breakdown.
- SPF! We trust you've heard this one before, but... SPF! Ultraviolet rays from the sun break down collagen. Sunscreen use is critical if you want to see results from your Vitamin C products.
- Quit smoking. Many chemicals found in tobacco damage collagen and elastin in the skin (amongst other things). Nicotine narrows blood vessels compromising skins health by reducing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
Brightens Dull Skin and Evens Tone
Vitamin C is packed sky-high with antioxidants and promotes healthy skin cell function and better moisture retention. Two things you'll need to get that glowy goodness. You may notice that Vitamin C-rich under-eye creams are buzz-worthy at the moment, and for good reason! While this workhorse ingredient is typically most effective at reducing overall redness, the right Vitamin C eye cream formula can deliver potent antioxidants to thin under-eye skin - brightening discolouration and firming the overall skin texture. Our Fitglow Beauty Eye C Firm has a 5% concentration of bio-available Vitamin C and contains Vitamin C Liposome, which is Vitamin C in its purest form. Pro tip: Keep it in the fridge for extra soothing and firming.
Defends and Repairs with Antioxidant Power
Because Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it protects skin cells from sun damage and free radicals. Free radicals are inherently unstable molecules, and their effects are no joke: they damage the dermis of the skin and alter the moisture barrier, skin texture, colour, and cell functioning. So while you can load up on Vitamin C in your diet, the best way to achieve glowy skin results is through application directly to the skin's surface. Not only does a Vitamin C serum act like armour against pollution, it aids in wound healing - good news for those of us who suffer from acne.
That Glow-Up You Can See
Topical Vitamin C's most notable contribution? That oh so dewy, youthful, glowing skin. Use Vitamin C on your skin once, and you'll see it; use it regularly over time, and the radiance is cumulative. Vitamin C softens dark spots by increasing cell turnover, resulting in a brighter, more even complexion. Its' anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness, dark spots, scars and irritation, making for a clear, silky skin tone and even complexion.
When and How to Apply Vitamin C
Apply your Vitamin C serum after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizer and SPF. A good rule of thumb for your skincare routine is to apply your products from thinnest to thickest texture; commonly: toner, serum, moisture, SPF. For optimal results, warm a small amount of Vitamin C serum onto your fingers and gently pat it in to your face and neck. If your skin is more on the reactive side, consider a patch test to assess your risk of reaction.
Clearing Up Common Myths About Vitamin C in Skincare
Myth 1: Vitamin C Is Only for Nighttime Use
Wrongo! You can use Vitamin C morning or evening. Vitamin C in its purest form is acidic, which is why it was once considered to make skin sensitive to the sun. Studies now show this powerful antioxidant can help protect skin against free radical damage from the sun and environmental pollution. Vitamin C contains a small amount of sun protection and helps your sunscreens' potency, though it should never be used alone as a sun barrier. Whichever time of day you choose to use it - consistency is key.
Myth 2: You Can’t Mix Vitamin C with Acids or Retinols
Not true! Vitamin C plays well with other ingredients! In fact, combining Vitamin C with some products like Niacinamide - a form of Vitamin B3 famous for its soothing and healing properties - help to combat skin discolouration. If pigmentation overproduction is your skin concern, Vitamin C helps prevent overproduction, while Niacinamide prevents pigmentation transfer within cells. The ultimate power couple! Vitamin C also pairs nicely with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E to enhance efficacy. While it can be used alongside retinol, it's best to space out the application over different times of the day or alternate the two in your nighttime routine.
Myth 3: Vitamin C Causes Skin Discolouration
Nope! When used over time, Vitamin C evens out and brightens the skin tone. If you're getting a bit of a faux tan look, it means your product has oxidized and will no longer be effective (bummer!). Unfortunately, Vitamin C is notoriously unstable. Exposure to air, light and heat can spoil your product. That is why every Vitamin C product sold at The Green Kiss comes in airtight pumps, opaque, or dark glass packaging. For best results, store your serum in a cool, dark place and keep an eye on the colour. A fresh formula should be clear to pale yellow. If it’s gone brown, it’s time to toss it—oxidized Vitamin C can do more harm than good.
Myth 4: Sensitive Skin Should Avoid Vitamin C
False! Vitamin C can still work wonders for you if your skin is highly reactive! Vitamin C serums and creams can be used on all skin types, you just have to find a compatible formulation. First, it is important to patch-test your product. From there, start with a small, spaced-out application, and build up (similar to when using a retinol). None of our products should sting or itch upon application. We recommend using Vitamin C every other day if the ingredient is new to your skincare routine.
Myth 5: Vitamin C Has to Be 20% to Work
Not true! While the 20% concentration of Vitamin C often gets hyped, effectiveness isn’t all about high percentages. In reality, a well-formulated serum with proper pH balance and high absorption can deliver impressive results at much lower concentrations. In fact, higher doses of L-ascorbic acid (the most potent form of Vitamin C) can be too harsh for many skin types, causing irritation or sensitivity. That’s why many dermatologists recommend starting with a lower concentration and gradually building up, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. The real key? Consistency and formulation. A lower-strength serum used regularly can provide cumulative benefits like brighter skin, reduced pigmentation, and boosted collagen production—without the risk of overdoing it. GK Pro Tip: Scan the ingredients list. Vitamin C should be near the top, which means you’re getting a meaningful dose—no matter the percentage.
Myth 6: Vitamin C Replaces Your Exfoliant
Nope! Unlike traditional exfoliants that use a physical or chemical process to slough away dead cells, Vitamin C promotes healthy cell turnover and, as a result, is mildly exfoliating, leaving skin brighter and smoother. New skin cells = that good glow! That said, Vitamin C does not replace your exfoliant. In fact, if you are not regularly exfoliating your skin before applying your Vitamin C products, you are not getting the full benefits from this rockstar ingredient.
Not All Vitamin C Products Are Created Equal
Would eating 50 oranges a day improve the quality of your skin? Yes. But we don't recommend it! There's a serum for that. As a highly-vetted and well-loved ingredient to skincare experts worldwide, it's no surprise there's an overabundance of Vitamin C serums on the market. We've taken our time to vet many different clean and effective Vitamin C serums and have curated a beautiful selection that has something for everyone.
For maximum results, Vitamin C is most effective when used in serum form—thanks to its potent concentration and superior skin absorption. But if serums aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other easy, effective ways to work this glow-boosting ingredient into your regimen:
Our Takeaway: The Power of Vitamin C - Brighter Skin, Fewer Wrinkles, More Confidence
Like we need any more convincing! Our hero, Vitamin C, known for its brightening, smoothing and firming abilities, is an ingredient that should be a part of everyone's skincare routine. Vitamin C is one of the best tried-and-true ingredients for your skin, with lots of research to back it up. It's strong enough to fight cold symptoms from the inside; and defends skin against dark spots, signs of ageing, air pollution and sun damage from the outside. It helps to heal blemishes and gives your skin that just-right glow. For optimal results, use Vitamin C in conjunction with a proper skincare regime. Pop into the shop, or contact us to discuss your skin type and create a personalized skincare routine that's just right for you.
All copy found on The Green Kiss website is written for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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