How and why to incorporate Vitamin C into your skincare routine

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I've written posts on Vitamin C in the past and have explained that it really is a wonder ingredient for the skin that most people will see benefits from through regular use. That being said, not everyone can use it on a daily basis as it can cause some sensitivity/reaction (I fall into this category - in general! There are some exceptions). I still think it's worth persisting with and finding the right product for you - whether it's through the product type/combination/frequency of use, because of the benefits it gives. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, which boosts the plumpness of the skin, It also inhibits the production of melanin, which helps with areas of hyperpigmentation and also general dullness of the skin. It also encourages renewal at a cellular level, which in turn firms the skin.  Sounds like the perfect skincare ingredient, right? The problem is that it can be incredibly unstable and who wants to waste their money on a product that will be ineffective or go off within a few weeks? Also, if a product doesn't suit your skin, it doesn't necessarily mean the actual ingredient doesn't so it is worth trying to find a way to make it work for you, especially when the benefits are as effective as with Vitamin C. Today I want to share some great Vitamin C products with you and I am hoping that there is something for everyone. I'd also love to hear what your favourite way to use the ingredient is?

                                                                                                                         

Toner: Pixi Vitamin C Tonic* is probably the easiest way to use Vitamin C on a daily or, at least regular, basis. What I personally like about this product is that it doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky or tacky in the way that some Vitamin C products can. The concentration of Vitamin C isn't very high, however it is pretty stable and it is effective enough for it to be a gentle introduction to the ingredient, which will brighten the skin gradually with consistent use. It's also inexpensive and because it is sold in 100ml bottles, there is less chance that it will oxidise if you use regularly. Pixi have an entire Vitamin C line that is worth checking out as there is a product in pretty much every category. The serum was my favourite that I tried from the range but I found that it oxidised too quickly for my liking. That being said, I switch my products up regularly so if you aren't a blogger and want to use a Vitamin C serum daily that really will make a difference in terms of tone and brightness, I would still recommend it.

Serum: I have quite a few serums in this photo but they certainly aren't all open because it would literally be a waste of product and money. As a blogger, I'm lucky to receive products (as well as buying quite a bit myself) and I only have one face so I simply cannot have two many Vitamin C serums open at the same time. I find that these are a very easy way to incorporate Vitamin C into your daily routine but I personally leave a little time before layering with another serum (hydrating for example) as I think they can sometimes have a tendency to pill otherwise. The Omorovicza Daily Vitamin C serum is a repurchase because I find that I can use it daily, the formula is stable and it is also very effective, yet gentle. (Full review here).  Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum* is another low-irritant formula, gentle enough for daily use on my reactive skin. It combines 22% Pineapple Juice, pure Ascorbic Acid and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid with soothing Aloe and Chamomile. This serum is particularly great for scarring and pigmentation. Probably the most powerful of Vitamin C serums I have used to date, is Sunday Riley CEO Rapid Flash Brightening Serum. There is no doubt that Sunday Riley skincare is expensive however I personally find the products to be very effective. This particular serum contains 15% THD Ascorbate, which only converts into L-Ascorbic Acid once it comes into contact with the skin so it is incredibly stable. I find that this serum increases radiance, firmness and texture of the skin. This is actually my third bottle - repurchases aren't always very frequent for beauty bloggers! Two serums that I have yet to open (to protect their efficacy) are Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum* and Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum*.  I'm really looking forward to using both but due to the instability of Vitamin C, I will wait until I finish some others. I have tried some other products from both brands with great results so I look forward to using them. For travelling purposes, or if you only like to use Vitamin C once weekly, or less, a good option is a serum capsule like these Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules*.  There are 30 in each tub, each containing a powerful dose of Vitamin C but also ceramides, which help to strengthen the skin's barrier function. I have found these particularly effective in fading scarring while also helping skin to feel soft and supple. If you find Vitamin C products too drying usually, I would highly recommend giving these a go. Use the code LYMIN to save 20% at checkout.

Face oil: Those with inflamed or easily irritated skin will really appreciate Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow as it contains turmeric, which acts as an anti-inflammatory, and evening primrose oil, which really nourishes the skin. This can be used daily, morning or night, layered with other products or as a final step, depending on your skin's needs. I like the injection of moisture that this gives my skin as my skin always feels comfortable, nourished, plump and looks radiant when I use this. The only slight down side is the scent but the hint of turmeric soon dissipates. 

Masks: Image skincare is another brand that has an entire Vitamin C line and whist I have not tried everything from it, I really love two masks. Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque* is a great option if you really find that daily or even twice weekly use of Vitamin C is too harsh for your skin as it will give brightening and softening effects even if used just once weekly. It gently exfoliates the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, revealing smooth and bright skin. It also contains Vitamins A and E so skin looks polished but doesn't feel at all stripped - perfect for before a night out, when skin is looking dull. Regular readers will know that I love a good overnight mask and Vital C Hydrating Overnight Masque* is a great pick because it is instantly soothing and cooling, due to the gel texture, but it doesn't feel tacky on the skin. This mask also contains blue-green algae extract, which helps to smooth the skin so the overall result is that I wake to smooth, refined, hydrated and brighter skin. Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste falls between the exfoliator/mask category. It can be used daily but I personally find maybe twice weekly is ample. It heats slightly when applied to the skin but isn't at all uncomfortable. Full review here but this is a great quick fix for dull skin

Eye cream: The Dermalogica Biolumin-C Eye Serum* is pretty new to my routine so it's too early to give you a full review but what I can say is that it's quite lightweight, which I like, and it appears to be smoothing. I am looking forward to seeing long-term results after more use. I'm quite fussy with eye products so if an eye cream can firm and brighten, I will be sold!

I would love to hear your thoughts on these product and how your incorporate Vitamin C into your routine?

Thanks for reading! 

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been gifted without any obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.