Vitamin C has had an impressive rise in popularity in recent years. But although incredible, it is a capricious substance. Keep reading if you want to know more.
It seems that nowadays there is vitamin C in creams, serums, and toners everywhere. From designer brand products that cost thousands and thousands of pesos, to serums in small stores that cost less than a coffee (I swear, I've seen them), countless bottles advertise vitamin C in their components, and promise you to achieve healthier skin. smooth and luminous. But you can't trust everything on the market, and I'll tell you why.Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a naturally occurring acid that forms crystals. We obtain it from food and it helps us form blood vessels, heal wounds, form collagen, bones, cartilage, and muscle. It also helps us absorb iron from food. It is a powerful antioxidant, this means that it protects our cells from free radicals (harmful substances that are formed when we are exposed to the sun, smoke, or digest food).
When we apply it directly to the skin, vitamin C protects us from those free radicals and causes us to produce collagen. After 3 months of use, studies show that it smoothes wrinkles, gives luminosity, firmness, and improves the texture and shine of the skin. Sounds wonderful doesn't it? Yes, but it's not that easy.
Have you ever heard that when you squeeze orange juice you have to drink it in less than 10 minutes or it loses its vitamin C? This is true. You see, ascorbic acid is a difficult molecule to synthesize and stabilize. Upon contact with oxygen, it oxidizes easily and loses its qualities. Companies that produce high-quality vitamin C invest a lot of technology in creating products with vitamin C that really work, and don't spoil quickly. And when they sell a concentrated serum that oxidizes in less than a month, serious companies explain it to you. I see countless products on the street or online that promise very high percentages of vitamin C, with minimal costs. And that is simply impossible. Look for the company that sells it to be established and with a good reputation, preferably that the ingredient says “ascorbic acid,” or that the vitamin C says “liposomed,” “stabilized,” or “encapsulated.”
Where to start? Here is a list of my favorite vitamins C:
- Neostrata Enlighten Pigment Controller 50ml : For many years, the neostrata company has been characterized by launching powerful, high-quality active substances on the market. And their Enlighten line is no exception. A favorite of many for years, this fluid contains retinol and stabilized vitamin C. You will see the luminosity of the skin. Apply it all over your face except around the eyes, only at night for two weeks. If it doesn't irritate you, you can increase it to day and night.
- Sesderma C-Vit Liposomal Serum 30ml : When I think of sesderma, I think of textures. In my opinion, it is one of the dermatological brands with the best galenics (texture and sensation of its products), and any of its creams will give you an incredible feeling. But liposomed C Vit also has stabilized vitamin C in high concentrations. Is there anything better? Apply it day and night, avoiding the eye area. You can use it alone, or before the rest of your creams.
- Bioderma Pigmentbio C Concentrate 15ml : Bioderma has extensive experience in dermatology. Recently, she launched her anti-pigment line, Pigmentbio. They have a day cream, a night cream, a micellar solution... but my favorite product is without a doubt their lightening concentrate. It has concentrated vitamin C, and also glycolic acid for an exfoliating and anti-aging boost. Apply 5 drops to your face every night, alone or before your creams.
- La Roche Posay Pure Vitamin C La Roche Posay : The name says it all. La Roche Posay launched one of the few pure vitamins C on the market (in its ingredients you can read “ascorbic acid”), with high concentration. Its touch of salicylic acid increases cell renewal and vitamin penetration, and hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates. Its velvety finish fascinates me. And the truth is: La Roche Posay is a guarantee. Apply 5 drops to the face, avoiding the eye area, morning and night.
- Avène A Oxitive Avene Anti-Oxidant Serum 30ml : Another giant in dermatology, Avene put all its experience into this serum. A Oxitive contains Pro Vitamin C, a stabilized form of vitamin C with powerful smoothing action. I love the delicate scent and non-greasy texture of this serum. Apply a pump on your face morning and night.
- Vichy Liftactiv Supreme Vitamin C Serum Vichy : The bottle is tiny, I know. And you have to finish it in 30 days, my recommendation is 15 days preferably (Oh no!). But trust me, it's worth it. This vichy serum contains 15% pure ascorbic acid. Its high concentration means that it is more unstable (which is why it is better to finish it sooner), but that 15% is noticeable in the results: noticeably smoother and brighter skin in just a few days. I highly recommend it to my patients before an event, or if they can, as an antioxidant “shot” every two or three months. Apply 5 drops to the face, day and night before the rest of the products. You will love it.
Dermatology products are expensive, I know. But I have always thought that it is better to invest in a quality product than to buy 15 cheap ones that will be of no use to you.
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