Vitamin C is a game changer in the skincare industry!
It is one of the most trusted and preferred ingredients by dermatologists. Not to brag, but this potent ingredient is known to target many of your skin concerns like uneven tone skin, antiaging, and skin hydration. The key is that you pick up the right type in the right form for your skin type. Having said that the best and most suitable way to feed Vitamin C to your skin is a serum. There are various derivatives of Vitamin C available in the topical form - serums to suit your skin type.
Here’s a quick guide to knowing which type of vitamin C works best for which concern.
4 Best Forms Of Vitamin C For All Skin Types
1. L - ascorbic acid
It is the purest and most effective type of vitamin C for the skin.
L - ascorbic acid helps to -
- neutralize free radical damage and
- increase the skin firmness
- boost collagen production
But, the hydrophilic nature of this vitamin C derivative facilitates its poor penetration into the skin. When used on the skin, it may cause irritations and adverse skin reactions. Also, this form of the vitamin is highly unstable and gets quickly oxidized on exposure to sun and air. To prolong the shelf life of vitamin C products, make sure to store them in a cool, dark place.
2. Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (EAA)
Ethyl ascorbic acid is a potent form of vitamin C, which is stable in nature and has an aqueous base. This form of vitamin C is enriched with antioxidant qualities that make it a commonly used topical ingredient in anti-aging and hyperpigmentation products.
- It penetrates deep into the skin giving it thorough nourishment.
- Mildly exfoliates to even tone skin.
- Promotes collagen production for anti-aging effects.
- It restores melanin balance to treat pigmentation, and dark post to deliver even tone skin.
- This form of vitamin C is considered most suitable for normal skin types.
However, for sensitive skin, it is advised to go for other forms of vitamin C such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is highly gentle on the skin.
3. Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP)
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a highly stable form of vitamin C that does not easily oxidize. It is water-soluble in nature and made by mixing salt, ascorbic acid, and phosphate together. When applied to the skin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate converts into ascorbic acid. This process makes it less active and unlikely to bring skin irritation. This purest form of Vitamin C is non-irritating in nature and is considered a perfect fit for oily/acne-prone skin.
- Gentle on acne-prone skin
- Treat acne and breakouts effectively
- Fights dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- Works well with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E
- Have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
4. Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate is the newest form of vitamin C that can be more easily absorbed by the skin than any form of vitamin C. This is because the skin is made up of a lipid (oil) layer that does not allow water to penetrate inside without a helping hand. Here's how ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate comes into action.
- It is an oil-soluble form that enhances its ability to get through and deliver the best results.
- It is suitable for all skin types.
- Adding this vitamin C formula to the night skin care regimen will work to reverse the skin damage that your skin endures the whole day
- It offers excellent skin cell regeneration to prevent aging signs.
Quick Insight Before You Finally Choose
To get the most out of your vitamin C products, look for the formulas that contain the most stabilized forms of vitamin C.
Here’s why derms explain that older vitamin C formulations had irritation potential as they were made using the most effective and purest form of L-ascorbic acid. But, the major challenge with L ascorbic acid is that it is highly unstable and gets oxidized easily.
The newly discovered vitamin C derivatives at specific concentrations do not oxidize and also penetrate through the skin easily to deliver pure vitamin C content without causing irritations.
Final thought
From brightening dull skin tone to defying the signs of aging, vitamin C has always been appreciated for its multiple benefits. Though, ignoring your skin type while choosing vitamin C products can do a lot worse than good. Also, know which ingredients to avoid with vitamin C. To keep skin safe from these unwanted skin woes, it is always good to analyze your skin type and concerns before you start your skincare journey.
P.S.
Vitamin C is a hero ingredient in the skincare world that boosts the efficiency of sunscreen to prevent wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines. Whereas a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 helps to protect vitamin C from getting oxidized by sun exposure and also neutralizes free radical damage. By using both together in your skincare regimen you can enjoy their multiple benefits for youthful and glowing skin with optimum protection from the sun. For beginners, vitamin C and sunscreen are both powerful products that work against signs of aging.
