What are the benefits of Vitamin C?

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C is a star active ingredient to combat skin oxidation and, by extension, skin aging. It is often referred to as the magic ingredient for improving skin radiance and fighting pigment spots. It's also what gives you that famous glow! But before you start using it, there are a few rules to follow because it is an unstable active ingredient that can easily "turn" and thus no longer deliver its benefits optimally. Don't panic, we'll explain!

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant molecule: meaning it can prevent skin oxidation, a phenomenon responsible for the production of free radicals (highly reactive oxygen molecules). This active ingredient stimulates collagen production, reduces skin aging, protects the skin from external aggressions (including oxidative stress, free radicals, skin photo-aging, etc.), reveals skin radiance, and fights pigment spots (scars, dark spots). In short, vitamin C is a bit of a star active ingredient for treating many problems.

However, be careful: there are several types of vitamin C because its purest form - L-ascorbic acid - is also its most unstable form. Hence the importance of choosing your skincare products carefully and paying attention to their proper storage. Often, it is recommended to use vitamin C derivatives instead because they are much more stable and generally better tolerated - especially by sensitive skin. This is the choice we made for the C-Activ+ Serum which combines several vitamin C derivatives at 15% for a powerful antioxidant action.

What are the benefits for my skin?

Visible anti-aging action

Vitamin C stimulates collagen and elastin production. Thanks to this action, it boosts cell renewal, making it an anti-wrinkle active ingredient of choice. The skin maintains its density and appears plumper. Its antioxidant properties effectively combat pigment spots caused by skin aging.

A natural radiance booster

If you have dull skin, vitamin C is for you. It helps reactivate cutaneous microcirculation. This gives a real boost to the essential nutrients for skin health, which rise to the upper layers of the epidermis. As a result, your skin is more radiant, it visibly "glows". For a boosted complexion and illuminated skin, opt for vitamin C-enriched boosters or serums.

A vitamin that promotes healing

A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect the skin against irritation, inflammatory reactions, and pollution. Very effective against imperfections, it reduces their appearance and promotes healing. It is also effective in combating the effects of stress.

A true natural sun

By reducing the oxidation of melanin, the pigment that colors skin and hair, it also enhances the effectiveness of sun protection products and offers the skin better protection against UV rays. If you have pigment spots, vitamin C can help reduce them, but don't forget to protect your skin and dark spots from the sun with an SPF 30 or 50 cream.

But which active ingredients should it be combined or not combined with?

To maximize its benefits, it is wise to combine it with certain compatible active ingredients, such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, which enhance its stability and effectiveness. It also works very well with hyaluronic acid, for optimal hydration and plump skin.

On the other hand, certain combinations should be avoided. Combining it with exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) can irritate sensitive skin due to a cumulative excessively acidic pH. Similarly, mixing vitamin C and retinol can cause redness, especially in reactive skin, although alternating use (morning/evening) may sometimes be possible.

It is also recommended to avoid products with very high concentrations of niacinamide, which can partially neutralize the action of vitamin C depending on their chemical form. To fully enjoy its effects, it is best to incorporate vitamin C in the morning, in the form of a serum, and always follow with sun protection.