Nature's Brightening Hero: Vitamin C
We add superfoods rich in Vitamin C to our smoothies to keep us healthy, take multivitamins loaded with it to increase cellular health, and even dissolve tablets with the color and taste of sweet orange in water to prevent our bodies from being attacked by airborne substances. But do we really need this all-important vitamin on our face?
The short answer is YES! But only if you want hydrated, healthy, even-toned, glowing, bright, and beautiful skin. Of course, we’ll wait while you run to the bathroom, wash your face, and apply that vitamin C serum this minute.
That’s right. The same nutrient-boosting substances that prevent us from getting sick and help with tissue repair, cellular health, and wound healing are ingredient heroes that we here at Team Wren and Wild absolutely can’t live without.
But don’t take our word for it. Let’s see what our favorite green beauty queens say about the all-powerful, essential Vitamin C.
Antioxidant
We are familiar with vitamin C as an antioxidant that helps protect us from getting sick. When it comes to our face, this means it helps fight harmful free radical damage (the damage caused by toxins coming in contact with the skin) like ultraviolet rays and air pollution. Put simply by one of our favorite green reginas, Tata Harper, "Antioxidants help fight the effects of free radicals that can diminish your glow and make you look older than you are." Tata stands by her word with products galore that allow nature to work its magic on our dull skin.
Tata has long believed in the power of an essence to soup up your face serums and moisturizers. Concentrated Brightening Essence says it all. It is packed with nutrient-rich vitamins to get you glowing and radiant and prep your skin for her C-packed, supernatural Brightening Serum, which will boost the effects of a gloriously bright and even skin tone.
Brightens & Targets Hyperpigmentation
Berlin Skin also hits the vitamin C mark with some pro-aging support. Another vitamin C superpower is to enhance and illuminate your skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots by blocking the production of pigment (which makes C a go-to ingredient) to help lessen the appearance of hyperpigmentation and improve the appearance of mature skin. Try Berlin Skin's Neroli Gel Cleanser and their lightening, brightening, and protecting superhero, Carrot Seed Serum.
Supports Collagen Synthesis
Healthline states, “Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that depletes over time. Lower levels of Collagen can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, collagen synthesis can’t happen without vitamin C.” Now, we’re talking! Vitamin C Supports Collagen Synthesis. Whoo! Marie Veronique suggests her C + E + Ferulic Serum as a retinol alternative for pregnant mamas. Antioxidant by day, retinol by night, our skin is winning!
Youthful Looking
The Queens over at Vintner’s Daughter call Vitamin C: “nature’s best firming brightener” and say, “regular application of Vitamin C therefore results in Firmer, Younger And Healthier-Looking Skin.”
Vintner’s Active Treatment Essence contains a stabilized form of vitamin C, and its aqueous formula ensures instant absorption. Gentle enough for daily, morning, and evening use, Active Treatment Essence ensures your complexion can take full advantage of vitamin C’s many benefits for noticeable, brighter, radiant skin.
Treats Acne
Last but not least on our list of benefits, nature's excellent C can help with acne. Try Tammy Fender's Essential C Tonic, loved by oily, combination, or acne-prone skin along with her Luminous Morning Cream, blended with naturally uplifting citrus essences—including Neroli and Sweet Orange—to revitalize the complexion and brighten your day.
The studies are out, our favorite green queens have spoken, and it’s a big win for us who want bright, beautiful skin.
That said, we understand that if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, not every vitamin C formulation is for you. So, let's take a look at what the percentages of Vitamin C mean and give a nod to our amazing brands that give our skin all the TLC it needs.
Vitamin C concentrations typically range from 5% to 20% in skincare formulations, with 10% to 15% being the sweet spot with the most effectiveness and least irritability. Anything over 20% can cause skin irritation and redness. 5% - 10% is a good starting point for those with sensitive skin, allowing the skin to adjust gradually.
Le Prunier doesn’t need to add anything to care for the sensitive types. Their 100% plum seed oil naturally protects, heals, and hydrates. Plums are rich in antioxidants, and this Plum Beauty Oil will brighten, balance, and restore skin while locking in moisture for a soft, youthful glow. Our friends at Odacité have a beautiful Vitamin C Serum powered by a dynamic antioxidant duo of Vitamin C & E, hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and an intensely nourishing Vitamin Complex, this skin-compatible formula helps balance skin tone, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fights oxidative damage from free radicals.
Let's not forget about the body! C-Glow Hydra-Firm Body Oil, the firming body oil formulated with face-grade ingredients and a double dose of Vitamin C to deliver proven results. And our latest brand, Tronque targets pigmentation hard with their dynamic trio of Scar Concentrate, Vitamin C Body Oil and Firming Butter.
To prevent your product from deteriorating, store it in a cool, dark spot. This helps maintain its stability and, therefore, its effectiveness. Remember, serums should be applied before your moisturizer. This allows the Vitamin C to penetrate your skin more effectively. Consistency is key for maximum effect. Add it to your skincare routine today and enjoy the benefits.
Shine bright, beauty!