Now, no matter how diligent you are in your daily wear of SPF (that one is a non-negotiable rule, remember?) you may have been exposed to more sun-rays than you care to ponder. But, don’t fret, dear beauty-loving MUMOKI Mamas. Vitamin C is here to save the day. And, if this ingredient hasn’t yet won an Oscar, we’re sure it’s about to have its long awaited moment any day.
Whether you’re trying to preserve that youthful glow or are more concerned with dark spots and hyperpigmentation that come with pregnancy, Vitamin C tends to be the multi-faceted, cure-all we love to love. It’s great whether you’re blemish-prone or dry-skinned, and it generally works easily into most skincare routines. It encourages glow, clarity, smoothness, and noticeable, overall skin-healthiness.
While it won’t magically erase severe pigmentation (don’t waste your money on products that will never solve what only a laser can) Vitamin C has proven to be effective in treating those cute little spots you perhaps once believed were spontaneous freckles, but are indeed sun damage. This power ingredient is also a clever way to protect the skin against those angry free radicals, boosting it with the dose of antioxidants it deserves. Preventative and restorative, not only does Vitamin C limit and treat UV damage — brightening and softening the skin until it resembles something of a baby’s bum — it also stimulates collagen production, hence slowing down the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Can we get an amen? Finally, Vitamin C decreases the synthesis of melanin, which is responsible for the apparition of dark spots and also boosts the ability of the skin to repair itself when wounded (attention, skin pickers and pimple poppers!). Convinced yet?
Since there are countless types of Vitamin C on the market that come in endless dosages and forms, we thought it best to break it all down, starting with a few key ideas to keep in mind. First and foremost, the two types of Vitamin C you’re most likely to find browsing the shelves of your local Sephora, Mecca Cosmetica or Priceline are L-Ascorbic Acid and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. The first is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C that doesn’t need to be converted once on the dermis. It is particularly effective and works wonders as an antioxidant, but can also play a part in the reduction of sun damage.
If your skin is too sensitive to handle L-Ascorbic Acid, then Tetrahexyldecyl may just be your million-dollar match (although nothing is ever safe, as anyone can react to anything). It is an oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that possesses the ability to penetrate the skin tissue deeper, making it fantastic at boosting collagen levels and minimising melanin production. Use these products sparingly though. We’re talking only a couple of times a week!
Sunday Riley‘s C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, available from Mecca Cosmetica is another fan-favourite worth giving a shot. Its creamy texture and glow-giving powers have seduced more than a handful of people on our team and feels extra comforting for drier skin types. If you’re in need of even more product recommendations, another brand to look out for is Dermalogica, who has created a clever serum that combines Vitamin C, but also lactic acid for a gentle exfoliation, along with chia seed oil for an additional dose of environmental protection. Not all heroes wear capes, eh?
If we haven’t yet convinced you to walk on the sunny side of Vitamin C alongside us, we’re not sure what will. Brightening, anti-aging, dark spot-reducing and more, this all-star ingredient packs a serious punch.
