Well, if you’ve spent most of your time basking in the sun this summer, you might notice a few pesky changes to your beloved and immaculate complexion: uneven patches here, some dark spots there, and sometimes even a fine line or two. Then you start worrying about how to get clear and glowing skin instantly!
But, don’t stress! This magical ingredient will level up your skin-brightening game big time. Yes, we’re talking about the big ‘C’. Let’s be honest: Vitamin C is not a new kid on the skincare block…it’s a tried and trusted skin booster and anti-aging fighter, which has been proven by this study. We’re just here to remind you that it deserves a permanent spot in your skincare routine. And, the best place to start is with these star serums. But before we begin, let’s understand some basics.
What exactly is Vitamin C?
Think of it as the chief antioxidant that wards off the bad guys! We’re talking free radicals, environmental aggressors and damage from infrared and visible light. As per a study, Vitamin C also plays a vital role in improving skin health and does an outstanding job at keeping your skin barrier strong, speeding up collagen production and brightening up your visage.
Do you really need Vitamin C products?
Yes! Because it actually works—and dermatologists agree too! Here’s how: It inhibits your skin’s melanin production as per this study, which is what causes those annoying dark spots and pigmentation in the first place. However, its skincare payoffs aren’t just restricted to its antioxidant status. For starters, this highly acidic ingredient triggers the skin to heal itself by putting a spurt on the production of collagen and elastin (the natural protein fibres that keep skin plump and firm). Another cool thing about this ingredient: it fades brown spots without altering normal skin pigmentation. The result: a radiant and luminous complexion. Now you see, there are multiple benefits of taking vitamin C seriously in your skin care routine!
How should you use it?
- If your skin tends to be oily, start off your routine with a foaming cleanser and then follow up with a Vitamin C serum and then gel moisturiser.
- If you belong to the dry skin club, use a hydrating cleanser, toner and a Vitamin C rich serum and moisturiser.
- If you have sensitive skin, it's best to start out with a low concentration and work your way up as your skin grows more accustomed to the ingredient. It’s also a good idea to combine with a skin soothing emollient.
What else should you know?
- Two is ALWAYS better than one! Look for multitasking serums that are packed with complementary ingredients like Vitamin E and Hyaluronic acid. When Vitamin C is combined with Vitamin E, it becomes much more stable and effective at decreasing pigmentation and sun spots.
- Give your skincare routine a boost; active ingredients like Vitamin C can be mixed with your existing skincare favourites to fully reap its benefits and make it a Vitamin C Skincare routine.
- Avoid mixing your Vitamin C with your retinol products as they can deactivate the ingredient. So, stick to slapping on the Vitamin C serum in the a.m. and save the retinol products for your p.m. routine.
- Vitamin C is highly unstable and breaks down when exposed to light and air. This is why you’ll see them usually in dark coloured bottles and should be stored away from direct sunlight.
Products You Must Try
1. Hyphen Golden Hour Glow Serum with Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid & Kakadu Plum
Want glowing skin like Kriti Sanon? Try Hyphen’s golden hour glow serum that claims it can help you achieve glowing skin in just 2 weeks. With Niacinamide that reduces pigmentation and the goodness of ingredients like Alpha Arbutin, Kakadu Plum, Peptides, Aloe Vera, and more. The serum is also alcohol and fragrance free, non-comedogenic – ensuring your pores are not clogged – and 100% vegan.
2. The Derma Co. 10% Cica-glow Face Serum With Tranexamic Acid & Kojic Acid
If you love a lightweight formula, opt for the Derma Co. 10% Cica-Glow serum that is fast absorbing with a hydrating formula. The serum is packed with cica extract as well as kojic and tranexamic, which blend to create a formula that will make your skin glow by controlling melanin production. As you say goodbye to dark spots, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this serum will nourish the skin and help fight radical damage.
3. Mamaearth Vitamin C Daily Glow Face Serum
Combining the powers of Vitamin C, niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and turmeric, the Mamawearth Glow Face serum helps revive the natural glow of your skin and reduce dullness. It also fights damage, improves texture, and minimises further growth of dark spots. Endorsed by Shilpa Shetty, the brand is cruelty free and undertakes sustainable practices to stay plastic positive.
4. Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Serum For Face
As we brave the summer sun, it is important to take care of your skin and give it the much needed TLC after sun exposure. Minimalist’s 10% Vitamin C serum helps tone dull skin with sun damage and dark spots. It also has Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), which brightens and enhances skin texture along with the goodness of hyaluronic acid & centella water to soothe and heal the skin.
5. COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum
Talk about packing in a punch! This 23% pure vitamin C serum helps prevent early signs of ageing, fades dark spots, and supports firmness. The highly concentrated serum from the viral brand Cosrx also slows skin damage. Meanwhile, ingredients like hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
6. St.Botanica Vitamin C 20% + Vitamin E & Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum
This serum from St. Botanica is one of our favorites, thanks to its cocktail of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid, a combo that boosts the efficacy of Vitamin C eight-fold. This trio works in sync to leave your complexion radiant, plump and smooth. Plus, it can be used on any skin type under the skin, even sensitive.
7. Dot & Key Vitamin C Face Serum With Hyaluronic Acid
Featuring two super star ingredients, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, this results-oriented serum goes to work on dark spots, dullness and pigmentation so your skin can go filter-free. Not to mention its adorable packaging that makes it Insta-worthy! Go on, give it a try. We know you won’t stop there.
8. Age Lock Vitamin C Booster Serum
Packed with Vitamin C, Aloe leaf extracts, Red Berries and Lactic Acid, this stuff sends brown spots, uneven skin patches and moisture loss straight to the ditch for clear luminosity. It sinks deep into the skin and seriously brightens your complexion – a few tiny drops are plenty. Plus, you can use this baby both in the A.M and P.M.
9. Kiehl's Powerful - Strength Line - Reducing & Dark Circle diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum
This classic serum was reinvented to include a higher dose of Vitamin C (from 10-12 %), along with Glucoside. Because of the moisturising Hyaluronic Acid it contains, your skin will instantly feel hydrated and smooth. Also, Dermatologists swear that it works wonders on fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. Slap it on at night, either alone or mixed with your favourite moisturiser.
10. It's Skin Power 10 Formula VC Effector
This Vitamin C and Green Tea extract serum is a formidable force against fine lines, wrinkles and dullness. The Vitamin C clarifies and brightens skin while the natural-antioxidant Green Tea boosts skin health and diminishes signs of ageing. And, the fact that it is free of scents, artificial colour and alcohol makes it so much better.
