Vitamin C for Sensitive Skin
In case you missed it, Vitamin C-especially in serum form- is all the rage. And while this antioxidant is beneficial for most people, those of us with sensitive skin have to proceed with caution.
We get questions all the time about adding a Vitamin C serum to a daily routine as well as questions about why it is so irritating to sensitive skin.
Here are some FAQ’s:
Why does my skin feel irritated by Vitamin C serums?
Once forms of Vitamin C are mixed into serum form, they must be on the acidic side of pH in order to be effective. The skin’s natural pH level is 4.5-5.5 and most Vitamin C serums are 2.5-3. Applying something acidic to sensitive skin on a daily basis will lead to irritation, redness and discomfort. The opposite of what we’re trying to accomplish.
How do I know if my Vitamin C serum is working?
First of all, check the color. When powdered mineral ascorbates are added to a water based serum, they become active. Then, they start to degrade and turn orangey or brown which means they are less effective.
What are the benefits of Vitamin C? Why should I add it?
Vitamin C protects the skin from free radical damage (oxidation), lightens and fades dark spots and also promotes collagen production. The trick is finding the form that works best for you. Our options come from fruit powders or oils or some synthesized forms-but they are highly buffered in soothing powders to be gentle yet effective.
How to get the benefits of this powerhouse antioxidant if I’m irritated by Vitamin C serums?
The answer is gently. We have 3 options.
Our Illuminating Powder Fruit Enzyme+VitaminC Creamy Cleanser contains gentle fruit powders of strawberry and papaya (gentle vitamin C), along with ascorbic acid (a powerful form of straight Vitamin C) all buffered by oat flour, coconut milk, arrowroot powder, rice flour and marshmallow root. It’s not overly acidic and it doesn’t degrade and turn brown as serums do when they age because you activate it with water when you’re ready to use it. Use it as a gentle daily cleanser for a low dose of Vitamin C or use it as an occasional mask for a higher (but still gentle)dose.
Looking for daily antioxidant support for under sunscreen and makeup?
Luminous Liquid Antioxidant Oil Serum is the answer. Instead of an acidic water based serum, Luminous Liquid is the antioxidant powerhouse using the oils pressed from all the berry fruits: strawberry, blueberry, pomegranate, rosehip, sea buckthorn berry, red raspberry and carrot seed to feed dry, thirsty skin. The light, absorbable texture is perfect as a primer for under sunscreen or makeup and helps to protect against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
Looking for brightening plus hydration?
Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are a perfect pairing. It is highly recommended to apply hyaluronic acid for hydration along with a classic Vitamin C serum. We’ve paired them in our delicious Honey+Berry Triple Enzyme Mask. Vitamin C from strawberry and papaya plus a super stable form of Vitamin C for sensitive skin-tetrahexydecyl ascorbate-all whipped up in skin soothing raw Vermont honey. The honey will soothe, cleanse and work with the hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin while the Vitamin C and enzymes are brightening and tightening.
Next, read about Summertime Oils for Day+Night Skincare.