Within the skin care industry, there are few product ingredients that are as well-known as Vitamin C. Regardless of its source, the potency of this antioxidant is not to be underestimated.
Some of its most notable benefits include fighting off skin cell-damaging free radicals, skin regeneration, protection from the harsh elements and brightening of the complexion. Such a strong resume of advantages make Vitamin C the potent choice for numerous skin care products. It goes so well with just about any addition to a normal skin care routine, and so it was inevitable that people started mixing it with other products’ ingredients to get even better results.
However, mixing is just as much an art as it is a science, and careful consideration is of the utmost importance before mixing Vitamin C with any other active skin agent. So today we look at what active ingredients vitamin C works best with, along with a few that it doesn’t.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E; perfect sun protection
Remember that Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant that is capable of protecting the skin from harsh elements such as UV rays from the sun. This is why it goes so well with sunscreen. Vitamin E also brings its share of powerful protective potency to the table. It can absorb the energy coming directly from the sun’s UV rays, shielding your skin from its directly damaging effects. On top of this, vitamin E also strengthens the skin’s naturally protective barriers, fortifying it against even more sun damage. This is why together these two make for a golden sun protection duo.
Vitamin C and Niacinamide; a potent brightener
Niacinmide is known across the beauty industry for its ability to improve the skin tone. Countless studies have demonstrated its hyperpigmentation decreasing effects, which have allowed for many people to experience the joys of glowing skin once more. Guess what other product makes for a great skin lightener. That’s right; Vitamin C is also known to be capable of reducing the appearance of dark spots and scars. Together these two make for the ultimate brightening combination, with the result of application being a welcoming clear and radiant complexion.
Vitamin C and Retinol; a recipe for bright, smooth and clear skin
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is well known to boost the growth of collagen in your skin cells. What this means is stronger skin that is free of wrinkles and fine lines. It is a very commonly praised anti-aging ingredient, precisely for its ability to promote collagen growth. Studies have also found vitamin C to be a regulator in the synthesis of collagen within body tissue. This is part of how it helps to build a strong protective complexion. Together with Retinol, you could very well have yourself a potent anti-aging application to bring you’re your youthful appearance!
Vitamin C and Benzoyl peroxide; possibly ultimately useless
Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used for acne treatments, because of its ability to kill acne causing bacteria. You see, it is peroxide in nature, and while in isolation it is very potent at what it does, it can be rendered inactive in the presence of an acid like Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid as it is alternatively known. When combined, it may oxidize Vitamin C, and both become useless to the skin as a result. You can use them separately, possibly on alternating days instead.
Hopefully with this information, you could be on your way to putting together the perfect mix for your daily skin care needs. Remember that Vitamin C is a very powerful ingredient and the right selection of what to mix it with could mean the difference between a very powerful concoction and the ultimate waste of your time. Remember to choose wisely!