Bridgewater Aesthetics

Why Should I Use Vitamin C for My Skin?

Along with the big hitters of broad spectrum sun protection and avoiding smoking, using vitamin C is a great treatment to use regularly on the skin.

Vitamin C helps with :

The appearance of sun damaged and sun aged skin

Uneven texture and dull skin tone AND

Protects the skin from further damage

Vitamin C use causes skin brightening by reducing pigmentation (through an action on an enzyme in the production of melanin), and so can even out skin tone if you have areas of pigmentation such as pregnancy or hormone related changes, and pigmentation from sun damage.

It acts to reduce inflammation (as an anti-oxidant) and helps protect against damage from the environment (for example, pollution damage).

It can help reduce the production of broken skin vessels in the skin (telangiectasia), and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

And it is important in collagen production – so it is important in the actual structure of the deeper skin layers.

Which Vitamin C is Best?

This depends partly on your skin type, and partly on how committed you are to using skincare.

L ascorbic acid is the formulation that is most available to the skin (highest bio-availability).

It is a water soluble product, and the deeper in to the skin layers the vitamin C gets, the better the effect.

However, if you have sensitive skin, there is a possibility of some irritation, so in this case I would start with a less active vitamin C product (the tetrahexyldecyl vitamin C ).

Similarly, if you have acne prone skin, it can be better to avoid using serums initially, or only using serum once or twice a week, in order to prevent a break out.

OBAGI Professional-C Serums

These serums contain the most bio-available form of Vitamin C,  L ascorbic acid.

The OBAGI formulation has a low ph which helps the serum penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, to reach the dermis .

The vitamin C comes in different concentrations:

10% ideal for Sensitive skin

15% which is ideal for Normal Skin

20% which is used for Oily to normal skin

With acne prone skin, only use once to twice a week.

The serum is actually incredibly stable.

After using the dropper to take 4-6 drops you should remove the dropper and place the lid back on the bottle.

This protects the serum from becoming inactive (when it oxidises and turns brown).

The serum should be stored out of direct sunlight , again to prevent oxidation.

Note that less active form is in pro-C peptide (tetrahexyldecyl form) so can start on this if sensitive skin

Reducing inflammation is important for preserving skin

Sensitive skin 10%

Normal Skin 15%

Oily to normal skin 20%

With acne prone skin, only use once to twice a week.

OBAGI Professional C Peptide Comples

This treatment is good for sensitive skin, as has less active form of vitamin C ( less irritating than L ascorbic acid).

It also contains Pro vit B and vitamin E, and the peptides kinetin and zeatin, synthetic forms of plant growth factors .

Other ingredients include beta glucan derivative which works with skin’s own defence and  minimises the visible signs of skin aging , promoting a glow, and SNAP-8 reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

The ingredients are transported into deep layers of the skin using a prosome delivery system ensuring that the active products do not lie useless on the top of the skin surface.

This is a great treatment for sensitive skin, and I would start this at night time if your skin is very sensitive.

It is useful to protect and repair the skin before in order to prepare for using a vitamin A product (retinol based).

This treatment is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and is appropriate for all skin types

It is a quickly active treatment that  actively improves the appearance of skin roughness after first few applications.

Professional-C Suncare

This is a good product for you if you want a minimal skincare regime!

As you should be using a broad spectrum sun protector daily, this cream has the addition of 10% tetrahexyl decyl Vitamin C .

It also does not feel like a normal sunscreen and is great for using under makeup, for using in the morning before running (don’t use any other active products until after your shower), and is great for men who hate sunblock!

(Due to its formulation, avoid this if you have allergy to salicylic acid).

Professional-C 30% L ascorbic acid microdermabrasion polish and mask

This is a luxurious home mask with a very high percentage of vit C (30% L ascorbic acid).

You can use this 2-3 times a week in the evening.

If you are using a retinol product, have a 3 day break before using the treatment due to its concentration.

The treatment has a wonderful citrus aroma, and it is incredibly stable due to a unique anhydrous formula.

The treatment works by exfoliating the skin followed by penetrating the deep layers of the skin with a high concentration of L ascorbic acid.

Using this immediately reveals luminous skin, and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother for days after use

After 3 weeks of use, 96% smoother skin and 87% reduction of fine lines and wrinkles

This product is great if you have not looked after your skin for a while, as it has such an immediate effect. It is also a good way to get vitamin C for acne prone skin.

Book a Consultation

To find out the best vitamin C treatment for your skin, and to discuss your skincare, please book a consultation. The booking fee is redeemable against any products purchased.