AN-Acide L Ascorbique (Vitamine C)
L Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
| Type of ingredient | Antioxydant |
| Available forms | Moisturizers, toners and most often serums. |
| Origin | Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required for tissue growth and repair in all parts of the body, including the skin, but we cannot produce it ourselves. The powerful antioxidant is found naturally in fruits and vegetables and is usually produced synthetically in skin care products. The first form of vitamin C is the pure form, L-ascorbic acid is the most biologically active and studied form of vitamin C. |
| Main benefits | Protects against free radical damage, evens out skin tone and promotes collagen production. |
| Characteristics | Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it can protect the skin from harmful free radicals caused by UV exposure and improves the visible signs of ageing by playing a role in collagen synthesis. Vitamin C is also useful for lightening unwanted brown spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or reducing brown discolouration by blocking the pigment synthesis pathway. |
| Target group | Vitamin C is not recommended for extremely sensitive skin and can be problematic for oily skin. A test should be carried out before use. |
| Frequency | Vitamin C can be used daily or every other day. |
| Association | Vitamin C works well with complementary antioxidants such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, which will increase the effectiveness and stability of the molecule. |
| Dissociation/ Contraindication | Avoid using it with benzoyl peroxide, which can oxidise the vitamin C and make it unusable very quickly. Also avoid using it with other acids, which can cause excessive skin irritation, especially if used daily. And finally, do not use it with retinol, which can make vitamin C more unstable and less likely to penetrate the skin. |
| Side effects | In general, vitamin C is safe for everyday use. However, at high concentrations it can be irritating, especially if mixed with other acids. Many vitamin C products are also oily, which can be problematic for people with oily skin. |
| Utilisation | You can use it daily or every other day, and if you use a serum, apply it after cleansing. Then follow with a moisturiser and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 in the morning. For optimal effectiveness, L-ascorbic acid should be packaged in a dark or opaque bottle to protect it from light and should be stored in a cool place (i.e. not a damp bathroom). L-ascorbic acid serums tend to change from their original clear colour to orange and then to a muddy brown over time, indicating that the serum has oxidised and is therefore not as effective.  |