Lifestyle
I tested the benefits of vitamin C skin care: here’s what happened
II’m just going to throw this out there: I don’t actually wash my face. After dealing with bouts of hormonal acne in my teens and early twenties, I found myself in a delicate balance of (mostly) clear skin that I was reluctant to disrupt. So for over a decade, I’ve gone back to basics: using a spritz of water and soap (yes, I’ll say it, bar of soap) in the morning to remove mascara—and dabbling in a rotation of different moisturizers and oils . . Welcome to my skin care routine.
But now that I’m thirty, a few things have happened. First, I had two babies and was left with an unwelcome souvenir: melasma, a skin condition (and common side effect of pregnancy) that leaves brown or gray spots on your skin. I may be blemish-free, but uneven skin tone and aging have brought dullness into the picture. In the meantime, I’ve heard about vitamin C everywhere: from the internet, social media, friends. Recently my mom asked me if I was using it (because she was). It was time to up my game.
So in honor of my less glowy summer complexion, I brought along some new friends from NOW® solutions– a full range of vitamin C, including serum, moisturizer, toner, scrub and cleanser – and turned to a dermatologist to learn more about the benefits of vitamin C for skin care. “Vitamin C can address many different skin concerns, including dullness, dryness and uneven skin tone,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD. “It is a very powerful antioxidant that helps improve the appearance of dark spots. Additionally, it aids in the skin’s ability to retain moisture, resulting in more hydrated and radiant skin.”
Hydration is always at the top of my list, so between evening skin tone and combating dull skin, it sounded like I was on the right track. But when selecting products with maximum vitamin C skin care benefits, the options are numerous – and often pricey. This is where Dr. Engelman should pay attention to: “You want to pay attention to the concentration levels. Anything with a concentration of less than 10 percent probably won’t be very effective in achieving the results you want.”
The entire NOW® Solutions line meets that threshold, and ranging from $9 to $20, it’s a seriously budget-friendly way to add vitamin C to your routine. Dr. Engelman says it best: “You know you’re getting highly tested, high-quality, and cruelty-free products at a very affordable price.” Here is my list of highlights from my vitamin C journey – join me.
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Serum – $20.00
I’m now a mom to a preschooler and toddler, so tired skin is part of the job description — and this serum has become my BFF. “[It’s] perfect for brightening, firming and providing antioxidant protection,” says Dr. Engelman. “You’ll notice the purple versus white label on this product, which means it’s part of their premium line that consists of clinically validated ingredients at a fraction of the prices of premium brands.” The gel-like substance glides on consistently and is absorbed right away, and while it can be used morning or night, Dr. Engelman especially recommends it for your morning routine before a moisturizer and SPF.
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C and Sea Buckthorn Moisturizer – $13.00
This was the first product to arrive on my doorstep, which seemed like fate: moisturizers are my skincare love language. Dr. Engelman recommends it as the last step in your routine: “Apply a nourishing moisturizer, such as the Vitamin C & Sea Buckthorn Moisturizer, which helps lock in moisture to improve elasticity, brighten dull or dark spots and promote a healthy glow. looking skin,” she says. advises. The subtle scent of sea buckthorn, which smells like nature’s candy in the best way, is such a welcome touch, and the formula has that not-too-light, not-too-heavy feel to make it an everyday staple, even in the summer. summer.
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C and Manuka Honey Gel Cleanser – $6.00
For my long-awaited return to using facial cleansers, this gentle formula was the right gateway. “[It] provides a deep, gentle cleansing that helps brighten skin tone, smooth texture and renew dull skin,” says Dr. Engelman. I now cleanse as a first step both morning and evening, and the extra virgin olive oil, aloe vera and vitamin E ensure that I don’t feel tight or dry. Dr. However, Engelman recommends starting with a lower concentration of vitamin C if you have sensitive skin and building up slowly.
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C and Acai Berry Purifying Toner – $9.00
If I ever feel like I need a deeper cleanse – which is happening more often now that it’s summer and my skin is more clogged with SPF and sweat – I reach for this bottle. According to Dr. There is truth to Engelman in the fact that vitamin C gets an extra kick during the sunniest months: “Vitamin C is especially useful during the summer months because of the impact it can have on stressed skin. I recommend incorporating vitamin C into your daily skin care routine to better protect yourself from environmental stressors that can lead to aging.”
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C and Oryza Sativa Gentle Scrub – $11.00
Once or twice a week I opt for a deeper peel with this scrub, which also contains niacin and aloe vera in the gentle formula. With this complete routine, I’ve noticed more glow in recent weeks and I’m confident I’m helping protect my skin from further summer damage. “Depending on the strength of the vitamin C product and frequency of use, you will typically notice results from vitamin C skin care products in about two weeks to three months,” says Dr. Engelman. Glow on, initiated.
