Vitamin C is like the superstar of skincare — it’s basically flawless. Why are dermatologists such fans of the antioxidant? “Vitamin C has a wonderful duality: it both brightens and firms skin,” says Dr Dennis Gross, a board-certified dermatologist at Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology. “Because it’s so versatile, it is one of my favourite ingredients.”
He’s not alone in this opinion, either: “I am a vitamin C junkie,” says dermatologist and Women’s Health advisory board member Dr Mona Gohara. “I think of it like a LBD [little black dress] — it makes everyone look good.”
Not only will the best vitamin C serums help lighten pigmentation you might already have, but they can also prevent dark spots or sun spots from forming in the future, says Dr Gross.
Vitamin C also produces collagen, giving skin radiance and vitality, and protects skin by neutralizing free radicals. “Think of free radicals as tiny spears that poke holes in your collagen fibres and weaken them,” says Dr Gross. “Antioxidants, like vitamin C, cut off the pointy tips of the spear and render them harmless.”
READ MORE: 5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know Vitamin C Could Do For Your Skin
To reap the most rewards, apply your vitamin C serum the right way: “You should ensure that skin is properly cleansed and exfoliated for maximum penetration of the vitamin C serum,” Dr Gross says. “You can incorporate the vitamin C serum into your morning or evening routine, however I prefer to use the serum in the morning so I can walk out the door knowing that my skin is protected from damaging free radicals all day long.” Apply it right after cleansing and follow with moisturizer and sunscreen.
These are the best vitamin C serums for any budget:
1/ Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules
These dry oil serum capsules help to visibly brighten skin, even tone and protect against premature signs of ageing.
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2/ SkinFood Yuja Water C Serum
Helps to recover the normal PH balance of your skin with the help of the Japanese citron fruit called ‘Yuja’.
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3/ Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%
Unique de-ageing Booster harnesses the full power of pure, fresh Vitamin C at our highest concentration to brighten, even and retexturize skin.
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4/ Payot My Payot Concentré Éclat
Highly-concentrated in vitamin C and anti-oxidant super fruits. This serum boosts the radiance of dull, tired-looking skin and helps to protect it from everyday stress.
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5/ Lamelle Correctives Vita-C Lipid Serum
Lamelle Vita-C Lipid Serum is a high-potency Vitamin C Serum that brightens and hydrates. Good news: it’s suitable for all skin types, especially those with sensitive and intolerant skin.
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6/ Skoon Wow-Wow Wonder
The hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and phytic acid in this serum pack a serious punch. Happy skin, here we come!
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7/ REN Radiance Perfection Serum
This multi-active serum is formulated to boost the skin’s energy cycle, visibly improving skin tone and radiance.
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8/ The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver
Think of this little bottle as a ‘wake-up call’ for your complexion — perfect for dull, tired and grumpy skin!
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