Here’s Why Vitamin C Should Be One of the First Active Ingredients that You Should Try

While it can be a tad bit unstable, one can't deny that Vitamin C is equally efficacious and helps resolve numerous skin issues.

19 March, 2024

Here’s Why Vitamin C Should Be One of the First Active Ingredients that You Should Try

If you have not been living under the rock and like to keep up with the world of beauty, you know that active ingredients have been creating all the buzz. And rightly so, this powerhouse shows visible results if used in the right manner.

Let's be *utterly* honest, incorporating a new product into your skincare routine is always a risk. You might end up with glowing skin or well...there will be a raging war in the name of breakouts. However, if you are willing to take the plunge but cannot because the term 'active ingredients' seems supercharged, then allow us to explain why Vitamin C will be your best bet in finally entering the world of active ingredients!

To give you a quick refresher on what exactly active ingredients are, Hinaa Khan, Head of Education at Dermalogica tells Cosmo, "Active formulations are majorly used in their pure form and are found in target treatment products to deliver results in a stipulated period of time."

What is Vitamin C?

It is a potent antioxidant that helps your skin recover from radical damage caused by the sun and also helps fade pigmentation and acne scars because it helps in boosting collagen production. While it reigns supreme because of its capacity to increase cell regeneration, it also helps heal your skin. Not only that it also boosts elastin, thus making sure your skin is glowing and acting as a great ingredient to prevent premature ageing.

Rajat Mathur, Education Manager at Kiehl's India shares, "Early 20s is a great time to start using Vitamin C and one should continue to use it through their adulthood." But, is this an active ingredient that will suit all skin types? Dr Chytra Anand, Dermatologist and Founder of Kosmoderma Clinic says, "Vitamin C as an ingredient works best for all skin types, especially those who have dry and pigmented skin. However, those with sensitive skin or ones suffering from redness should steer clear of it."

Why is great as a starter active ingredient?

In order to add this active ingredient to your routine, one needs to understand its form. "Vitamin C comes in various forms but the one that works for most skin types is L-ascorbic acid. It is the most stable and effective form of Vitamin C" says, Dr Madhuri Aggarwal, Dermatologist and founder of Yavana Aesthetics. Agrees, Dr Jaishree Sharad, founder and dermatologist of Skinfiniti adds, "it is safe to use and I highly suggest you can also go for Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a water-soluble variant which is also less irritating."

How to select the right Vitamin C serum for yourself?

Now you know these are the terms you have to look for the next time you go on the search looking for your perfect Vitamin C serum. While we wish you good luck with that! Also, remember that most vitamin C bottles come in dark packaging. Vitamin C is purposely packaged in dark bottles because it easily breaks down when it comes in contact with light, sun or air.

Dr Madhuri suggests that it is always best to use one with less potency and work your way towards higher concentrations. "Anywhere between six to 10 per cent works best!" she reiterates.

Ahead, check out the round-up of the best Vitamin C serums you can include in your beauty cabinet.

Neemli Naturals Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C Brightening Serum