Spring into good skincare: The power of vitamin C for your skin
By Dr Kyra Drinnan at Skinphinity, doctor-led, well-established and highly regarded aesthetics clinic in Tarporley and Middlewich, covering wider Cheshire.
This week, there is a breath of spring in the air! This means it’s the perfect time to reassess our skincare routines, particularly the need for sun protection. The transition into spring brings with it the excitement of warmer weather, outdoor activities, and more sunlight—but it also presents a challenge for your skin. UV rays can be damaging even on overcast days, and they can lead to everything from premature aging to more serious skin conditions. That's why it's essential to focus on your skin and there’s no better time to think about adding topical vitamin C to your suncare routine.
Spring is the perfect time to reassess your skincare
As a doctor dedicated to helping people achieve healthier skin, I’ve always been a strong advocate for the use of vitamin C in skincare. Not only is it a powerful antioxidant, but it also offers a range of benefits that can protect and rejuvenate the skin, particularly when exposed to the sun’s rays. Let’s dive into why vitamin C should be a key part of your spring suncare regimen.
The importance of vitamin C in skincare
Vitamin C plays the lead when it comes to skin health. As an antioxidant, it helps to neutralize free radicals - unstable molecules that can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells. Free radicals are produced when your skin is exposed to UV radiation, pollution, and other environmental stressors, so vitamin C is an essential ingredient in protecting your skin.
The role of vitamin C in sun protection
While topical sunscreen is necessary to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, vitamin C works in synergy by boosting your skin’s natural defence mechanisms. It helps to:
Enhance UV protection: While vitamin C is not a substitute for sunscreen, it can enhance the effectiveness of your SPF by reducing the damage caused by UV rays. Studies have shown that when vitamin C is applied topically, it can reduce the skin’s susceptibility to UV-induced oxidative stress. So, pairing a high-quality sunscreen with a vitamin C serum is a winning combination for overall sun protection.
Reduce hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, making it effective for reducing sunspots, age spots, and uneven skin tone. For people who are prone to pigmentation changes with sun exposure, incorporating vitamin C into your skincare can help keep your complexion even.
Support collagen production: Sun damage accelerates the breakdown of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping our skin firm and youthful. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, helping to maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This means that not only will your skin be better protected from sun damage, but it will also look smoother and more radiant.
Fight inflammation: The sun’s rays can trigger inflammation in the skin, leading to redness, irritation, and even sunburn. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm the skin and reduce irritation, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine if you’re spending extended periods outdoors.
My vitamin C recommendations:
Dr Kyra recommends medical grade vitamin C products
As a doctor, I’m always looking for effective, science-backed solutions for my patients’ skincare needs. That’s why I recommend only using medical grade vitamin C products, which will be sure to contain clinically active formulations, in stable forms and at high strength. My personal favourites are:
· pHformula’s Vita C Concentrated Corrective Serum
· pHformula’s Vita C Cream
· Obagi’s Professional C Serum.
How to incorporate vitamin C into your routine
Now that you understand the importance of vitamin C, let’s talk about how to add it into your skincare regimen for maximum effect.
Morning application: Vitamin C is best used in the morning as it helps protect the skin throughout the day. After cleansing, apply your vitamin C serum to a clean, dry face. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before applying sunscreen on top. Never skip sunscreen - this is the most crucial step in protecting your skin.
Consistency is key: As with all skincare, for visible results, it’s important to use vitamin C consistently. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in skin tone, texture, and a reduction in fine lines.
Combine with other ingredients: You can safely combine vitamin C with other skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. These will help hydrate your skin and provide additional brightening and anti-aging benefits.
Final thoughts
Spring is the season of renewal, and your skin deserves the same treatment. Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient that not only protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun but also works to repair and rejuvenate your complexion. As you prepare for sunnier days, make sure you’re giving your skin the care it needs with a quality vitamin C serum, like those I have mentioned above. For more information about these products or to order, please contact me or we can discuss at your next appointment. Remember, the key to great skin is consistent protection and nourishment, and vitamin C is a cornerstone of that strategy.
If you’re looking for a way to enhance your skincare routine this spring, incorporating a topical vitamin C product is a game-changer. After all, healthy, radiant skin is always in season!
Dr Kyra Drinnan at Skinphinity is a highly regarded GP and cosmetic specialist dedicated to providing advanced skincare solutions. She is passionate about offering high-quality products like pHformula to help individuals achieve healthy, beautiful skin from her clinics in Tarporley and Middlewich, Cheshire.
Book in now for a skincare consultation with Dr Kyra at Skinphinity to discuss vitamin C or any skincare concerns you may have.