The 10 most unknown skin benefits of vitamin C, the most Googled cosmetic ingredient in 2020

So far, what we already know about her.

What you may not know: tricks to make it work better and curiosities about its use

1. THE FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. After washing the face and before any other cream: dermatologists and facialists agree in recommending applying a serum or ampoule as the first cosmetic, before moisturizing and sunscreen. “The first thing is the antioxidant, vitamin C: on clean skin, let it dry for a few minutes. Next, we apply the photoprotector. This is usually enough for combination and oily skin. In patients who require extra hydration, a Vitamin C-based moisturizing cream can be used prior to the sunscreen or a serum with Vitamin C can be applied first, then a moisturizing cream and finally the photoprotector”, Dr. Lidia told Vanity Fair recently. Maroñas, from the International Dermatological Clinic. The reason is that in this way we create an antioxidant protective barrier against the oxidative stress that we will face during the day.

The dermatologist Ricardo Ruiz also agrees in his book Antiaging. How to keep skin younger: "The only recipe that works to keep skin younger is a vitamin C serum or cream in the morning along with sunscreen."

@ Courtesy of Sesderma

Sesderma C VIT Liposomal Serum

2.FOR ALL SKINS AND FOR LIFE.

Although the skin has different needs over the years, vitamin C is such a complete ingredient that it is recommended to use it from 20 to 100 years old. It is suitable for all skin types, young and mature, dry, oily, dull or tired, but it should not be used in the same formula or with the same concentration at all stages of life. Therein lies the key (which we explain below).

3.THE 8% RULE: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONCENTRATION.

For vitamin C to be really effective for the skin, it has to have a minimum concentration. "Below 8% these effects begin to diminish and above 20% their tolerability can decrease, especially on sensitive skin," explained Dr. Maroñas. Keep in mind that the higher the concentration, the more effect, but after 20% the skin is unable to absorb it, according to the Pauling Institute (created by Linus Pauling, Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry and one of the great specialists in vitamin C of history). You also have to know that the higher the concentration, the greater intolerance may appear.

Vitamin C has several forms. The most beneficial for normal or oily skin is L-ascorbic acid, which is more powerful, while for dry and sensitive skin, ascorbic phosphate and magnesium will be less irritating.

@ Courtesy of + Farma Dorsch

Anti-Aging Mask with Vitamin C from + Farma Dorsch

4.THE OTHER KEY TO CHOOSE IT WELL: THE pH

For vitamin C to have a more visible effect, it is essential to know that its absorption depends largely on its pH level. Normal skin will have optimal absorption at a low pH of approximately 3.5. Sensitive women, however, should raise it to a formula of 5 to 6, which corresponds to the natural pH of the skin, so it will be less aggressive for them.