There are several different types of vitamin C that are used in skincare products, including L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphatem ascorbyl palmitate and retinyl ascorbate. The former, L-ascorbic acid, has the most amount of scientific research surrounding its benefits and is deemed 'the king' of vitamin C. L-ascorbic acid boosts collagen production and smooths and firms skin, as well as fending off photo-ageing. However, any type of vitamin C in your moisturising serum and lotion will offer some skin benefit. 

It's worth noting that when antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are exposed to light and air too frequently they can break down, so it's best to opt for formulas in air-tight packaging, pumps or single-use, individually wrapped products.

How should you use vitamin C?

To protect your skin from UV damage and environmental aggressors, vitamin C is more commonly recommended for your morning regime, however you can use it at night as there is some research to say that free radical damage continues to effect your skin overnight. If you're using glycolic or salicylic acid and retinol, you will need to leave some time in between before applying your vitamin C product to avoid any stinging or redness. 

Unlike most ingredients, research has shown that as little as 0.6 percent of vitamin C can help protect your skin from free radicals and ageing.  

Which vitamin C products do we recommend out of the considerable amount of options available in our store?

Timeless Skin Care 20% C+E Ferulic Acid Serum (30ml and 120ml Supersize)

HOW LONG DOES THE SKIN CARE SERUM WITH VITAMIN C AND FERULIC ACID LAST?

An effective Vitamin C Serum is a great skincare product for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Known as one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, Vitamin C helps fight the damaging effects of the sun's rays and other environmental factors. Vitamin C is also an essential nutrient for our bodies and works to counteract aging that comes from free radical damage. The Vitamin C in the Timeless serums is derived from L-Ascorbic Acid, one of the most effective forms of this active ingredient. 

INCREASING THE SHELF LIFE OF SERUM

The shelf life of serum depends on the various ingredients in it, but all serums have an expiration date. L-Ascorbic Acid (vitamin C in its natural form) is particularly unstable and decreases in efficiency from exposure to air, light and varied temperatures. Vitamin C in a skin care serum is even more likely to oxidize due to its acidic formulation. 

HOW LONG DOES VITAMIN C SERUM LAST?

When freshly manufactured, the 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum will be a watery consistency and cloudy in appearance. As the serum begins to age it will slowly appear more yellow in color due to the natural oxidation process. Once it turns orange or brown it’s no longer an effective Vitamin C serum. 

It’s important to differentiate between an expired product and a product that is no longer effective. Although your Vitamin C serum will lose its efficacy once oxidized, the product does not become harmful to the skin until it's expiration date, approximately one year after manufacturing. For best results, we recommend using your Vitamin C serum within 3 to 6 month of purchase, when it is fresh and most effective.

Direct heat and sunlight accelerate the degradation of the product.  

Anything that can be done to decrease the exposure of L-Ascorbic Acid to air, light and heat will help to maintain its potency and efficacy. You can extend the Vitamin C serum’s shelf life by storing it somewhere cool, such as the refrigerator.  

The Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is packaged in a special opaque, airless pump bottle to protect the product’s integrity. It also stops contaminants - think unclean hands or water as well as preventing light from entering and breaking down the high concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid.  

HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS FROM YOUR VITAMIN C + E FERULIC ACID SERUM

1.   When you buy Vitamin C in a skincare serum, look for one that also includes Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid. All three of these actives are antioxidants that support each other, stabilizing the Vitamin C and helping to fight free radical damage as well as increase collagen production.  
2.   The Timeless Serum is best used in the DAY unless you are sun sensitive then you should apply at night before bed.
3.   Avoid use of a potent Vitamin C with other stimulating ingredients to minimise irritation or inflammation.
4.   Following application of Vitamin C serum, be sure to hydrate, moisturize and protect the skin for best results.

If you are looking for a great skincare counterpart to go with your Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum, check out our other skincare products.

Timeless Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum is a best seller and ranks high in Vitamin C Serum reviews, with over 7,000 five-star reviews. You can also try the Timeless Hyaluronic + Vit C + Matrixyl Serum 30ml , one of the best Vitamin C Serums for oily skin.