THE POWER OF VITAMIN C TO BRIGHTEN YOUR SUMMER COMPLEXION

Click for recipe by nutritionist Jacqui Toumbas, IG: @jacquitoumbas

Struggling with lacklustre skin? Dark spots and sun damage dulling your skin’s radiance? Enter Vitamin C, the superhero of skincare that can help brighten your summer complexion. This powerhouse ingredient boasts transformative benefits, capable of revitalising your skin from dull to dazzling.

Vitamin C has plenty of benefits – it can help fade hyperpigmentation (more on this below!) and smooth the skin’s surface to reduce dullness, giving your skin a youthful glow. It can help defend against aging, reduce the appearance of under-eye circles, and help heal skin blemishes and wounds.

Consistency is key for maximum effect, so adding it to your skin care routine in a way that makes sense for you is critical.

In this post, we take you through the wonders of Vitamin C and unveil the secrets behind its ability to elevate your skin’s summer glow. We also get Nutritionist Jacqui Toumbas’ guidance on how you can incorporate it more throughout your diet and a delicious Summer recipe that is easy to make and includes over 100% of your daily vitamin C intake.

1. Vitamin C – The Superhero Against Sun Damage

As we know, sun damage wreaks havoc on the skin, causing premature aging and pigmentation. This is why Vitamin C is the superhero antioxidant you need in summer.

Its protective prowess reduces sun-induced harm, fostering a more even skin tone and texture. The antioxidants in vitamin C help defend against the damage that UV light can cause. That doesn’t mean that you can use a vitamin C skin serum in place of sunscreen, as it can’t replace SPF since it doesn’t absorb UVA or UVB rays. But if UV light does get into your skin, some research suggests that vitamin C can help protect against free radicals generated by UV rays.

Kick-start your morning skin care routine with a nourishing and restorative vitamin C serum that enhances your skin’s radiance and fights visible signs of ageing. Look for serums with a concentration between 10% and 20%. Lower than that might not bring the promised benefits, and higher could irritate your skin without bringing any additional value.

Our favourites? The Medik8 C-Tetra Luxe serum and the iS Clinical Super Serum.

Below are photos taken by Alisha Bhojwani that show just how much her skin tone and hyperpigmentation have improved since she started using Medik8 vitamin C serums. Full review can be found over on Adore Beauty.

2. Vitamin C’s Role in Diminishing Dark Spots

Dark spots from various sources, including sun exposure or hormonal changes, can be persistent concerns. Vitamin C’s brightening properties inhibit melanin production, effectively lightening these dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Consistent use reveals a more uniform complexion, making Vitamin C an ally in combating uneven skin tone. Vitamin C in conjunction with other active brightening ingredients, can significantly cut down on these spots.

The Norwegian kelp extract found in the iS Clinical Brightening Complex works alongside Vitamin C to interrupt the communication between the melanocyte and keratinocyte and promotes exfoliation to remove hyperpigmented areas. Utilising an innovative blend of proprietary brightening ingredients and botanicals, this high-performance formula concentrates on not one or two but all five mechanisms that contribute to the look of uneven skin tone.

3. Harness Vitamin C for a Collagen Boost

Did you know the body slows down collagen production as we age? Vitamin C’s role in collagen production rejuvenates skin structure, enhancing elasticity and firmness. By promoting collagen synthesis, it combats sagging skin, for a youthful bounce.

Vitamin C applied to the skin helps maintain the collagen you do have and protects the precious protein from damage. Be sure to include this powerful antioxidant in your daily routine, by taking supplements, getting more of the nutrient in your diet, and daily application to your skin.

Go easy if you want to use a vitamin C serum alongside other potent skin care products like retinol. Together they could irritate your skin. We recommend using vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening, rather than at the same time.

4. Vitamin C to Help Smooth Wrinkles

Wrinkles and fine lines reveal signs of aging, impacting skin texture. Vitamin C, a collagen-boosting agent, stimulates collagen synthesis, maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Regular use helps to soften fine lines, contributing to a smoother, more youthful appearance over time.

Some studies show that Vitamin C can reduce the appearance of wrinkles when used consistently for at least 12 weeks.

A healthy diet that’s high in this nutrient might help, too. Research suggests that people who eat more vitamin C have fewer wrinkles. But don’t just think of citrus fruits! Broccoli, red peppers, and spinach are chock full of it too.

5. Consume Vitamin C for Skin Health

Consumption of Vitamin C has been shown to improve skin health in several studies over the years. It has been shown to play a role in promotion of collagen formation working as a cofactor that stabilises the collagen molecule structure but also plays part in scavenging free radicals and disposing of toxic oxidants.

The best way to consume your vitamin C for best absorption is in its raw state, supplemented together with iron. Whether that’s adding it to your diet with fresh produce choices, or taking vitamin C tablets with iron tablets.

This Summer, play around with citrus and stone fruits that are in season. Rockmelons have a high percentage of vitamin C, with just one cup of rockmelon containing over 100% of your daily required intake.