Reasons Vitamin C is Incredible for Oily Skin
Vitamin C is an incredible ingredient to incorporate into oily skincare routines, due to its ability to hydrate, brighten and protect the skin. With its microbial properties to fight bacteria, reducing overproduction of sebum and breakouts, oily skin sufferers should look for Vitamin C in their product inci lists.
Below we take a look at the benefits of using Vitamin C for oily skin, how to use Vitamin C in an oily skincare routine and answer those all important frequently asked questions.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid, has been found to provide protection from free radicals on the skin caused by environmental aggressors such as UV rays and pollution.
Vitamin C is a naturally occurring ingredient found in fruit and vegetables and is also an essential nutrient for the body to consume. Unfortunately, the body cannot produce Vitamin C on its own, this is why using supplements and including it in skincare can be so beneficial for the skin.
How Does Vitamin C Benefit Oily Skin?
There are pros and cons to an oily skin type. Oily skin types tend to age slower than those with drier skin types. This is due to the fact that oily skin prevents skin cells from drying out and in turn keeps skin firmer and plumper for longer. Of course, the downside of having oily skin is that the skin overproduces sebum which then blocks pores and leads to congestion and breakouts. Many of those who suffer from oily skin are more prone to breakouts and acne and this is where the hero ingredient of Vitamin C can help!
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
1. Hydrates oily skin
A myth many believe about oily skin is that moisturising skin further will make skin greasier. This is true if you are using products which aren’t correct for your skin type. When using products specifically for oily skin, skin gets the hydration it needs, without adding further pore clogging ingredients to your skin. Vitamin C is a great ingredient to look out for in oily skin products for your face as it helps to draw moisture to skin cells, which helps the skin retain moisture. This stops the sebaceous glands overproducing oil and leaves skin happy and healthy.
2. Helps with post acne scarring and prevents further breakouts
Clearing up acne is a hard task at best and clearing up the pesky scars they can leave behind long after the spot has gone is even harder. Vitamin C is slightly acidic which means it can kill acne-causing bacteria that settles in pores, reducing the bacteria-induced breakouts. Including Vitamin C into your oily skincare routine helps to speed up cell turnover rate whilst also promoting the production of collagen. With this increased cell renewal, acne, scars and pigmentation heal much quicker.
3. Delays the signs of ageing
Similarly to how Vitamin C works to heal acne scarring and pigmentation, it works to speed up cell renewal and collagen production which helps slow the signs of ageing. It does this by promoting keratin build-up in the skin, which thickens the skin, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Protects from free radical damage
Vitamin C is a well known ingredient to add into your skincare routine to fight free radical damage caused by pollution and UV rays. Vitamin C helps to protect the skin with its antioxidant properties and neutralise free radicals to reduce the risk of skin damage caused by UV exposure, pollutants and other harmful elements.
5. Brightens complexion
Even oily skin types are susceptible to a dull complexion and Vitamin C can help promote a healthier complexion by hydrating, protecting from damage and helping to speed up cell renewal to leave skin looking brighter and glowier.
How does vitamin C affect acne?
Many who suffer from oily skin either suffer or have suffered from acne and breakouts. Using Vitamin C on oily skin has been proven to strengthen the skin’s barrier, increasing water retention and speeding up cell renewal which reduces acne and breakouts on the skin. Another great benefit of using Vitamin C in an oily skincare routine, is that it can help to reduce bacteria that enters pores, therefore reducing the likelihood of breakouts that occur.
Your FAQs on Vitamin C and Oily skin
How vitamin C serum works
A serum is a great way to introduce Vitamin C into an oily skincare routine as it helps penetrate the skin, delivering potent levels of Vitamin C to the deepest layers of the skin.
How we chose the best vitamin C serum
Our Vitamin C Elixir is not only packed full of potent Vitamin C but is also formulated with other skin loving ingredients such as Vitamins A,D & E, Avocado Oil and Grapeseed Oil. By incorporating these ingredients into our Vitamin C Elixir, we created a cocktail of ingredients when used together, brighten, illuminate and protect the skin.
When to apply vitamin C serum
It depends on the type of Vitamin C product you choose to use. We advise that the SKINICIAN Vitamin C Elixir is used as the last step before your SPF in your AM routine, and should be the final step in your PM routine to be used after your evening moisturiser. This is because the Vitamin C Elixir is an oil based treatment and no other products will penetrate the skin after using this elixir.
How to apply vitamin C serum
Vitamin C is best applied to clean skin, massaging the product in with your fingertips over the face, neck and décolleté.
For more on vitamin c skincare ingredients, read:
- Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
- 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid For Skin
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
- Find all articles on our oily skin blog
And for more articles on oily skin:
- How to Reduce Oily Skin
- Oily Skin Routine For Women In Their 40s
- Skincare Ingredients to Transform Oily Skin
Or read real life oily skin journeys: