The 1 Skincare ingredient I can’t Do a facial without
As a licensed aesthetician of almost a decade, I've seen many trending skincare ingredients. I remember the days of Aztec Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar masks, or even the lemon juice and baking soda trends. I've also seen some super popular ingredients trend for awhile, and quickly fall off the radar.
BUT…
There's one special ingredient that I use in almost every facial I perform. And it's Vitamin C.
What does it do? Vitamin C is your BLT — Brighten, Lighten, and Tighten.
Vitamin C is one of the most popular antioxidants we use in skincare and for great reason. It gets rid of free radicals (which speed up the aging process) and produces collagen within the skin. I've seen what this powerhouse ingredient can do for the skin: visibly and structurally, and it is definitely aesthetician-approved.
The short answer: No.
Vitamin C is best utilized on the skin in serum form, and the type you purchase matters.
Because Vitamin C tends to be an unstable vitamin, there are a few checkpoints you want to make sure of before you purchase. I believe there are some products you can save on, and others you should splurge on. Vitamin C serums should be, in my opinion, your splurgeproduct because they require stronger formulations to be truly effective.
An aesthetician-approved Vitamin C serum meets the following criteria:
Airtight packaging: It should not allow oxygen to enter to keep the product stable.
Use bioadaptable forms of Vitamin C: The body recognizes it as normal aka less irritation. P.S. If you're unsure, ask a skincare expert.
Pharmaceutical-grade formulation: Because Vitamin C is an unstable vitamin, you need a formulation that contains other ingredients to stabilize the vitamin. Over-the-counter formulations don't always contain the ingredients needed to do so.
Other Cool Ways to Use Vitamin C:
Vitamin C offers amazing benefits for the face, but if you know me, you know I believe skincare should NOT stop at the face. Here are a few other cool ways to use your Vitamin C and see BIG benefits!
Stretch Marks: Stretch Marks are scars that have ceased oxygenation. Vitamin C will help stimulate collagen to the area and assist with restoring color back to the skin.
Hands: Use your Vitamin C serum on the backs of your hands to prevent unsightly sun damage from driving. Each morning, apply a drop of Vitamin C to the back of your hands after you finish skincare and apply a light layer of sunscreen over top to prevent hands that appear older than your actual age!
Neck/Decollete: Noticing discoloration on your chest from increased sun exposure this summer? Apply your Vitamin C serum to your neck and decollete (or chest). For added luxury, layer Elevate Neck & Decollete Creme on top to lift the neck area.
My Picks:
Direct Delivery Vitamin C: This is an antioxidant serum for all skin. Direct Delivery is a sophisticated serum with potent antioxidant concentrations. It includes four bioadaptable types of Vitamin C to prevent, reduce, and repair free radical damage in the skin. It improves skin texture, softness, firmness, tone, and brightness.
Recommended for: Aging, Firmness, Elasticity, Skin Health
Bio Hydra C Serum ($85): Such a beautiful blend of ingredients, she makes the perfect beginner Vitamin C serum. This hydrating, universal antioxidant serum is fabulous for repairing and restoring the skin. Containing probiotics and plant stem cells, this serum also works to strengthen the skin's barrier. Recommended for: Preventative aging, dehydration, even skin tone
Infused C Serum ($165): A true powerhouse for uneven skin tone, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and acne, this serum repairs skin damage while strengthening the skin's immune system, and regulates melanin production.
Recommended for: Melasma, Hyperpigmentation, Uneven skin tone, Reactive/Sensitized Skin
Want a quick Vitamin C pick-me-up? Schedule a Mini Vitamin C Facial with us. This targeting, 30-minute express treatment uses our exclusive and highly-active technology to brighten the skin and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. This is the perfect treatment for clients looking for a radiant glow or clients looking to get an amazing treatment during their lunch hour! 30 minutes, $99. Reserve today!