Vitamin C – the skincare step you won’t want to miss

Most of us know that Vitamin C is a vital nutrient to keep our bodies functioning, but did you know that it is also an extremely important step in your skincare regime?  It helps with so many of my skin concerns that I’d say it was one of my ‘couldn’t-live-without’ products.

What  is an anti-oxidant ?

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our skin by reducing the production of free radicals – the unstable molecules that cause damage to our cells. English please?!  Okay, think about all the things that cause your skin to age prematurely… pollutants like smog, dust and cigarette smoke, and the harmful rays of the sun. Those are the free radicals that cause the damange and by using Vitamin C, you are helping your skin to fight against them and slow down the ageing process.

So what exactly does Vitamin C do for our skin?

1. With consistent use, it has a brightening effect on the skin. It lightens discolouration from pigmentation, age spots, scars and dark circles under our eyes.
2. It boosts collagen production. Collagen is the protein that holds our skin together, strengthens it and gives it elasticity.  As we age, our collagen production slows down, and that’s when we start to notice fine lines and sagging. By boosting our skin’s ability to make collagen, we will soften those fine lines and hopefully stop new ones from forming.
3. It helps with redness and inflammation. Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory so will help to reduce puffiness, redness and any inflammation from hormonal breakouts or acne.
4. Used in conjunction with a good SPF, Vitamin C can help protect your skin against sun damage. I like to think of it as double protection.

Vitamin C Repair Serum – £32

I have been using Vitamin C in my skincare regime for about 2 years. I started off with the Ordinary Vitamin C, but it left my skin feeling tacky and grainy, so I tried a more expensive Vitamin C. This one came in powder form and had to be mixed in with my moisturiser. I found this a bit of a faff, and the product had to be used within a few weeks of opening. Let’s just say it wasn’t the right formula for me. I ended up forgetting to use it every morning  which resulted in me having to throw some of the product away because it had oxidised.

I then moved on to Obagi Vitamin C, which I loved, but at more than £100 for a bottle, it wasn’t sustainable and I felt I needed to find a Vitamin C that was more affordable. So when Balance Me got in touch to say they were launching a new Vitamin C Serum, I was very excited. Balance Me is a brand that I have been using for a few years now. You’ll never find my bathroom cabinet without a bottle of their Congested Skin Serum and their Gradual Tanning drops. My girls also use their products as they are 99% natural, so perfect for their young skins.

Other ‘Balance Me’ Favourites

I was sent a bottle of their new Vitamin C Serum to try at the end of July, two months before the product launched. I have used it every single day since.

Also recently launched, the Collagen Boost Moisturiser- £26

The reasons I love it…

1. First and foremost, I love the way it feels on my skin. Unlike other Vitamin C formulas I have tried, the serum has a lightweight, smooth texture which glides on and sinks into the skin and you aren’t left with any grainy, tacky residue.
2. It has a very delicate citrus fragrance which I have become slightly addicted to. I think part of the reason that I have used it religiously is that I look forward to the smell of the product in the morning.
3. The price is right. At £32 for a bottle, it won’t break the bank when I need to repurchase. I have had the same bottle for just over two months, and it’s still going. You only need two pumps every morning, so one bottle should last a while. (I also love a product with a pump, as there’s no wastage)
4. The product contains Hydrolysed Hyaluronic Acid. I need all the moisture I can get, so products that contain HA always feel like a bonus.
5. The product contains stabilised Vitamin C, which means it will not degrade too quickly.
6. Sali Hughes is a fan. If it’s good enough for Sali Hughes… 🙂
7. I love to know the story behind a brand. Balance Me was set up by two sisters at a kitchen table, so it’s a true family business. Having met both Rebecca and Clare, I know how passionate they are about natural beauty, finding balance in our busy lives and above all, creating products that work.

When Do I use it?

Vitamin C is best used in your morning routine, just after cleansing. I usually apply my vitamin C then brush my teeth to allow the product to sink in properly before applying my moisturiser and SPF. This isn’t necessary, it’s just a habit that  I got into when I used the Obagi Vitamin C.

* Worth a mention – Balance Me have launched a special offer today, where if you buy the Vitamin C Serum and the Collagen Boost Moisturiser, you will receive a free full size Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm (worth £20) *

Are you using Vitamin C ? If so, do you have a favourite product ? Have you tried this one? As you know, I always appreciate your feedback.

Thanks for reading.

Love,

Chloe

*This post was written in collaboration with Balance Me, however I only agreed to write this post once I had been using the product for 2 months, so I could give you honest feedback. All opinions and photographs are my own.*