If they gave out prizes for the best skincare ingredients, ascorbic acid would have a very crowded awards shelf. One of skincare’s best-known and effective ingredients, it does everything from protect the skin to diminish the look of dark spots, but where it really shines is as a skincare ingredient that will make your skin glow like none other. That’s why in this article, we’re talking about ascorbic acid for skin–what it is, what the benefits are, and how to use it. If you really want to revitalize your skin and restore its radiance, then you and ascorbic acid need to become best friends.
IN A NUTSHELL
Ingredient Category: Antioxidant
Main Benefit: Although it has many functions, ascorbic acid is known for its ability to protect the skin from environmental stressors that seek to harm it.
Find It In: Prince Charcoal Detox Mask.
What is Ascorbic Acid?
While many people equate ascorbic acid with vitamin C, they’re not exactly the same thing (although it’s a component of vitamin C, that vitamin actually contains other components as well). Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus fruits and many green vegetables. Its official chemical formula is C6H8O6 for those of you who are into that kind of thing. Primarily known as an antioxidant, it helps protect the skin from free radicals, but it does so much more than that. Read on to learn more about the benefits of ascorbic acid.
Ascorbic Acid Skin Benefits
As we mentioned above, ascorbic acid is classified as an antioxidant, but its functions are varied and numerous. Settle in, because we’ve got a lot of ascorbic acid benefits to get through!
- Ascorbic acid protects the skin - If you’ve ever thought about skipping your evening skincare routine, think again. Whether or not we realize it, we don't even need to leave the house to come in contact with environmental stressors seeking to harm our skin. Everything from dust to chemicals to pollution can cause our skin damage, but a powerful antioxidant like ascorbic acid will protect our skin from those nasty elements.
- Ascorbic acid helps restore skin’s glow - Other than protecting the skin, helping your skin glow is probably what ascorbic acid is most well known for. If your skin has been looking somewhat dull lately, try incorporating ascorbic acid into your skincare routine to brighten it up.
- Ascorbic acid evens skin tone - Even if you’ve made a big effort not to spend time in the sun, your skin can still become uneven thanks to factors like genetics or age. Getting skin to even out can be a challenge, but ascorbic acid works wonders in helping to even out skin tone.
- Ascorbic acid reduces the appearance of dark spots - Much like uneven skin tone, dark spots can be very tough to get rid of. Its brightening properties help diminish the look of dark spots.
- Ascorbic acid reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - If you’re consistent with your use of products with ascorbic acid, this antioxidant will work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face.
How to Use Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is easy to fit into your skincare routine. All you need is a product or two that contains it, and you’re good to go! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it in your regimen:
1. Cleanse your skin - Begin with a cleanser like So Clean! that is non-drying and great-for-all-skin types.
2. Detox with a mask - While this is not something you need to do every day, a detox mask like Prince Charcoal will help purify your pores and smooth your skin, allowing all the other products you apply after to better absorb. This is also where ascorbic acid can come into play in your routine, as it is included in our Prince Charcoal Detox Mask. Use 1-3 times a week, as needed.
3. Tone your skin - A toner will help restore hydration and balance your skin after cleansing. Our Rose and Shine rosewater toner will leave your skin soft and hydrated.
4. Apply serum - Choose a serum based on your skin’s needs. If you want to brighten, use a vitamin C serum. To smooth skin and reduce fine lines, try a retinol serum. And for treating dry and/or dehydrated skin, a hydrating serum is just the thing for you. You might find that the serum you are using includes ascorbic acid.
5. Apply eye cream - Unless you are an adolescent, you are not too young to start using eye cream. Use a moisturizing anti-aging eye cream like Eyes Eyes Baby. All it takes is a few gentle dabs around the eye area to help prevent and/or reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness.
6. Moisturize the skin - No matter what your skin type, moisturizing is an important final step. Our Crème de la Cream brightening moisturizer works with all skin types and includes vitamin C to even out skin tone.
The next time your skin is looking a little dull or just not quite its healthiest, try incorporating ascorbic acid into your routine. You can also look for products that include it in the form of vitamin C, and you will be on the path to brighter, healthier skin.
