All about vitamin C for your skin: the complete guide

Vitamin C: the powerful antioxidant for radiant skin

Vitamin C is one of the most beloved ingredients in skincare, and for good reason. Whether you're struggling with pigmentation, want to brighten dull skin, or are looking for effective anti-aging products that also boost collagen and elastin production, vitamin C can be a game-changer in your routine. In this comprehensive guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this powerful antioxidant and how to get the best results from products like the Emergin C vitamin C serum.

What does vitamin C do for your skin?

What is Vitamin C and why does your skin need it?
Vitamin C isn't just one substance; it exists in many forms. The most common, ascorbyl acid, is water-soluble and a good preservative. It's one of the less expensive forms, which is why you often find it in foods and products. However, there are many other types.

Generally speaking, vitamin C plays a crucial role in protecting your skin from free radicals—harmful molecules caused by UV radiation, pollution, and stress. Unfortunately, the amount of vitamin C in your skin decreases with age and due to external factors like sun exposure.
By applying vitamin C topically through a serum or cream, you replenish this supply and give your skin an extra boost. The beauty of it is that vitamin C not only protects but also actively works to repair and improve your skin.

The scientifically proven benefits of vitamin C

Reduces pigment spots and hyperpigmentation

One of vitamin C's most valuable properties is its ability to fade dark spots. It inhibits the production of melanin, the pigment that causes dark spots. With regular use, you'll often see a visible difference after just four to six weeks. Your skin tone will become more even, and dark spots will gradually fade.

Stimulates collagen production

Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm and elastic. From the age of 25, natural collagen production begins to decline, leading to fine lines and loss of firmness. Vitamin C is essential for the production of new collagen. It activates the enzymes needed for collagen synthesis, making your skin plumper and firmer.

Gives a natural glow

Dull and dull? Vitamin C helps your skin glow again. It gently exfoliates the upper layer of skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing your natural glow. It also improves microcirculation, resulting in a fresh, healthy appearance.

Protects against free radicals

As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals before they can damage your skin cells. This slows the aging process and protects against premature skin aging caused by external factors. Your cells are constantly attacked by free radicals that slow down cellular function. Antioxidants like vitamin C ensure that your cell can do its job and function optimally.

Strengthens your skin barrier

A healthy skin barrier is essential for beautiful skin. Vitamin C helps retain moisture and strengthens your skin's natural protective layer, making it more resistant to harmful external influences.

Reduces redness and inflammation

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin. It can reduce redness and even out the complexion. It's an important vitamin in wound healing and scar healing, along with vitamin E, which also work together to strengthen each other.

Different forms of vitamin C in skin care

Not all vitamin C is the same. There are different forms, each with its own properties:

L-ascorbic acid
This is the most common and most researched form of vitamin C. It's pure vitamin C in its active form, meaning your skin can use it directly without any conversion. L-ascorbic acid works best at a low pH (between 2.5 and 3.5) and a concentration between 10% and 20%.

The downside is that this form is quite unstable and can oxidize when exposed to light and air. It's also water-soluble, and our cells have a lipid wall, so it doesn't penetrate as well. The emerginC vitamin C serum uses this potent form in a stable formulation, Stay C 50, where it's primarily used to preserve other vitamin C types. Our vitamin C is contained in airtight beads that break in the pump, ensuring the vitamin C remains stable.

Ascorbyl glucoside
A more stable form that's gentler on sensitive skin types. It must be converted by the skin into active vitamin C, making it slightly less potent but also less likely to cause irritation.

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP)
This form is water- and fat-soluble, stable, and works well at a higher pH. It's suitable for sensitive skin and also has a mild moisturizing effect. It's a favorite because it delivers great results, especially for pigmentation, while rarely causing irritation.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP)
A stable, water- and fat-soluble form that is particularly effective on acne-prone skin due to its antibacterial properties. emerginC uses this in the stable Stay C 50 formulation.

Ascorbyl palmitate
A fat-soluble form that penetrates well into the skin but is less potent than L-ascorbic acid. Often used in combination with other forms.

emerginC uses a well-tolerated cocktail of these vitamin Cs (except for the less potent glucoside) along with vitamin E, an oxygen complex, and a Gynostemma complex for powerful botanical support.

The Right Percentage: How Much Vitamin C Do You Need?
The concentration of vitamin C in your product makes a big difference in its effectiveness:

5-10%: Suitable for beginners or sensitive skin. You'll get antioxidant protection and a light brightening effect, but less dramatic results.
10-15%: The sweet spot for most skin types. This concentration delivers visible results without too much risk of irritation.
15-20%: Powerful and effective for experienced users who want to address specific skin concerns such as deep pigmentation or anti-aging. May cause irritation on sensitive skin.
20%+: More isn't always better. Above 20%, effectiveness doesn't significantly increase, but the risk of irritation does.

Which skin types is vitamin C suitable for?

The good news: Vitamin C is generally suitable for all skin types, but the formulation and concentration may vary depending on your skin type.

Normal skin

You have a free choice. Start with a concentration of 10-15% and build up to 20% once your skin has adjusted.

Dry skin
When choosing your vitamin C serum, choose hydrating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Be careful that the product doesn't contain too much alcohol, as this can be drying. Avoid ingredients containing alcohol denat.

Oily and acne-prone skin
Vitamin C works great for you. Choose a light, watery texture and consider a
formulation with sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which also has antibacterial properties, like emerginC's C serum.

Sensitive skin
Start slowly with a low concentration (4-10%). For example, emerginC's 4% Vitamin C Eye Serum, or choose a gentler formula. Emergin C's Active Hydrating Complex can help soothe your skin when you introduce vitamin C. Niacinamide also helps with pigmentation. Hyper Vitalizer cream is also a good combination for you.

Mature skin

Choose a higher concentration (15-20%) for maximum anti-aging benefits. Combine with other active ingredients like retinol for optimal results. You'll see great results with the emerginC Multi Vitamin Retinol serum.

Skin with pigmentation
A higher concentration (15-20%) of L-ascorbic acid gives the best results in fading pigment spots. Be patient and consistent. Use twice a day for at least 45 days! Combine it with niacinamide, for example, in the tActive Hydrating Complex or with Retinol in the evening, and always use a mineral sunscreen. A peel treatment with, for example, the At Home Peel & Clarifying kit from the Scientific Organics line is also highly recommended. Always use an SPF during the day.

How to use vitamin C in your skincare routine?
Correct application is crucial for optimal results. Here's the ideal order:
#Step 1: Cleanse your skin
Always start with clean skin. Use a gentle cleanser like the emerginC kombucha cleanser, which also has anti-aging and anti-pigmentation properties.
or the Aromatic Cream Tea cleanser if you often have sensitive skin, to prepare your skin.
#Step 2: Toner (optional)
If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing. Wait until your skin is completely dry.
before you continue.
#Step 3: Apply Vitamin C serum
Apply 2 pumps of the emerginC vitamin C serum to your face and neck. Pat it in gently with your fingertips. Wait 1-2 minutes for it to absorb thoroughly. This time is important because vitamin C works at a low pH—applying other products immediately will raise the pH and
you reduce the effectiveness.
#Step 4: Other serums (if applicable)
If you're using multiple serums, go from thinnest to thickest. Vitamin C usually comes first.
#Step 5: Eye Cream
Apply your eye cream around the eye area.
#Step 6: Moisturizer
Finish with a moisturizer like emerginC Hyper Vitalizer Cream. This locks in all the active ingredients and keeps your skin hydrated. For pigmentation, choose Scientific Organics Phytocell Cream.
#Step 7: SPF (morning)
This is the most important step during the day. Vitamin C enhances the effectiveness of your sunscreen, but doesn't replace it. Always use at least SPF 30.

Morning or evening: when should you use vitamin C?
This is a frequently asked question with a surprising answer: both moments have advantages.
Vitamin C in the morning (most popular)
Most dermatologists recommend using vitamin C in the morning because it protects your skin from free radicals and UV damage during the day. It acts as an extra shield under your sunscreen. Its antioxidant benefits are most valuable during the day when your skin is exposed to pollution, UV rays, and other external stressors. What's more, vitamin C gives your skin an instant, fresh glow—perfect to start the day. This doesn't apply to products containing only ascorbyl acid, which can bleach and irritate the skin in the sun.

Vitamin C in the evening (also effective and recommended )

In the evening, your skin is in recovery mode. This is the time when cell renewal is at its peak, meaning active ingredients can work optimally. If you already use a lot of active ingredients during the day,
If your skin has difficulty with vitamin C, an evening application may work better.
Twice a day (for experienced users)
If your skin tolerates it well, you can use vitamin C twice a day for maximum results. Always start with once a day and gradually increase your dosage.
Combining Vitamin C with other ingredients
Safe and effective combinations:
Vitamin C + hyaluronic acid: A match made in heaven. Hyaluronic acid hydrates while vitamin C works on brightening and anti-aging.
Vitamin C + Vitamin E These antioxidants reinforce each other. Together they are
more powerful than apart.
Vitamin C + niacinamide: For a long time it was thought that these could not be used together, but recent studies show that they can be combined very well and even strengthen each other in fading pigmentation.
Vitamin C + SPF: Essential. Vitamin C enhances the protective effect of your sunscreen.
Vitamin C + Peptides: Both stimulate collagen production in different ways, giving you a synergistic effect.

Combinations requiring caution:
Vitamin C + Retinol: Both are powerful ingredients that can cause irritation, especially in
Sensitive skin. It's best to use them at different times (vitamin C in the morning, retinol in the evening). Our Multi Vitamin Retinol serum contains the perfect 0.4% concentration, making it safe to use with your C serum.

Vitamin C + AHA/BHA: These exfoliating acids can raise the pH, making vitamin C less effective. It's best to use them at different times or wait at least 15-20 minutes between applications. This doesn't apply to the emerginC serum, as it combines the milder forms of vitamin C.
Vitamin C + benzoyl peroxide: This combination can oxidize vitamin C and make it ineffective. However, Stay C 50 is a good alternative to benzoyl peroxide.
Use them at different times of the day.
How do you recognize a good vitamin C serum?
When choosing a vitamin C product, there are a few crucial factors:
Packaging
This is perhaps the most important. Vitamin C oxidizes when exposed to light and air. Choose
therefore always for:
-A dark (brown or blue) glass bottle
-An airless pump or pipette (no jar)
-A small bottle that you use up within 3-6 months

emerginC uses active ingredient encapsulation, which keeps the vitamin C in airtight pellets. You'll have fresh C right down to the last pump.

Check the ingredients list. Vitamin C (usually listed as ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid, or a
(other forms) should be high on the list. Also look for supporting ingredients such as vitamin E.

Concentration
Pay attention to the concentration that is appropriate for you.
Texture
A good vitamin C serum is usually watery to slightly gel-like, absorbs quickly and is not sticky. It should
do not have a strong odor (at most a slightly metallic odor from the vitamin C itself).
Colour
A fresh vitamin C serum is clear to slightly yellowish. If it is dark yellow, orange, or brown, it is
oxidized and you should no longer use it.
Common mistakes with vitamin C
Giving up too soon
Vitamin C takes time to work. Don't expect results after a week. For brightening, see
You often see a difference after 4-6 weeks, for anti-aging and pigmentation it can take 8-12 weeks.
Using too much product
More is not better. 3-4 drops are enough for your entire face and neck. Your skin can only use a
absorb a certain amount.
Storing it incorrectly
Store your vitamin C serum in a cool, dark place. Bathrooms are often too warm and humid.
A drawer in your bedroom is ideal, or even the refrigerator.
Do not use sunscreen
Vitamin C doesn't make your skin more sensitive to the sun, but without SPF you're missing out on the full benefits
protective effect and pigment spots may return.
Combining too many active ingredients too quickly
If you're just starting out with vitamin C, give your skin time to adjust before using retinol or strong
adds acids.
Continue using an oxidized product
If your serum has changed color, throw it away. Not only is it ineffective, but it can also
cause irritation.

Ready to get started? Discover the complete Emergin C collection and experience the difference for yourself.
can make vitamin C.
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 Shop emerginC vitamin C serum
How to choose the best vitamin C serum
Vitamin C routine: morning vs. evening
Frequently Asked Questions about Vitamin C
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