BEAUTY Vitamin C products to keep you looking young

Vitamin C a key to youth


Maggie Gibbons

This time of year we all start thinking about boosting our vitamin C levels to ward off coughs and colds, but it’s well known in the beauty industry that vitamin C also helps to keep your skin looking young. While many products boast vitamin C derivatives, the one you should always look for is L-Ascorbic Acid.
In the field of skincare and dermatology its effectiveness in combating wrinkles and fine lines is backed by a huge amount of scientific evidence. However, L-Ascorbic Acid in skin care can be unstable, as it oxidizes when exposed to air, light and heat which makes it ineffective, so you’d be well advised to keep it in the fridge. The latest generation of vitamin C skincare have largely overcome this problem by harnessing the magic of this wonder vitamin.  

High end
SkinCeuticals is renowned for the potency of its ingredients, and anything I’ve used from this brand has delivered on its promise. To maintain and improve skin health, the SkinCeuticals skincare philosophy is based on prevention, correction and protection.
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic (€150) contains ferulic acid, which stimulates collagen for more youthful looking skin that is better defended against environmental aging. Once absorbed, the serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours. SkinCeuticals says that you need to use this serum for six months before you’ll see improvement, but my testers noticed subtle changes in skin tone after a couple of weeks. One lady said her friends commented on her ‘glowing’ skin. You only need to use a few drops of this serum, and it absorbs instantly. It’s not cheap I know, but it lasts ages. Do your bit of research before you purchase. I’ve only ever heard positive comments.

Value
One of the most exciting launches for Autumn 2014 is the REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial, a revolutionary new product from REN Skincare which promises remarkable results in only a minute. This strong, potent dose of Vitamin C claims to dramatically brighten complexion, even skin tone and reduce wrinkles.
I’ve used it a few times now and love how it makes my skin feel and it does indeed seem to brighten my complexion. The  Vitamin C dramatically reboots radiance and firmness, revealing a fresher ‘wide-awake’ look. Perfect for that night out or just to get that radiance back.
Great value at €38 for 75ml, REN’s Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial launched nationwide on September 15. It contains Boswellic Acid (Frankincense Bark) to reduce fatigue and soften lines, Magnesium to restore a healthy glow and vitality, and stabilized 10 percent Vitamin C. The method of application is really simple. Apply a thin coating to the face and neck and wet the hands, then massage the face to activate the vitamin C. Leave for one minute before rinsing thoroughly. I’ve used it five or six times now, and I’m really liking it. My skin definitely appears brighter and feels firmer.

Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.