What is vitamin C in skincare?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and an essential cofactor in collagen synthesis. In skincare it appears as L-ascorbic acid – the purest and best-studied form – or as more stable derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
Skin cannot make its own vitamin C, and levels fall with age and UV exposure. Applied topically at the right pH and concentration, it penetrates the epidermis and replenishes what has been depleted.
What skin concerns does vitamin C treat?
It neutralises free radicals generated by UV and pollution, which makes it a genuine daytime defence layer under sunscreen rather than a replacement for it. It also inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme behind melanin production, so it fades dark spots and evens overall tone.
Because it is required for collagen cross-linking, consistent use improves firmness and softens fine lines. Clinical work shows measurable benefit in photoaging and melasma over several months.
What ingredients are best paired with vitamin C?
Vitamin E and ferulic acid are the classic partners – together they stabilise L-ascorbic acid and multiply its photoprotective effect. Add hyaluronic acid to offset any dryness, and follow with broad-spectrum SPF every morning.
Niacinamide and vitamin C work well together in modern formulations, despite the old myth that they cancel out. Avoid layering it directly with strong AHAs, BHAs or benzoyl peroxide in the same step. Store it dark and airtight; oxidised vitamin C turns orange and stops working. Take our Skin Quiz.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the central face – cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It presents as persistent redness, visible broken capillaries, flushing that comes and goes, and in some subtypes acne-like papules and pustules.
Unlike acne, rosacea involves no comedones. It is driven by a combination of vascular hyper-reactivity, neurogenic inflammation and an overactive innate immune response, often with an impaired skin barrier alongside.
What causes rosacea?
There is no single cause. Genetic predisposition, an exaggerated immune response involving cathelicidin, overgrowth of Demodex mites, and dysfunction of the facial blood vessels all appear to contribute.
Flares are triggered by heat, sun exposure, alcohol, spicy food, hot drinks, exercise, stress, wind and cold, and by harsh skincare. Identifying and avoiding your own trigger set does as much as any product.
What ingredients are best for rosacea?
Azelaic acid and niacinamide are the standout actives – both reduce redness and inflammation without provoking the barrier. Sulphur, green tea extract, liquorice root and centella asiatica also calm reactive skin.
Build everything else around barrier repair: ceramides, glycerin, squalane and panthenol, with a gentle non-foaming cleanser and a mineral SPF every day. Avoid alcohol-heavy toners, fragrance, menthol, physical scrubs and high-strength acids. Take our Skin Quiz to build a routine your skin will tolerate.
