When it comes to skincare there are two camps: The minimalists, whose beauty cabinets are artfully empty, displaying a single cleanser and moisturiser. And the maximalists with their 10-step - and counting - routine (and that’s just the morning). Whichever side you sit on it’s likely that you have some ingredient non-negotiables. Some bow down at the retinol altar, others swear by the hydrating prowess of hyaluronic acid. For me though, vitamin C has always been my skincare staple. And I've just discovered a game-changing affordable vitamin c serum.
Glowing, healthy looking skin is the holy grail of a good skincare routine. Ask any dermatologist and they’ll tell you that vitamin C is one of the few skincare ingredients that can achieve just that. It helps brighten the most pallid of complexions and is thought to help minimise the signs of ageing. And, A lesser known gem about vitamin C is that it helps complement sunscreen's protective action against ultraviolet radiation. A bit of a wonder ingredient, really.
‘Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps combat the skin damaging effects of free radicals,’ explains consultant dermatologist Alexis Granite. ‘It works to brighten the skin by reducing the pigment (melanin) production and increasing skin cell turnover,’ she says, before telling me that it works effectively on all skin types. Good news all round.
Except, there is some slightly less good news. Although vitamin C is generally well tolerated, at higher concentrations it has the potential to cause irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s a tricky customer on the stability front. Products that are seriously efficacious and stay that way once open are hard to formulate which is why many of the top rate vitamin c serums come with a hefty price tag.
Enter Cerave’s Vitamin C Serum, £29. The serum is already the number one vitamin C product in the US - an impressive claim - and is, unbelievably, the first vitamin C product from the brand to launch here.
What Does The Cerave Vitamin C Serum Do?
'CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C serum strikes a great balance between efficacy and tolerability' says Dr Granite. How so? Firstly, it is formulated with 10% vitamin C in its most potent form, L ascorbic acid, which helps to to ensure optimal results. And while that sounds strong it's blended with CeraVe's signature trio of essential ceramides which help to look after the skin barrier and limit any sensitivity associated with vitamin C use.
Pairing vitamin C with hydrating ingredients also helps to improve tolerability. That's why well known super hydrator hyaluronic acid has been thrown into the mix. 'Vitamin C and HA work well together,' Dr Granite tells me. 'Hyaluronic acid predominantly acts as a humectant, binding water and boosting skin moisture levels. This action complements all of the many benefits of vitamin C. Hyaluronic acid alongside vitamin B5 ensure the skin is comforted and hydrated.'
How to use the Cerave Vitamin C Serum?
Dr Granite recommends using CeraVe vitamin C serum as part of your daily skincare routine. The best way to use it is n the morning post cleansing but before your moisturiser and sunscreen. Apply a thin layer to cover the whole face, and don't forget to take it down to your neck as well.
Even if you have a stripped back skincare routine it's still a good idea to try and incorporate vitamin C into it. As it's an antioxidant-based product it helps protect against environmental aggressors during the day, just don't forget your spf! I'd then switch this step for a restorative or rejuvenating product in the evening such as retinol.
www.boots.com
CeraVe Skin Renewing 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum is a daily lightweight facial serum, that’s formulated to target the first signs of ageing, to reveal visibly brighter and smoother skin. Carefully developed with the expertise of dermatologists, this serum delivers optimal efficacy while being comfortable on the skin. Skin ageing is natural, however early signs of ageing can be exaggerated by UV exposure, lack of hydration and pollution.
This formula uses the purest form of Vitamin C, L-Ascorbic Acid: a well-known anti-oxidant with powerful anti-ageing properties, along with Hyaluronic Acid & 3 Essential Ceramides to target the first signs of ageing; fine lines, skin texture, dullness. With a fast-absorbing gel texture, this serum is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
Pros
- purest form of Vitamn C, L-Ascorbic Acid
- Well tolerated by all skin types
- hydrating
- packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid
Cons
- not the most aesthetically pleasing of packaging
Our Verdict:
Verity Clark, Acting Health & Beauty Director:
I love the lightweight texture of this vitamin C serum. I often find that vitamin C serums fall into oily territory and make my skin feel greasy but this is more of a gel-like formula that I'd associated with a traditional hyaluronic acid serum. It melts into skin quickly and helps it to feel instantly hydrated.
In terms of results, I've noticed that my skin looks markedly glowier and that seems to be more evenness to areas of my face (looking at you ruddy cheeks) that are prone to discolouration. It also sits beautifully under makeup. A great every day serum, at an affordable price point. What's not to love?
