Acne Supplements That Actually Work

By now you might be aware of my past struggles with acne and breakouts. Not long ago, it seemed that any little thing would exacerbate my skin and spur on an acne breakout. I had been on antibiotics for years in an attempt to clear it up, and every time I tried to come off antibiotics, I would ultimately have to start them again. This perpetual on-off cycle went on for years until I decided enough was enough and took matters into my own hands. I became rigorous about my skincare, makeup removal, and tried to cut down on the junk I was putting into my system day in and day out. I was aware of the damage that years of antibiotics and other drugs had wreaked on my digestive system. Determined to find a solution, I began research. I tried many acne supplements in the process.

In spite of the hundreds I would shell out for a consultation with a dermatologist, they would barely spare five minutes listening to my story before pulling out the prescription pad and prescribing months’ worth of topical and oral antibiotics – neither of which actually eliminated the issue. All it left me with was a weakened skin barrier, impaired gut function, food allergies as a result, and an indefinite prescription of pills. My hormones were not out of balance, but my dermatologist continued to push birth control pills for my skin. There is a strong dichotomy between what conventional medicine says is the solution for acne (or lack thereof) and what a more functional medicine approach would lead one to believe.

You are what you eat?

For years I had convinced myself that my frankly poor diet consisting of endless servings of high sugar cereals, milk (despite my lifetime of lactose intolerance) crackers, addiction to anything wheat and processed junk had nothing to do with the breakouts on my face. After all, my dermatologist had not rebuked or even mentioned the possibility that my high sugar diet had anything to do with my breakouts or inflammation. It was not until I confronted the fact that my poor dietary habits and aversion for fresh food were major contributors to the state of my skin, that I finally got a hold of my breakouts. What a concept.

Although this may sound pretty obvious, keep in mind that the same foods that caused me to break out will not be the same foods that cause you issues. There are people for whom processed foods or dairy are not the culprit, as much as certain nightshade vegetables, or even some other seemingly healthful options. What is healthful for one person does not directly reflect as being healthful for another.

Imbalances inside, show up outside

There are countless micronutrient and hormonal imbalances that lead to breakouts and thus countless options to treat your breakouts. We are all deeply individual, with different lifestyles, different genetics and microbiome states. We are so individual that the current state of your own microbiome and inner flora could be completely different now to what it will look like in three months’ time. In this post I will be telling you about supplements that I have personally had success with for treating my breakouts.

Keep in mind, you may not have the same issues I had, and your inner flora are going to be vastly different to mine. However, I hope this gives you a little hope as to the options you have at your disposal before going too crazy with the medications. (Please note that, particularly if you suffer with severe cystic acne, your best option would be to consult a medical professional. It may be better to get your skin under control first and using the supplements I am mentioning as skin maintenance, in order to prevent it from worsening anymore and potentially causing lifelong scars and marks.)

Herbal Extracts

Let me preface by emphasising that I by no means shun conventional medicine. We need only look at the advances we have made in medicine over the past century, and the lives saved, to recognise its potency and necessity. However, what concerns me is the fact that antibiotics and the like are now being prescribed as a cure-all for smaller ailments that could often otherwise be managed with less disruptive therapies.

In my quest to find alternative solutions, I came across the wondrous world of herbal remedies. Up until this point I had assumed “natural” or herbal supplements were all frankly a bunch of ludicrous contrivances. After all, science had progressed far beyond the natural remedies of our ancestors. What I had failed to realise was that much of conventional medicine today is manufactured upon managing pretty severe or debilitating ailments.

Steroids, antibiotics, NSAIDs – they are great when dealing with crippling illness, infections, surgeries. However, to depend upon such medications for a little cough, mild cramps, or even spots, can actually be more damaging than beneficial. Conventional medicine is predicated upon the treatment of symptoms. It never truly targets the root of the ailment or the cause of disease. 

Burdock Root

There are a few herbal remedies that caught my attention as potential acne supplements.

• Burdock root has blood purifying properties and has been found to elicit detoxification of heavy metals from the blood. By improving blood circulation, it promotes skin health.
• As a natural diuretic, it helps remove waste which assists in the expulsion of toxins from the body.
• It also improves detoxification and drainage of the lymphatic system. Lymphatic drainage is critical for immunity and overall wellness.
• Burdock can greatly help inflammatory conditions like acne, and even eczema and psoriasis, by quelling that inflammation of the skin.

Blue Flag

Both burdock and blue flag are herbal extracts that essentially work by clearing the body of toxins. They calm the inflammation that leads to skin problems.

• Blue flag aids the skin by purifying the blood as it works through the liver, the body’s main detoxification organ.
• Cleanses, decongests and removes waste products associated with poor skin health.
• Influences the glandular system, lymphatic, intestinal glands, liver and gal ducts.
• Believed to counteract the effects of fatty food or alcohol on the skin.
• Combines well with burdock root to treat inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne.

These extracts should be used in therapeutic doses and neither of these herbs should be taken raw. I stumbled upon these tablets with both blue flag and burdock root. It contains an optimal dosage of both herbs too.

Let me tell you, these acne supplements are a game changer for breakouts. I typically take these tablets around meals, in order to combat the effect of the blood sugar spike. I feel as though it helps reduce potential inflammation I might get as a result of my (sometimes questionable) dietary choices.

If you experience pesky spots, blemishes or even mild eczema, I highly recommend you give these tablets a shot.

This is where I purchase Clear Complexion Tablets.

Zinc

(but not just any zinc)

Not only is zinc an essential mineral vital for proper immune function, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties to boot. As previously mentioned, acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin. Thus, any nutrients that will help to soothe that inflammation are invaluable in the treatment of acne. It may also diminish problematic yeast overgrowth that contributed to acne. Zinc’s wound healing properties are also crucial for healing breakouts. 

Studies in the 1970s first observed that patients with acne had significantly lower levels of zinc that controls. Zinc as a single product, as well as combination treatment paired with other therapies, has proven to be efficacious in improving acne lesions. As acne supplements, zinc can be incredibly effective. You can access the studies here.

Zinc deficiency can be caused by inadequate intake, but also due to excessive loss or poor absorption, and certain chronic illnesses can also lead to its deficiency. Those who avoid animal food sources are also more prone to zinc deficiency. Vegetarians or vegans who mainly obtain their protein sources from legumes, beans, nuts, wholegrains and soy typically have trouble. This is due to the phytates that inhibit zinc absorption. 

Zinc Sources

Great food sources of zinc include oysters, red meat, eggs and poultry. However if you are concerned that your dietary zinc intake is low, or that you are a poor absorber, you may wish to supplement with zinc. 

Certain zinc compounds are more bioavailable than others and will thus have a greater impact on your skin. Zinc acetate, zinc orotate, zinc methionine, zinc sulfate and zinc gluconate are all options that have been studied, however there is some conflicting opinions as to the best form. I personally prefer zinc picolinate for its bioavailability.

This is the exact zinc I use. 

Vitamin D

(but pay attention to the form of vitamin D)

It is no coincidence that my most severe acne flare up coincided with the only time I had ever been vitamin D deficient in my life. Before moving to the UK I had never experienced vitamin D deficiency, nor did I ever have to supplement with vitamin D, because I grew up in a relatively sunny place. 

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is responsible for regulating thousands of functions in the body. It has antimicrobial and anti inflammatory properties that are critical for addressing the causes of acne. Inadequate levels of vitamin D are strongly linked to acne prevalence. 

A daily dose of sunshine will of course be the best source of vitamin D. Food sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, beef liver, full fat dairy and sardines. Vitamin D is fat soluble so pair with a source of fat, in order to fully obtain its benefits. If you are concerned that you are not getting sufficient vitamin D through diet or adequate sun exposure, you may wish to consider supplementing with vitamin D. 

Not all vitamin D is created equal

Look out for vitamin D3 supplements as they are the form of vitamin D that will be most beneficial. Vegans in particular will struggle to meet their vitamin D requirements. The vegan diet is naturally far lower in bioavailable vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 from mushrooms and other vegan sources is typically more poorly absorbed.

These are my favourite vitamin D supplements that I have used for years and have not struggled with low vitamin D since. It is from a reputable brand and is very inexpensive for the amount you are getting.

If you are vegan, I would suggest this Vegan Vitamin D3 because vegan supplements often use vitamin D2, which is poorly absorbed. However, this Vegan Vitamin D3 comes from a high quality, completely animal-free source so you can rest assured you are actually topping up your levels. 

Probiotics

The mistake I made, and what my doctors failed to share with me is that, in the attempt to remove the acne-causing bacteria with antibiotics, I was also removing good bacteria. The antibiotics I had been prescribed indefinitely by my physician had set off an atomic bomb in my digestive system. It wiped out every trace of flora. 

In order to healthfully thrive, your body has to maintain a balance between both good bacteria, and bad bacteria. Your body works in equilibrium, and allowing one thing to overpower another will unquestionably result in imbalances and hence consequences.

Despite what we are led to believe, not all bacteria are bad. Even the dreaded E. coli has plenty of harmless strains. Its use in research is responsible for a number of scientific breakthroughs. In fact, our body comprises more bacterial cells than human cells! Maintaining a fine balance between both beneficial and harmful flora is crucial for optimal health. 

The Fine Balance of Bacteria

The whole premise of antibiotics for acne is that it targets bacteria that lead to acne. Essentially, the proliferation of this “bad” acne-causing bacteria leads to acne and breakouts. However, in the process it wipes out all other harmless bacteria responsible for millions of other functions within the body. This means it is critical to re-inoculate the body with “good” bacteria, or probiotics. We must tip the scale back in favour of the “good” bacteria and stop any “bad” bacteria overgrowth again. It is all about balance; even too much “good” bacteria can be a problem.

Probiotics and the microbiome is a topic I feel very strongly about, so I will be writing an entirely separate blog post on everything you need to know about probiotics. There are all sorts of strains and different classes of probiotics you should look out for. In the meantime, if you have acne and are (or are not) on antibiotics, I urge you to reach for some probiotics. 

Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut are rich in probiotics, as are yoghurt, kefir, and kombucha. You may also wish to try a probiotic supplement. This is the high quality probiotic I use and trust. I find this probiotic works for me best and is extremely effective.

Treat the Cause

In “part 2” post, I will address a number of other acne supplements that are also highly effective. Depending on the cause of your acne, the acne supplements you respond to and your own individual treatment options will vary. You may have to address hormonal imbalances if that is the cause of your acne, or yeast overgrowth. Every case is individual. However, everyone will benefit from the supplements mentioned in this post regardless of the cause of your acne.

I hope this post on acne supplements was informative. I hope it helped get your wheels turning on acne supplements and the many options you have for treating the cause of your breakouts – not just the symptoms. 

Sign Up Here for more health and skincare posts. You also get instant access to my Skincare Essentials Checklist when you sign up.

For more skincare information, check out these posts:

Top 5 Skincare Ingredients to Get Rid of Acne

How to Eliminate Blackheads for Good

Essential Tips for Oily Skin

The Complete Guide to Salicylic Acid for Skin

9 Things to Consider Before You Start A New Skincare Routine

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

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Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits

With the abundance of facial oils available today, from fan favourites like coconut to argan oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil is one I feel is often overlooked. It is not only a great facial oil for skin, but its inherent benefits also play a role in maintaining optimal internal health as well. In this post I will be shining the spotlight on sea buckthorn oil benefits for both skin and health.

What is Sea Buckthorn Oil?

Despite what its name may lead you to believe, sea buckthorn oil derives from the sea buckthorn shrub (also known as sandthorn, sallow thorn, seaberry or Siberian pineapple).

There are a variety of medicinal purposes for the use of the leaves, seeds and fruit of the plant. Its medicinal powers have been known for centuries and have been used in formularies from ancient Greece to ancient Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

Sea buckthorn oil can be extracted from both the fruit or the seed. This is done by cold pressing the fruit or seed followed by filtration.

The odour is musky and although they share similarities in their nutritional content, their nutrient profiles differ slightly. They also differ in colour and texture. The fruit oil is darker red colour and more viscous, while the seed oil is paler orange and thinner in consistency.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits for Skin

Sea buckthorn oil promotes maintenance of healthy skin due to its nutrient rich composition and fatty acid profile.

Fatty Acids Keep Skin Smooth

The fatty acids in oil create an occlusive film over the skin to reduce trans epidermal water loss and maintain skin’s hydration levels. Palmitic and stearic acid are saturated fatty acids in sea buckthorn oil. They smooth and soften skin while forming an occlusive layer to reinforce the protective skin barrier.

Omega Fatty Acids for Visible Skin Benefits

Sea buckthorn oil has a unique fatty acid profile in comparison to other plant oils. In fact, it may be one of the only plants to contain all four omegas – omega 3,6, 7 and 9. Typically omega supplements will boast the content of omega 3, 6 and 9 that we might entirely overlook omega 7 as a nutrient at all.

Omega fatty acids are extremely important ingredients for skin. They serve as essential building material of skin’s surface and build cell membranes. They create a more youthful looking, smoother complexion and increase skin hydration. Calming signs of redness and sensitivity, they also defend skin from environmental damage.

The rare omega 7 (aka palmitoleic acid) is a relatively new fatty acid discovery. It is a monounsaturated fatty acid and component of skin lipids and facilitate the communication between fat and muscle tissue in the body. It helps to stimulate skin regenerative processes and wound healing. Therefore sea buckthorn oil has the potential to reduce the look of scars and wounds.

Suitable for Oily Skin Types

Gamma linoleic acid (omega 6) improves blood circulation, which in turn assists with the removal of toxins and delivers oxygen to cells. The GLA in sea buckthorn oil penetrates into skin’s deeper layers, stimulates cell regeneration, relieves inflammation, slows ageing and even regulates skin sebum production. Due to the presence of omega 6, it is also suitable for oily skin types.

Typically oily skin types are reluctant to use facial oils on their skin, however sea buckthorn oil may prove beneficial for oily skin. Linolic acid found in sea buckthorn oil plays a key role in skin health. It regulates skin metabolism and sebum production, thus reducing pore blockage and blackheads.

Sea buckthorn oil also contains phospholipids and glycolipids which aid in moisturising and softening the epidermis, as well as improving skin elasticity and cell renewal. They have the propensity to reduce skin inflammation and slow the ageing process. Furthermore, sterols in the oil strengthen the lipid barrier and improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Fatty Acids in Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits:

• Saturated fatty acids soften skin and prevent trans epidermal water loss.
• Sea buckthorn oil contains an abundance of omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9.
• These omega fatty acids reinforce and smooth skin’s surface.
• They increase skin hydration and visibly strengthen skin.
• They have regenerative properties and heal wounds.
• Regulate the function of skin’s sebaceous glands.
• Protects against infections, soothes inflammation and slows ageing.
• Moisturises skin, reduces inflammation and improves skin elasticity.

Powerful Nutritional Profile of Sea Buckthorn

Sea buckthorn oil benefits are largely due to its diverse cocktail of vitamins and nutrients. It is particularly rich in a number of vitamins A, C, D, E, F, K, P and B complex vitamins as well carotenoids, antioxidants, flavonoids, fruit acids, anthocyanins, and minerals. Essentially, it is a recipe for extraordinary healing.

Packed with polyphenols, vitamins A, C and E, carotenoids, tocopherols and flavonols, sea buckthorn oil is a cocktail of antioxidant goodness. Sea buckthorn oil’s potent antioxidant profile combats free radicals. And thus it prevents premature cell ageing and helps to regenerate cells.

The vitamin C content of sea buckthorn oil is 15 times higher than that of an orange. It will protect against UV damage and help to even out the complexion. Read this vitamin C article for more about vitamin C’s amazing effect on skin.

In a nutshell, sea buckthorn oil fights free radicals, protects against harmful UV rays, regenerates cells and slows skin ageing. It supports wound healing, treats scars and reduces pigmentation. What’s more, it may also have a role in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema.

Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits for Health

Due to its abundance in nutrients and essential fats, sea buckthorn oil has a significant positive effect on human health. Because of this, it has been used for centuries in ancient medicine and is now gaining popularity as a functional food and nutraceutical.

Antioxidants in sea buckthorn support the immune system and help to fight infection. Taken internally they will also help to promote healthy skin and hair.

Omega fatty acids encourage healthy cardiovascular function and support the brain and nervous system.

Omega 7 contained in sea buckthorn oil fights inflammation, lowers blood glucose and insulin resistance, as well as suppresses fat accumulation.

Flavonoids promote healthy immune system function and cell rejuvenation, as well as slow premature ageing.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, sea buckthorn can provide pain relief and aid in lessening inflammatory conditions such as GI tract issues, liver inflammation and sore joints.

Products for Sea Buckthorn Oil Benefits

There are a number of skincare products and supplements containing sea buckthorn oil that will provide you with a myriad of sea buckthorn oil benefits. 

Trilogy Very Gentle Restoring Oil

The Ordinary Sea Buckthorn Oil

100% Sea Buckthorn Oil

Oribe Golden Face Oil

Leahlani Siren Serum

Sea buckthorn oil benefits are nothing short of extraordinary. And as more research emerges on the benefits of this wonderful plant and omega 7, I am sure we will be hearing a lot more about it over time.

Are you going to try incorporating sea buckthorn oil into your beauty routine? How about trying an omega 7 or sea buckthorn supplement?

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

The advice in this article is not a substitute for advice from your medical or healthcare provider. Unauthorised use and/or distribution of this material is strictly prohibited.

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Vitamin C Skin Care Benefits

We have known about the benefits of vitamin C since its discovery in the 1930’s. Vitamin C really hit the big time when it was discovered that its presence in citrus fruits could prevent sailors from getting scurvy. As a child it may have seemed like your mother would preach vitamin C as a cure for everything from the common cold to a sprained ankle. And today, supplement companies are not the only ones utilising vitamin C. Many skincare brands are popping out their vitamin C products and serums like it’s a brand new innovation. The ingredient is becoming more mainstream with increasing demand. So, should you be using it? And what vitamin C skin care benefits are there?

The role of vitamin C in the body

Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that cannot be synthesised naturally by the human body. It must therefore be consumed through diet. It is abundant in citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, and all those good fruits and veggies. And now, the vitamin C excuse given by our parents to eat our fruits and veggies has ascended once more in relevance.

But instead of just being told to consume it through diet, we are being told to apply it topically to our skin as well. In recent years it seems that vitamin C has become more and more of a prevalent fixture, not only in medical-grade skincare but in every self-respecting skincare brand’s repertoire of products. Indeed, with proper use it can help reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. After learning about all the vitamin C skin care benefits, you too will be on the hunt for the perfect vitamin C. 

Oftentimes ‘vitamin C’ may not appear outright on a skincare product label. It may be listed as ascorbic acid, or one of its other variations. The chemically active form of vitamin C is known as L-ascorbic acid. It has a similar structure to glucose and is weakly acidic. L-ascorbic acid is the gold standard for vitamin C in skincare, however various other forms of vitamin C are also growing in use. In an upcoming blog post about I will cover all the derivatives of vitamin C, to help you decide which best fits your needs.

Protects skin from sun damage

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. If you read my post about antioxidants, you’ll be well informed about the crucial role they play in protecting skin from oxidative damage. Vitamin C neutralises free radicals via electron transfer or donation and removes oxidants such as those from environmental pollutants or UV exposure. By mitigating the harm from oxidative stress, its antioxidant activity is a measure against photoaging.

UV exposure decreases vitamin C content of skin so topical application of vitamin C will help to increase vitamin C concentrations in the skin. This provides a level of photoprotection and limits the effects of DNA damage from UV exposure. Additionally, vitamin E in conjunction with vitamin C has a further protective effect. Read my previous post for more on why UV protection is a great vitamin C skin care benefit. 

Collagen building

It is no secret that skincare freaks are obsessed with collagen. If anti-ageing is your priority, you might even see this as one of the most important vitamin C skin care benefits. Collagen is a protein found in our connective tissues and cells. Vitamin C encourages the synthesis of collagen in the skin. It acts as a cofactor in the hydroxylation of proline and lysine, a process that prevents the weakening and damage of collagen in the body.

Without adequate vitamin C, collagen formation is impaired. This explains the symptoms of illnesses like scurvy, where there has been an evident deterioration of collagen due to lack of vitamin C. This also explains why smokers tend to age prematurely; smoking depletes vitamin C levels and thus impedes collagen formation.

So, if you’re dying for an extra collagen boost, perhaps just skip all the fancy collagen drinks and the extravagant collagen facial treatments you’ve been considering trading your first-born child for. Simply opt to increase your intake of plain old vitamin C instead.  For extra benefits, apply it to your skin as well as consuming it in your diet.

As always, I’d advocate getting your nutrients from old fashion food sources. Just go ahead and eat the food instead of trying to look for some miracle broth or spending the money on supplements. Especially when it comes to vitamin C, which is not that troublesome to get into your diet. And who’s complaining about adding a vitamin C-packed fruit smoothie into their routine?

Wrinkles and sagging

Topical applications of vitamin C have been shown to decrease the appearance of skin wrinkling. As skin ages it is subject to changes in the dermal layer, and the deterioration of elastin and collagen. This leads to wrinkles. Additionally, the thinning of skin and loss of muscle tone can result in skin sagging. Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress in skin and improve skin structure.

The effect of a lack of vitamin C in the skin is evident by simply observing individuals who are vitamin C deficient. As we have already discussed, the antioxidant protection and collagen building vitamin C skin benefits will lessen skin ageing.

Skin Brightening

Vitamin C has brightening effects on skin. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with hyperpigmentation and dark spots as a result of chronic UV exposure. As you may recall from the blog post about sun damaged skin, prolonged UV exposure triggers the production of melanin in the skin. This leads to skin darkening and eventually brown spots, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin C inhibits the action of tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin formation, to prevent this overproduction of pigment. It can therefore improve skin evenness and diminish the look of dark marks. Although, its effects may not be as marked as stronger ingredients like hydroquinone.

Speeds up healing

Vitamin C levels impact wound healing. Due to its collagen-building, anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C can reinforce a compromised skin barrier and speed up wound healing. Its anti-inflammatory effects also mean that it may be helpful in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. 

Don’t go pouring lemon juice on a wound anytime soon though, as the acidity from the citrus can be highly irritating to the skin. I guarantee the stinging you’ll get as a result won’t make you feel any better or have any improvement on your condition.

Drawbacks of vitamin C

There are some drawbacks of vitamin C that are worth noting. L-ascorbic acid is hydrophilic and unstable. Vitamin C degrades on exposure to air, light and heat, so stability of topical vitamin C is a concern. Your expensive bottle of vitamin C serum may be degrading by the day. Research suggests a vitamin C concentration between 10 to 20 percent is optimal for vitamin C skin care benefits. There are OTC products that go as high as 30%.

The decreasing concentration means that even if a product claims to contain this level of vitamin C, it is losing efficacy from the moment you begin using it. You can tell a vitamin C product has gone bad because the serum will turn a brown colour. There is concern that using spoiled vitamin C products may actually increase free radical exposure in skin.

Due to the stability issue, many skincare products are increasingly using various vitamin C esters rather than ascorbic acid in their formulations. Depending on the ester, they can be gentler on the skin and absorb more slowly. These vitamin C derivatives however, are often less potent than vitamin C. Their vitamin C skin care benefits have not been as comprehensively studied as ascorbic acid. 

High concentrations of vitamin C cause skin sensitivity and irritation. The pH of the product is also of great importance. For maximum benefits, L-ascorbic acid should have a pH of below 3.5. Such acidic low pH levels have the potential to make the products highly irritating.

Acne

There have been anecdotal concerns about vitamin C products triggering acne. I have not encountered substantial research to support this. However, I have personally experienced an increase in acne after using specific vitamin C esters in my routine. That being said, I have extremely intolerant and irritation-prone skin. This reaction may just be due to the base of the vitamin C serum and not directly caused by the vitamin C itself.

It is also possible that specific vitamin C esters penetrate faster than your skin can tolerate. It does not mean your skin will break out with every vitamin C product. The acidic nature of the ingredient could also have an exfoliating-like effect, triggering unsurfaced blemishes to emerge more quickly. Again, this has not been proven and is merely my two cents. I encourage you to do your own research and consult a medical professional if you are having issues.

Dietary vitamin C is proven to be helpful among individuals with acne, when paired with zinc and other nutrients. There are a few studies that suggest vitamin C derivative sodium ascorbyl phosphate has a positive effect on acne lesions. However, it is not as readily absorbed by skin as ascorbic acid. As I frequently reiterate, it is important to experiment and test out different products to see which best suits your individual needs.

Best practices for maximum vitamin C skin care benefits

In order to retain the vitamin C skin care benefits, a product’s packaging should be air tight. Unless the product comes in individually sealed sachets, you want to make sure to use it up within a couple of months to avoid issues. Incorporating it into your morning skincare routine can make sure you are getting antioxidant protection throughout the day. Make sure to read my step by step guide to properly layering morning skincare.

Best vitamin C products

Here are a couple of ascorbic acid products I love, so you too can get the vitamin C skin care benefits.

Gold Standard Vitamin C

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic – The ultimate holy grail of vitamin C serums. Not only does this serum include vitamin C, it also offers vitamin E and ferulic acid which have both been shown to increase the efficacy of formula. In fact the incredibly effective formula is patented and has been widely considered the gold standard in skincare antioxidants. 

Spot treatment 

Although many people will appreciate the vitamin C skin care benefits, you may only have a few trouble spots. If your main skin concerns are specific dark spots, perhaps from acne or as a result of sun damage, you may wish to consider a spot treatment. This Vitamin C Spot Treatment contains a hefty 25% concentration of vitamin C to target hyper-pigmentation. If you prefer a trail size before committing to a full size, check this one out: Vitamin C Spot Treatment Trial Size.

Vitamin C that stays fresh

This Fresh Pressed Daily Booster comes in individual packaging so as to minimise the chance of the product degrading over too long a time. It contains 10% vitamin C and can easily be mixed into your other products. 

Collagen booster

The Dr Dennis Gross C+ Collagen is another pricey but very effective serum. It is packed with a number of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (which I looooove) as well as amino acids. This serum is brimming with vitamin C skin care benefits. It not only contains ascorbic acid but another vitamin C derivative tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Again, watch out for that upcoming blog post. 

Natural option

Vitamin C Serum from Andalou Naturals is a lovely underrated serum. It is organic and natural, gluten free, free of GMOs and relatively affordable. If you find your skin cannot tolerate ascorbic acid, this serum contains a vitamin C derivative magnesium ascorbic phosphate. It also includes a whole host of antioxidants.

Final thoughts

As usual I could go on all day about skincare but I will leave it here before I get too carried away. In a future post I will be breaking down all the best skincare on the market that will provide you all the vitamin C skin care benefits. If you would like to see a review on a specific product, feel free to let me know. And tell me: do you use vitamin C in your routine? Let me know your favourite recommendations, I love hearing the products other people swear by.

If you found value in this information, please share it so that we can be of help to others. Subscribe to the blog for more skin care posts like this. A great deal of thought and care are put into each and every post, so your support, likes and shares are appreciated beyond words. 

Wishing you boundless love, endless light, and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own.

References:

Wang, K., Jiang, H., Li, W., Qiang, M., Dong, T. and Li, H. (2018). Role of Vitamin C in Skin Diseases. Frontiers in Physiology, 9.

Raschke, T., Koop, U., Düsing, H., Filbry, A., Sauermann, K., Jaspers, S., Wenck, H. and Wittern, K. (2004). Topical Activity of Ascorbic Acid: From in vitro Optimization to in vivo Efficacy. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 17(4), pp.200-206.

Woolery-Lloyd, H., Baumann, L. and Ikeno, H. (2010). Sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate 5% lotion for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 9(1), pp.22-27.

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