The Ingredient That Fights Dark Spots, Wrinkles and Free-Radical Damage
A Vitamin C serum is one of those rare skincare products, along with a daily sunscreen and retinol, that everyone from dermatologists to beauty editors and estheticians can agree on the importance of using. The much-studied ingredient is known for its brightening effects, but is also beloved for its ability to improve the appearance of wrinkles, sun spots, and even acne while protecting the skin from free radical damage. Because of these superpowers, beauty brands are making it easier than ever to make sure your skin is receiving the vitamin C it needs. While old school serums sometimes came with unpleasant smells (think hot dog water and pennies - yuck) or a sticky texture, this new guard of Vitamin C products could pass even the most discerning skincare junkie’s test - and we at SHEN are definitely that. Our lineup includes something for oily to mature skin types and everything in between - check them out below.
For Sensitive Skin: Superegg Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum
The fun, bubbly texture of this serum makes it an easy sell, but the serious ingredients inside will keep you coming back for more. It uses a gentle blend of three types of Vitamin C that are able to penetrate deep into the skin alongside probiotics, niacinamide and a strain of yeast that strengthens the skin’s barrier. Users with sensitive skin will appreciate the soothing and nourishing effect it has, and see brighter, more even skin tone.
Tonal Scenery Reparative Serum
For Dry Skin: Mara Sea Vitamin C Serum
This oil is formulated with a whopping 15% of an oil-soluble Vitamin C along with fourteen other plant-derived forms of the ingredient. Squalane, algae, and three types of adaptogens add a soothing and hydrating element to it that helps reduce redness. The oil quickly absorbs and leaves a silky feeling behind - no stickiness or greasiness in sight.
For Acne-Prone Skin: Vintner's Daughter Active Treatment Essence
Think of this fermented essence as the water-soluble, hydrating companion to Vintner’s Daughter’s famous moisturizing oil. The Lactic and Phytic Acids in this formula gently exfoliate the skin and keep pores clear, making it ideal for blemish-prone skin. What really gives this its glowing, plumping powers is the brightening Vitamin C and soothing, hydrating aloe and coconut water.
For Aging Skin: Ideo Skin Memory Serum
This milky serum is based on the idea that certain ingredients, in this case Resveratrol, Malate and Antioxidants like Vitamin C, can teach skin cells to behave young again and therefore appear their healthiest. An independent clinical study has shown a remarkable decrease in dark spots, wrinkles, and redness, making this an amazing solution for those with mature skin looking for a more simplified routine.
For Sun Damaged Skin: Environ Vita-Peptide C-Quence Serum 1
Our estheticians love Environ’s STEP-UP SYSTEM™️ because it gently and gradually introduces skin to active ingredients like Vitamins A and C. Those ingredients work in tandem to tackle sun damage and spots in particular: Vitamin A works to rebuild collagen and increase cell turnover, speeding up the fading of hyperpigmentation, while Vitamin C discourages melanin synthesis.
For Overall Skin Health: Reflekt 2 Collagen Boost Vitamin C Refining Serum
This simple but powerful serum is rooted in Vitamin C, Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid, which together have a brightening, smoothing and hydrating effect on the skin. Gently exfoliating fruit acids increase cell turnover so that over time your brightest, clearest skin is revealed - this is truly a one-and-done remedy that does it all in the most gentle and beautifully textured way.
