Vitamin C is one of the most exciting, research-proven ingredients you can apply to the skin. It works as an antioxidant, an important component to achieving healthy skin. When we’re young, vitamin C levels in the skin’s outermost two layers (epidermis and dermis) are abundant, but as we age, these levels naturally deplete. Unprotected sun exposure (UV damage) and pollution can accelerate this decline, leading to skin looking and feeling dull, uneven, and less firm than it once was.

Luckily, there are topical skin care solutions that can help mitigate this damage, so skin looks and feels healthier and younger longer.

There are many forms of vitamin C for the skin, and while they all have antioxidant benefits, some types of vitamin C work better in skin care formulas than others. The quality of ingredients will also play a part in how well they work. Pharma grade vitamin C will provide clearer, quicker results than cosmetic grade.

Ascorbic acid—also known as L-ascorbic acid—has the most skin-related research of any form of vitamin C. When properly formulated, this form helps create younger-looking, firmer feeling skin while fading signs of uneven skin tone and spots. Ascorbic acid also helps the skin’s surface defend itself from free radicals and external stressors, lessening the effects of exposure to the elements. It can also help to reduce the appearance of pre-existing scarring.

iS CLINICAL Super Serum Advance+

ANTI-AGING, SUPER ANTIOXIDANT, BRIGHTENING

•Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

•Helps reduce hypertrophic scar tissue

•Successfully combines time-released vitamin C and Copper tripeptide growth factors to encourage significant collagen synthesis

•Provides extremely powerful antioxidant protection

Key ingredients L-Ascorbic Acid 15.0%, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid and Madecassic Acid 0.5%, Arbutin 0.5%

All forms of vitamin C mix well and layer with other skin care ingredients, including exfoliating acids and other vitamins and antioxidants, such as retinol and niacinamide.

iS CLINICAL Pro-Heal Serum Advance+

HEALING, SUPER ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

•Exceptional “healing” formula

•Helps reduce redness and inflammation associated with cystic acne, rosacea, bug bites and post-treatment

•Provides UV photoprotection

•Provides extremely powerful antioxidant protection

Key ingredients, L-Ascorbic Acid 15.0%, Tocopherol 1%, Retinol 1.0%

Other beneficial forms that have notable research demonstrating their efficacy include sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and ascorbyl glucoside.

iS CLINICAL C Eye Serum Advance+

REVITALIZING, HYDRATING, ANTI-AGING

•Helps lighten dark under-eye circles

•Helps reduce under-eye puffiness

•Helps reduce periorbital wrinkles (including crow’s feet)

•Provides antioxidant protection

Key ingredients, Sodium Hyaluronate 40%, L-Ascorbic Acid 7. 5%, Zinc Sulfate 2.0%

Vitamin C can be used twice daily, both morning and night. After cleansing, the rest of the skin regime may be applied from thinnest to the thickest texture (commonly: serum, moisturizer, SPF). During the day, always finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or greater.