Vitamin C, also shown on ingredient lists as (but not limited to) ascorbic acid, THD ascorbate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, is a vital nutrient for overall skin health. (At the core of each version’s molecular structure is ascorbic acid.) Occurring naturally in some fruits and vegetables, vitamin C is lauded in the skincare world for its antioxidant properties, which means it protects cells from free radical damage caused by air pollutants, industrial chemicals, and other environmental elements. But it can’t do its job as well if you have a layer of dead skin cells sitting on top of your skin.
Just as vitamin C is essential, so is regular skin exfoliation. Exfoliating the dead skin cells allows for better penetration of active ingredients like vitamin C to get to the cells that can use it. There are two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants manually remove dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use the power of acids such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid and lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) such as salicylic acid, break up the “glue” that holds on to that pesky dead skin.
Using a potent vitamin C after exfoliation will boost its brightening and firming benefits. Try this must-have nighttime duo: Our Vibrant Exfoliating Face Scrub + vitamin C-packed CC Serum, Stardom Glow CC Serum. First, after cleansing, use the Vibrant Exfoliating Face Scrub to smooth and firm the look of skin with a unique blend of Coconut, Raspberry, Vanilla, Cucumber Melon, Pineapple, Apricot, Jojoba Seed oil. After exfoliation, wait a few minutes then apply the Stardom Glow CC Serum. Wake up to firmer, brighter, and deeply hydrated skin thanks to the potent blend of antioxidant-rich fruit extracts.