With its ability to help diminish signs of aging and improve discoloration, vitamin C is an MVP in the skin care world. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C works to neutralize free radicals that can result from sun exposure and environmental pollution before they can damage your skin. This antioxidant protection helps prevent the look of future signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Vitamin C also provides collagen-boosting abilities, which helps improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles for smoother-looking skin.

When it comes to vitamin C, there’s no question that SkinCeuticals is a leader in the industry thanks to its continuously cutting-edge research and robust lineup of vitamin C-packed skincare products. To bring you up to speed about all things regarding SkinCeuticals vitamin C products, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic, including:

• What makes SkinCeuticals vitamin C unique?

• Which SkinCeuticals vitamin C should I use?

• How should I use SkinCeuticals vitamin C?

• How long does SkinCeuticals vitamin C last?

• Is SkinCeuticals vitamin C safe for pregnancy?

What makes SkinCeuticals vitamin C unique?

All of SkinCeuticals’ vitamin C serums contain L-ascorbic acid, which is the purest form of vitamin C. SkinCeuticals’ research has shown that L-ascorbic acid, when formulated at a specific concentration and pH, provides superior anti-aging results. Since this formula is patented, it is unique to SkinCeuticals. “SkinCeuticals is the originator of the elevated and more potent forms of vitamin C, and they remain the leader,” says Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO. “SkinCeuticals’ founding scientist, the late Dr. Sheldon Pinnell, formulated his antioxidant serums to maximize both efficacy and absorption, and these formulas are backed by outstanding clinical research.”

Which SkinCeuticals vitamin C should I use?

SkinCeuticals antioxidant collection features a number of different vitamin C serums and gels, so you can find just the right SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum for you and your skin.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Antioxidant Serum is a potent anti-aging facial serum that is designed to target fine lines and wrinkles with a patented formula of three antioxidants: 15% pure vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and vitamin E.

For oily skin, SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Vitamin C Serum is a recent addition to the line that contains silymarin (milk thistle extract) along with L-ascorbic acid and salicylic acid, which is formulated to prevent oil oxidation that can lead to acne and visible signs of aging.

If you struggle with discoloration, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Antioxidant Vitamin C Discoloration Serum could be the best choice for you. In addition to vitamin C in the form of 10% L-ascorbic acid, it contains 0.5% ferulic acid—which works to enhance the benefits of vitamin C—and 2% phloretin, which is derived from fruit tree bark and is intended to reduce the appearance of discoloration by boosting cellular turnover.

Another option is SkinCeuticals C + AHA Exfoliating Antioxidant Serum, which is a great choice to help improve rough skin texture and blemishes while providing anti-aging, antioxidant protection. It matches 10% alpha hydroxy acids (lactic acid and glycolic acid) with 15% pure vitamin C to create an exfoliating and anti-aging treatment, all in one.

How to use SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums

SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums are best used as part of your morning skin care routine. The best time to apply your SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum is after cleansing and toning. SkinCeuticals’ vitamin C serums are conveniently packaged in dropper bottles, so you can get started by dispensing four to five drops into the palm of your hand. Then, press your palms together and use your hands to gently tap the serum onto your face, massaging until you feel that it’s fully absorbed. You can blend any remaining serum onto your neck and the backs of your hands.

After applying your SkinCeuticals vitamin C serum, you can layer on any additional face treatments, such as SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel. This added step can help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles and puffy under eyes while also protecting the delicate eye area from future damage with 5% pure vitamin C, 1% phloretin and 0.5% ferulic acid.

How long does SkinCeuticals vitamin C last?

This is a very important question, as vitamin C can start to lose its potency over time when exposed to elements such as light, air and heat. This process is called oxidation, and oxidized vitamin C is much less effective. When asking how long does SkinCeuticals vitamin C last, it’s important to note that all SkinCeuticals vitamin C serums will remain stable for six months after opening and three years while sealed.

Is SkinCeuticals vitamin C safe for pregnancy?

“Vitamin C is a safe skin care ingredient to use during pregnancy,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Typically, pregnant patients can continue to use their favorite vitamin C serum without worry, something that is particularly reassuring and helpful as skin concerns often occur during pregnancy.”

Now that you know all the basics about vitamin C from SkinCeuticals, you can check out our complete guide to mineral sunscreen and find even more dermatologist-recommended skin care tips on the LovelySkin Blog.