Unlock the benefits of Vitamin C

Unlock the benefits of Vitamin C

How to Use Skincare’s Brightest Star the Right Way

In beauty, there are trends that come and go, and then there are staples. Vitamin C sits firmly in the latter category. Skin experts call it the gold standard for antioxidant protection, facialists rely on it to restore luminosity, and devoted skincare users know it’s their ticket to a brighter, more even complexion.

But here’s the thing… simply buying a vitamin C serum doesn’t guarantee results. How you choose it, store it, and layer it matters just as much as the ingredient itself. At Aegis MD in St. Catharines, we see incredible transformations when clients use vitamin C strategically.

Choosing the Right Strength

Beginners and those with easily irritated skin should begin around 10% concentration, then gradually build to 15–20% once tolerance is established.

  • Oily or normal skin: L‑ascorbic acid is your most potent option.
  • Dry or sensitive skin: Look for magnesium ascorbyl phosphate — gentler, but still effective.

Formulation and pH Matter

Vitamin C isn’t just about the percentage. It’s also about how it’s delivered. Potent formulas for normal skin usually hover around a pH of 3.5, which helps penetration. Sensitive skin types may fare better closer to the skin’s natural pH of 5–6 to minimize stinging or redness.

The most effective delivery systems are Serums. They keep the ingredients stable and allow for concentrated application. Bonus points if your formula pairs vitamin C with vitamin E or ferulic acid, both of which enhance antioxidant protection and boost stability.

Timing Is Everything

It is recommended to apply vitamin C in the morning, post‑cleanse and before moisturizer or SPF. That way it works double duty, brightening the skin while reinforcing your sunscreen’s UV defence.

Consistency is where the magic happens. Most people see visible changes like a more even tone and smoother texture after 6–8 weeks of steady use. At Aegis MD medical aesthetics clinic in Niagara, we remind clients that the neck and chest deserve equal attention.

How To Store Vitamin C Products To Keep Them Fresh

Vitamin C is notoriously fussy. Exposure to air, heat, and light will degrade it. Look for airtight, opaque packaging and store it in a cool place. If the liquid turns darker or smells off, it’s time to replace it. This indicates oxidation and means the active ingredient has lost potency.

Pairing and Avoiding Clashes

Vitamin C layers well with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and barrier-supportive peptides. What doesn’t it love? Being applied at the same time as strong retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. This can destabilize it. A simple split‑shift routine works best: vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night.

The Non-Negotiable Vitamin C Partner is SPF

Even the most elegant vitamin C formula can’t replace sunscreen. In fact, it’s at its most effective when paired with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+. One blocks and absorbs UV damage, the other repairs and defends at a cellular level.

Used well, vitamin C isn’t just another serum on your shelf. It’s a long-term investment in skin health. You can achieve a brighter tone, firmer texture, and a complexion that looks lit from within, even without makeup.

At Aegis MD in St. Catharines and Aegis MD medical aesthetics clinic in Niagara, we work with clients to match the right vitamin C to their skin type and lifestyle. Because when science meets consistency, the results speak for themselves.

Visit us at Aegis MD, a medical aesthetics clinic and proud partner of Dermapure St. Catharines, for a personalized consultation on facial fillers, wrinkle relaxers, laser hair removal, skin care, varicose vein treatments, and any other anti-aging concerns. We serve patients from Niagara, Hamilton, Oakville, and St. Catharines!