Vitamin C is a year-round skin care essential, but winter is a great time to add this ingredient to your routine.
A. Effects of Vitamin C and Why It Should Be Used in Winter
1. Vitamin C Neutralizes Free Radicals
Free radicals can damage lipids, particularly the hydrolipidic film, which is the skin's protective layer. By altering the skin's natural barrier and removing healthy oils from its surface, the barrier may not function optimally, resulting in extremely dry, dehydrated skin that is more prone to breakouts. Barrier breakdown is even more of a concern in the winter due to harsh weather conditions such as dry air and indoor heating, resulting in significant hydration and moisture loss. Antioxidants such as vitamin C fight free radicals to slow or reverse these negative changes.
2. Vitamin C Boosts Collagen
Certain forms of vitamin C have been shown to stimulate collagen production. The more collagen the skin contains, the healthier it is and the better it can retain moisture. This is especially important during winter months. Vitamin C isn't just for brightening; its firming properties are also remarkable.
3. Vitamin C Boosts Skin Immunity
Finally, Vitamin C boosts the skin's natural defenses, which is especially important during the winter season when the skin is more susceptible to external aggressions.
4. Vitamin C Improves Skin Radiance
Due to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C can neutralize free radicals and combat oxidative stress, thereby improving skin radiance and complexion.
B. When Should You Use Vitamin C?
It is recommended to apply vitamin C both in the morning and in the evening.
Morning application protects the skin from environmental damage and free radicals throughout the day. In addition, skin cells need protection from UV-induced skin aging, which can be provided by vitamin C in combination with sunscreen.
Skin regenerates at night, so applying a vitamin C serum at bedtime is also beneficial. During sleep, vitamin C supports the skin's regeneration process. In addition, applying a serum at night helps repair damage caused during the day.
An ideal combination is with plant-based retinol called Bakuchiol (non-irritating like retinol) and vitamin C. This combination is non-irritating and maximizes skin regeneration at night.
C. What Vitamin C Products Does Helwé Offer?
Serums
At Helwé, we prefer vitamin C serums to creams because the formula of a serum is more effective in delivering active ingredients.
The Radiance Serum is formulated with 10% pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is the most effective form of vitamin C. It penetrates easily and starts working instantly.
It improves skin radiance and texture, boosts collagen, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. In the Radiance Serum, it is combined with ferulic acid and vitamin E, three powerful antioxidants whose synergy enhances the serum's antioxidant, repairing, and anti-aging effects.
The Radiance Serum is formulated with 10% of a highly effective liposoluble vitamin C derivative, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. This vitamin C derivative penetrates twice as much as other vitamin C derivatives. It neutralizes free radicals that would otherwise damage the skin's lipids.
It is also known to help preserve the skin's collagen, which is not the case for other water-soluble vitamin C derivatives. In the Serum, it is combined with various antioxidants such as vitamin E, sea buckthorn extract, and tomato lycopene, making this serum a great skin repairer.
Both serums are equally effective. The Radiance Serum may be more suitable for people with sensitive skin and can also be beneficial for nighttime use due to its liposoluble nature.
Eyes
Hyalo C Velvet Eyes Serum blends Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, and Vitamin E, three powerful antioxidants, to combat fine lines, environmental damage, and signs of premature aging caused by free radicals from UVA/UVB rays, infrared rays (IRR), and ozone pollution (O3).
Enriched with Cucumber Extract, Caffeine and Italian Helichrysum, this invigorating serum targets visible signs of aging such as crow's feet and fine lines, while improving the appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles.
Macadamia oil and cornflower are incorporated to hydrate and soothe the delicate eye area.
Masks
Masque Radieux (Radiance Mask)
The Radiant Mask contains a trio of powerful skin-brightening ingredients: vitamin C, resveratrol and tomato lycopene, known for their ability to improve skin tone.
Strengthened by the addition of Vitamin E and Olive Extract, the mask offers powerful antioxidant properties ideal for fighting skin aging, minimizing wrinkles and fine lines, and rejuvenating the complexion with radiance.
Designed for all skin types, but especially beneficial for dull and sun-damaged skin, the Radiant Mask provides a complete revitalization.
Here is an example of a Helwé winter skincare routine:
In winter, for maximum anti-aging effects, layering is key. Indeed, one ingredient is not enough to combat skin dehydration, wrinkles, spots, etc. You should integrate a vitamin C serum, as well as skin moisturizers such as a serum and/or cream containing hyaluronic acid. Additionally, don't forget to incorporate a gentle exfoliant and plant-based retinol (bakuchiol with vitamin C) in the evening to regenerate the skin.
Here are some ideas for sensitive and normal, combination, and oily skin routines. Feel free to book free consultations online at the store to be assisted by our pharmacists in creating a complete routine tailored to your skin.
