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Valued Contributor
Posts: 706
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

What are Vitamin C products supposed to do for your skin? Do they make a difference that you notice?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 26,501
Registered: ‎10-03-2011

Vitamin C is a very potent antioxidant but not something we actually store so it needs to be replenished. For the most part, a good Vitamin c serum (with a stable form of Vitamin C) will help to heal and repair existing sun damage plus provide some protection against future sun damage (don't think it's enough to eliminate the need for an SPF). Vitamin C also works below the skin surface to build collagen. More collagen means thickened skin and less wrinkles, which is good because our skin tends to thin as we age.

Super Contributor
Posts: 2,550
Registered: ‎02-27-2013

I use ASDM Beverly Hills 15% Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate serum. I love it!!! It makes my skin more even toned and bright. This particular serum also has 15% Hylauronic Acid which really helps my skin stay plump, soft and moisurized. It's $30 for 2 ozs. and comes in a pump.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,733
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I highly recommend NCN's Vitamin C + (20 percent serum) available at ncnskincare.com. I have sensitive skin and have been using it for at least a year now without any problems or irritation:

INGREDIENTS: Water, L-Ascorbic Acid & MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Hyaluronic Acid, Glutathione, Sea Kelp Bioferment, Oat Beta Glucan, Vitamin E (mixture of Tocopherols & Tocotrienols), Ferulic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Optiphen

1.3-ounce size -- $39.95 (can get a promo code for 10 percent off).

STABLE Vitamin C+ Serum will not oxidize!

IMPROVED with the addition of MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate). MAP (added 8/22/2013) is a very stable form of Vitamin C. It's been added in addition to the L-Ascorbic Acid, not only for additional stability, but for its anti-inflammatory properties. Even the most sensitive skin types can use our formula without irritation. Learn more about MAP below.

WHAT CONSTITUTES THE MOST EFFECTIVE VITAMIN C SERUM?

  1. It should be made with L-Ascorbic Acid at 20% for maximal absorption (it's the most effective form of Vitamin C).
  2. It has to be stable (Glutathione stabilizes both L-Ascorbic Acid & Vitamin E. MAP ensures the formulas stability even further - it will not oxidize!
  3. It has to have a pH of less than 3.5 to penetrate the skin (ours is 2.0).
  4. It has to be non-irritating. Not easy to do with a pH of 2.0, however, with the addition of MAP, even the most sensitive skin types can use our formula.
  5. It needs to come in a glass, UV-protectant container with a top that doesn't need to be removed each time.

There are several factors that must be taken into consideration when looking for the most effective Vitamin C Serum. Delivery of L-Ascorbic Acid into the skin is critically dependent on getting the formula right.

Click here to see the study about L-Ascorbic Acid.


HOW GLUTATHIONE & MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) STABILIZE L-ASCORBIC ACID

Studies and tests have proven that the best Vitamin C Serums are made with L-Ascorbic Acid due to its ability to penetrate skin. The only problem with L-Ascorbic Acid by itself is that it isn't stable; it oxidizes quickly, deeming it ineffective. However, we have solved that problem with the addition of Glutathione & MAP. Glutathione stabilizes L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Vitamin E. In our bodies, Glutathione rapidly depletes with age, stress, and from the environment. It's our best defense against accelerated aging. The addition of Glutathione in this formula makes it a real anti-aging powerhouse!

Glutathione, known as the body's master antioxidant, is part of the body's natural antioxidant systems. Many of the most commonly used antioxidants work by regenerating glutathione. It is a primary antioxidant that neutralizes current, and prevents future oxidation.

MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) is added for stability, but also for UV protection and repair, collagen production, skin lightening and brightening. It's considered an excellent non-irritating form of Vitamin C that inhibits skin cells from producing melanin. MAP lightens hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun damage, and spots left by acne spots. MAP is a also a potent anti-oxidant that can protect skin from oxidation. Because it's used as an anti-inflammatory, it's the perfect addition to the formula for any skin type.


~Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Honored Contributor
Posts: 21,733
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Coincidentally, as I was writing my post about NCN, I received their newsletter with the promo code for July. If anyone is interested, let me know.


~Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,837
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I'm using Paula's Choice Resist C15 Super Booser. I just started using it so can't comment on how effective it is. Here is what Paula's website says about it:

What makes this product unique?
Resist C15 Super Booster is a concentrated, light-as-water liquid treatment product designed to supercharge your Paula's Choice serum, or it may be used alone. A blend of 15% stabilized vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) at a pH of 3.0, antioxidant vitamin E, ferulic acid, and peptides repairs visible signs of aging and stimulates collagen production for smoother, brighter, and firmer skin.

Vitamin C also helps protect skin from environmental damage as it evens your skin tone. You'll see dramatically younger, healthier, and more radiant skin in weeks!

Who is this product for?
Resist C15 Super Booster is for anyone who wants to boost the results from their Paula's Choice serum or who wants to experience the benefits of vitamin C when combined with other proven anti-aging ingredients. The formula is suitable for all skin types and also appropriate for breakout-prone skin.


The Bluebird Carries The Sky On His Back"
-Henry David Thoreau





Super Contributor
Posts: 2,103
Registered: ‎05-25-2014

I hate to hijack your thread, Anniecamp, but I was wondering if any of you ladies can answer this question. I'm currently using Philosophy's Vitamin C booster in powder form, primarily because I can mix it with the SKINN Collagenesis serum I currently use. But the powder is messy and inconvenient to mix.

I'd like to switch to a Vitamin C serum, but don't want to give up my SKINN serum. Could I layer the 2 serums, or would it turn into a goopy mess? If I used 1 serum at night, and the other in the AM, which would you suggest?

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 150
Registered: ‎06-22-2012
On 7/1/2014 suzyQ3 said:

I highly recommend NCN's Vitamin C + (20 percent serum) available at ncnskincare.com. I have sensitive skin and have been using it for at least a year now without any problems or irritation:

INGREDIENTS: Water, L-Ascorbic Acid & MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Hyaluronic Acid, Glutathione, Sea Kelp Bioferment, Oat Beta Glucan, Vitamin E (mixture of Tocopherols & Tocotrienols), Ferulic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Optiphen

1.3-ounce size -- $39.95 (can get a promo code for 10 percent off).

STABLE Vitamin C+ Serum will not oxidize!

IMPROVED with the addition of MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate). MAP (added 8/22/2013) is a very stable form of Vitamin C. It's been added in addition to the L-Ascorbic Acid, not only for additional stability, but for its anti-inflammatory properties. Even the most sensitive skin types can use our formula without irritation. Learn more about MAP below.

WHAT CONSTITUTES THE MOST EFFECTIVE VITAMIN C SERUM?

  1. It should be made with L-Ascorbic Acid at 20% for maximal absorption (it's the most effective form of Vitamin C).
  2. It has to be stable (Glutathione stabilizes both L-Ascorbic Acid & Vitamin E. MAP ensures the formulas stability even further - it will not oxidize!
  3. It has to have a pH of less than 3.5 to penetrate the skin (ours is 2.0).
  4. It has to be non-irritating. Not easy to do with a pH of 2.0, however, with the addition of MAP, even the most sensitive skin types can use our formula.
  5. It needs to come in a glass, UV-protectant container with a top that doesn't need to be removed each time.

There are several factors that must be taken into consideration when looking for the most effective Vitamin C Serum. Delivery of L-Ascorbic Acid into the skin is critically dependent on getting the formula right.

Click here to see the study about L-Ascorbic Acid.


HOW GLUTATHIONE & MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) STABILIZE L-ASCORBIC ACID

Studies and tests have proven that the best Vitamin C Serums are made with L-Ascorbic Acid due to its ability to penetrate skin. The only problem with L-Ascorbic Acid by itself is that it isn't stable; it oxidizes quickly, deeming it ineffective. However, we have solved that problem with the addition of Glutathione & MAP. Glutathione stabilizes L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Vitamin E. In our bodies, Glutathione rapidly depletes with age, stress, and from the environment. It's our best defense against accelerated aging. The addition of Glutathione in this formula makes it a real anti-aging powerhouse!

Glutathione, known as the body's master antioxidant, is part of the body's natural antioxidant systems. Many of the most commonly used antioxidants work by regenerating glutathione. It is a primary antioxidant that neutralizes current, and prevents future oxidation.

MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate) is added for stability, but also for UV protection and repair, collagen production, skin lightening and brightening. It's considered an excellent non-irritating form of Vitamin C that inhibits skin cells from producing melanin. MAP lightens hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun damage, and spots left by acne spots. MAP is a also a potent anti-oxidant that can protect skin from oxidation. Because it's used as an anti-inflammatory, it's the perfect addition to the formula for any skin type.

I have also been very happy with NCN's Vitamin C and would recommend it.

Super Contributor
Posts: 554
Registered: ‎02-15-2013

I've been using Paula's choice for a few months. Results, skin texture seems firmer, skin is brighter, red marks from previous breakouts noticeably lighter.

I use it am and pm.

It is on sale 20% off until midnight today July 1st.

Paula's Choice 100% stands behind their products and will take returns. You can also try out a sample size.

I am happy with Paula's but it is not the only option out there

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 150
Registered: ‎06-22-2012
On 7/1/2014 Colonel Meow said:

I hate to hijack your thread, Anniecamp, but I was wondering if any of you ladies can answer this question. I'm currently using Philosophy's Vitamin C booster in powder form, primarily because I can mix it with the SKINN Collagenesis serum I currently use. But the powder is messy and inconvenient to mix.

I'd like to switch to a Vitamin C serum, but don't want to give up my SKINN serum. Could I layer the 2 serums, or would it turn into a goopy mess? If I used 1 serum at night, and the other in the AM, which would you suggest?

I use two serums every morning. I put on NCN's Vitamin C serum and then make my bed. When I am done, the serum has dried into my skin. I then put on NCN's Matrixyl serum. I don't have any trouble using both.