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What is vitamin C and how does it work within skincare?

Vitamin C as a skincare ingredient is now hugely popular, with several scientific studies supporting its use and benefits. Still to this day, many of us are unaware that for skincare benefits, more can be achieved by using vitamin C topically instead of relying on dietary intake alone. It’s considered a true multi-purpose ingredient. First, it aids collagen synthesis which, put simply, boosts the elasticity of your skin. Regular use can also help to blur and diffuse the appearance of fine lines after six months. The key is to use the right type as there are many formulations available. The one that’s considered the ‘gold-standard’ is L-ascorbic acid – it’s the most effective with a potency of 10-20 per cent. If, however, your skin is sensitive, look to weaker and more stable versions. These include: Ascorbyl palmitate, ethyl ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl tetra-isopalmitoyl, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate.

How can you treat acne and anxiety-induced flare-ups?

There are different ways to treat acne – from topical skincare through to oral medication. Often, the best place to start is by having a consultation with a consultant dermatologist who can put you on the right path to manage your acne – many of these reviews can be done virtually now, too. In terms of managing acne with skincare, it’s important when choosing over the counter products to opt for ingredients that are shown to have clinical benefit. These include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, niacinamide, benzoyl peroxide and tea tree oil. Just because there are 50 products on the market does not mean you need to be using all of them. Keep your skincare simple and give it time. It will not work straight away and you need to be patient to see results – in fact, most acne clinical trials related to skincare usually run for 12 weeks for this exact reason.

How can I reduce the redness in my skin?

Redness can be caused by over-exfoliation, heat and harsh products. Use gentle products with lukewarm water when you cleanse, and avoid exfoliating too often. Also, remove foaming agents from your routine and opt for a gentle cream cleanser instead.

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