The Vitamin C Skincare Line I Tried For A Healthy Glow
If you struggle with hyperpigmentation like I do, then chances are you’ve tried a beauty product with vitamin C to help fade pesky dark spots and brighten up your complexion. Well, let me clarify that vitamin C can indeed do that, but not on its own.
What makes this antioxidant so popular is its ability to complement powerful ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and retinol. In short: the right ingredient combination with vitamin C can improve your regimen results.
The stress of trying to thrive during a pandemic has definitely had a toll on my skin. I was suffering with dry, dehydrated patches and maskne blemishes were taking forever to disappear. So when the team at Image Skincare reached out to formally introduce me to their Vital C Collection, I replied: “I need to try that out.”
The Vital C Collection is Image Skincare’s best-selling collection, and that comes as no surprise to me because it’s expanded from a four-core lineup to 12 products for different skincare needs. Founder Janna Ronert’s personal journey with rosacea is the inspiration behind the gentle and hydrating formulations. And as esthetician and Director of Global Sales Training Jacquelyn Hill explained to me: “Image incorporates multiple forms of stable, water and oil soluble forms of vitamin C to address multiple concerns, and then boosts the efficacy of the total formula with additional antioxidants, anti-aging peptides and potent hydrators.”
And while vitamin C is a highly sought-after hero ingredient, Hill cautions that the most common mistake people make when introducing it into their skincare routine is not seeking professional advice. “There are many forms of vitamin C and a consultation with a skincare professional will help consumers choose the one that will most benefit their chief concern,” she said.
Plus, Hill noted that there can be “too much of a good thing” when it comes to any functional ingredient in your daily regimen. To avoid this mishap, the professional said, “If using multiple products with the same hero ingredient, I like to incorporate one rinse-off product, such as a cleanser or a masque, and one leave-on such a serum or a crème to reduce chances of irritation. If you notice redness, dryness, inflammation or stinging, discontinue product usage until the skin returns to balanced state and then reintroduce one product slowly into your regimen to allow you skin time to acclimate.”
Watch the Instagram Reel to see my morning skincare routine with Image Skincare Vital C Collection.
With more than enough at my fingertips to test and the guidance of Hill and my esthetician, I eased into my nearly three-months long trial of the Vital C Collection with the essentials. Here are my thoughts:
Hydrating Facial Cleanser — I absolutely loved starting my days by washing my face with this super creamy cleanser. Free of mineral oils and artificial fragrances, it gently removed dirt and sweat and left my skin feeling really smooth. I made sure to massage it onto my face for using lukewarm water as instructed and after a minute or so, I washed it off with my go-to Clean Skin Club wipes. And I never experienced any forms of redness or irritation.
Hydrating Facial Mist — For more years than I can recall, I’ve been loyal to two luxury brands of facial mists and essences. And I find that layering these products between steps help to keep my skin hydrated and healthy. The best way to describe this facial mist is a “wake-up call” in a bottle. Just two spritzes was all I needed to help lock in moisture or refresh my face on those days when I’m working indoors with the heat turned up high. The light citrus scent also added to the overall sensorial experience. And if I were to wear makeup daily, I’m sure the gold submicroparticles would really make my complexion pop! Though they did for the moments immediately post-spritz.
Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum — Hill name-dropped this as the Vital C product she simply can’t live without. And upon further inspection of the ingredients and noticing how it made a difference in my complexion, it all started to make sense. This serum contains ingredients that improve skin elasticity such as hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, glycerin. I really like how it melted into my skin and delivered yet another defense to dehydration.
Hydrating Intense Moisturizer — She’s thick and refreshing, thanks to a combination of shea butter (my favorite!), hyaluronic acid (well, look at that!) and olive fruit oil (more goodness for the skin). And this moisturizer does a mighty fine job of staving off dryness, which is exactly what I needed during the cold-weather months. I also appreciated how I was able to work it in and not wait forever before topping with facial oil or my sunscreen.
Hydrating Facial Oil — I introduced this product from the Vital C Collection later into my routine, but it was well worth the wait. It contains nourishing argan, sea buckthorn and grape seed oils. All it took was just two drops on each side of my face to achieve that enviable healthy glow. Definitely a morning and nighttime regimen must-have!