THE VITAMIN C GUIDE | ALTERNATIVES

 

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In my Vitamin C guide we've covered off: pure-form Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plus some Skinceuticals dupes as an added bonus, Vitamin C derivatives and now we're talking through some ingredients that act as alternatives to Vitamin C if you just haven't found an option you think would work for you 100% in this series so far. So, let's run through some types of ingredients that cover off the same bases but don't have some of the drawbacks...

One of the many benefits of Vitamin C and its derivatives is that it's a tyrosinase-inhibitor, meaning it interrupts the activity of the hormone that tells our skin to produce excess pigment following injury (which is how even relatively short-term spots can turn into long-lasting dark marks). Additionally, there are ingredients that can help fade older scarring and prevent discolouration from spreading through the skin. Honestly, when it comes to achieving an even skin tone, I do actually recommend using a number of ingredients as opposed to relying on one anyway. So, if Vitamin C doesn't fit into your daily skincare routine, I recommend trying out ingredients such as:

 Niacinamide

 Azelaic Acid

 Kojic Acid

 Tranexamic Acid

 Alpha Arbutin

 Licorice Root Extract

You might like to try...

Cipher Night Shift Holistic Tone Balancing Treatment* | $132

 Niacinamide

 Alpha Arbutin

 Added soothing and moisturising ingredients such as Beta-glucan and hemp seed oil

Paula's Choice Clinical Discolouration Repair Serum* | £49

 Niacinamide

 Tranexamic Acid

 Bakuchiol

Another reason people love Vitamin C is that it just gives your skin a gorgeous glow. However, using an acid 2-3 times a week can also allow you to reap these rewards. Exfoliating acids work by removing dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. We have AHAs such as glycolic acid (the strongest of the bunch), lactic acid (a little gentler and more hydrating) and mandelic acid (gentle and effective on hyperpigmentation). There are BHAs like salicylic acid, which are oil-soluble so get deep into the pores to clear out spot-causing bacteria. And PHAs like lactobionic acid and gluconolactate are gentler, more hydrating alternatives to AHAs.

The Ordinary's Lactic Acid 10% + HA | £6.90

 Contains 10% lactic acid for effective brightening and resurfacing

 Also contains hyaluronic acid as a humectant (water magnet)

PSA Skin Heroine Mandelic & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner* | £34

 Mandelic Acid

 Lactic Acid

 Niacinamide

 Also contains Licorice Extract for discolouration

 Also contains soothing cica and bisabolol

Vitamin C is known to be a really effective antioxidant, meaning it can neutralise free radical damage from our environment which can lead to premature ageing. So, you can think of antioxidants as preventative well-ageing. However, the good news is that there are a bunch of other effective antioxidants on the market that aren't Vitamin C (today we're just talking through a couple of my personal favourites).

Niod Survival 0 | £22

 Pycnogenol (antioxidant derived from French maritime pine bark)

 Superoxide Dismutase (enzyme antioxidant)

 Pure form Vitamin E (antioxidant)

 Other antioxidant-rich extracts

The Ordinary's Pycnogenol 5% | £8.60

 Contains 5% Pycnogenol only at a lower price-point

One of the standout features of pure-form ascorbic acid is that it can actually help boost up collagen production in the skin, which not a lot of skincare ingredients have research on in this respect. If you can't find an ascorbic acid formula that works for you, though: fear not! Retinoids (AKA Vitamin A derivatives) actually have even more evidence for their power in this area, though I personally think that if you want the best results (and you're not sensitive), you'll want to go for a 1%+ concentration of retinol, a granactive retinoid or a retinol. Retinoids can also help with sun damage, hyperpigmentation and in the reduction of existing fine lines, and I've chosen a gentler option and a more heavy-duty formula.

Skin Rocks Retinoid 1 Serum* | £65

 A skin-friendly 0.2% HPR (Granactive Retinoid)

 Also contains bakuchiol (which may offer a plant-based retinoid-esque alternative)

 Squalane moisturises and Vitamin E gives antioxidant benefits

Skin Rocks Retinoid 2 Serum* | £75

 A punchier 0.5% HPR (Granactive Retinoid) + 0.05% retinal

 Also contains bakuchiol (which may offer a plant-based retinoid-esque alternative)

 Squalane moisturises and Vitamin E gives antioxidant benefits

Have you seen impressive results with any of these alternative ingredients?

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Read more posts from this series here!