II'm just going to throw this out there: I actually never wash my face. After suffering from hormonal acne in my teens and early 20s, I found myself in a delicate balance of (mostly) clear skin that I didn't dare disturb. So for over a decade, I've gone back to basics: splashing with water in the morning and using soap (yes, I said it, bar soap) to remove mascara—and trying different moisturizers and oils. Welcome to my skin care routine.
But now that I’m in my 30s, a few things have happened. First, I had two babies and was left with an unwelcome souvenir: melasma, a skin condition (and common side effect of pregnancy) that leaves brown or gray spots on your skin. I may not have spots, but uneven skin tone and just, you know, aging have left me looking dull. Meanwhile, I’ve been hearing about vitamin C everywhere—the internet, social media, friends. My mom recently asked me if I was taking it (because she was). It was time to up my game.
So in honor of my less than radiant summer skin, I brought along a few new girlfriends from NOW® solutions– a full line of vitamin C, including a serum, moisturizer, toner, scrub, and cleanser – and turned to a dermatologist to learn more about the benefits of vitamin C on skin care. “Vitamin C can address a wide variety of skin concerns, including dullness, dryness, and uneven skin tone,” says Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD. “It’s a very powerful antioxidant that helps improve the appearance of dark spots. Additionally, it aids in the skin’s ability to retain moisture, resulting in a more hydrated and radiant complexion.”
Hydration is always at the top of my list, so between evening skin tone and combating dull skin, it sounded like I was on the right track. But when selecting products with maximum vitamin C skin care benefits, the options are numerous – and often pricey. This is where Dr. Engelman should pay attention to: “You want to pay attention to the concentration levels. Anything with a concentration of less than 10 percent probably won't be very effective in achieving the results you want.”
The entire NOW® Solutions line meets that threshold and ranges from $9 to $20. It's a very budget-friendly way to add vitamin C to your routine. Dr. Engelman says it best: “You know you are getting highly tested, high-quality and animal-friendly products at a very affordable price.” Here is my highlights list from my vitamin C journey – join me.
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid Serum – $20.00
I'm now a mom to a preschooler and toddler, so tired skin is part of the job description — and this serum has become my BFF. “[It’s] “Perfect for brightening, firming, and providing antioxidant protection,” says Dr. Engelman. “You’ll notice the purple versus white label on this product, which means it’s part of their premium line that features clinically validated ingredients at a fraction of the price of premium brands.” The gel-like consistency glides on smoothly and absorbs quickly, and while it can be used both AM and PM, Dr. Engelman recommends it primarily for your morning routine before moisturizer and SPF.
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C and Sea Buckthorn Moisturizer – $13.00
This was the first product delivered to my home, which seemed like destiny: Moisturizers are my skin care love language. Dr. Engelman recommends it as the last step in your routine: “Apply a nourishing moisturizer like the Vitamin C & Sea Buckthorn Moisturizer that helps lock in moisture to improve elasticity, brighten dull or dark spots and promote healthy-looking skin.” promote,” she advises. The subtle scent of sea buckthorn, which smells like nature's candy, in the best way, is such a welcome addition and the formula has that not-too-light and not-too-heavy feel to make it an everyday staple, even in summer.
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C & Manuka Honey Gel Cleanser — $6.00
For my long-awaited return to using facial cleanser, this gentle formula was just the right entry point.”[It] provides a deep, gentle cleanse that helps brighten skin tone, smooth texture, and renew dull skin,” says Dr. Engelman. I now cleanse first thing in the morning and evening, and the extra virgin olive oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E ensure that I don’t experience any tightness or dryness. However, Dr. Engelman does advise starting with a lower concentration of vitamin C if you have sensitive skin and working your way up.
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C & Acai Berry Purifying Toner — $9.00
If I ever feel like I need a deeper cleanse—which is more common now that it’s summer and my skin is more clogged with SPF and sweat—I reach for this bottle. According to Dr. Engelman, there’s some truth to the fact that vitamin C gets an extra boost during the sunniest months: “Vitamin C is especially helpful during the summer months because of the impact it can have on stressed skin. I recommend incorporating vitamin C into your daily skin care routine to better protect yourself from environmental stressors that can contribute to aging.”
NOW® Solutions Vitamin C and Oryza Sativa Gentle Scrub – $11.00
Once or twice a week I opt for a deeper peel with this scrub, which also contains niacin and aloe vera in the gentle formula. With this complete routine, I've noticed more glow in recent weeks and I'm confident I'm helping protect my skin from further summer damage. “Depending on the strength of the vitamin C product and frequency of use, you will typically notice results from vitamin C skin care products in about two weeks to three months,” says Dr. Engelman. Glow on, initiated.
