The new source of Vitamin C that is Plum Perfect
Vitamin C is the great protector, skin equalizer, and magic eraser all rolled into one. A must-have ingredient in your skin care routine, it’s like a little sunshine on a summer day. While Vitamin C is most known for its brightening benefits, it does so much more. Below we break down the have-to-know facts of this essential antioxidant, where to get Vitamin C and some tips from 3 Graces founder and world-renowned makeup artist Colleen Kirk on why it is important to add it to your skincare routine.
What is Vitamin C and Where does it come from?
Let’s start with the basics. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the growth and repair of tissues in the body, including the skin. As a powerful antioxidant, it reduces skin damage caused by free radicals; in other words, car exhaust, cigarette smoke and even booze and over processed foods. And say goodbye to uneven, splotchy skin! Vitamin C can even out dark spots and lesson hyperpigmentation while reducing inflammation and the appearance of wrinkles. UV-related damage can happen anywhere, making Vitamin C an important part of your skincare all year-round. Basically, Vitamin C is a multitasking superhero.
When we think of the source of Vitamin C, oranges will always come to mind. But nature offers so many options for our bodies to absorb this powerful antioxidant. While it is often found in fruits and vegetables, the beauty industry has also adopted synthetic versions in various products such as moisturizers and serums. However, Kakadu plum is the new kid on the block when it comes to sources of Vitamin C (try the benefits of Kakadu in 3 Graces Beauty Revitalizing Facial Serum). This powerhouse fruit contains the highest concentration of Vitamin C of most fruits (about 100 times higher than oranges). Also known in Australia as Gubinge, Billygoat, or Murunga, this extract is preservative-free and has a sweet plum smell.
How can you add Vitamin C to your skincare routine?
Vitamin C is often noted as a percentage, 10%, 15%, 20% etc. So what do these percentages mean? The percentage of Vitamin C is describing a derivative of the antioxidant such as retinyl ascorbate, or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. These various forms of vitamin C are combined with an ascorbic acid formula to help stabilize it. When you apply these derivatives to the skin, a percentage of Vitamin C is then released into the skin. While you can rely on your daily dose of OJ to recharge your antioxidants, ingesting it only provides your skin with a small amount of the benefits compared to applying a formula version directly onto your skin.
There are many different suggestions as to how much and how often to apply. For most, Vitamin C can be used daily or even twice daily. It’s ideal to apply to skin after a toner, but before your moisturizer and sunscreen. However, in rare cases it can be irritating on the skin, so start with a patch test. Use a small dose every other day, and slowly build up your tolerance to find that sweet spot your skin will love. Like most formulas, it builds up and can’t be easily washed away.
For more on this powerhouse superhero, we asked our Co-Founder Colleen Kirk to share why she loves Vitamin C, and her decision to use Kakadu plum in the Revitalizing Facial Serum.
“All of the products we create are from a nutritional perspective. We look for ingredients sourced from nature with the highest effectiveness possible. Vitamin C is one of those multi-tasking, active ingredients that provide a broad range of skin benefits. All skin types can benefit from Vitamin C!"
Why Kakadu Plum?
"My Co-Founder, who has a background in nutritional science, is a native of Australia, where Kakadu Plum is sourced from. Kakadu Plum has been used by the Australian Aboriginal community for centuries as a powerful antioxidant and immune booster. It’s extremely high level of Vitamin C makes it very effective in brightening skin when you use it consistently. In our Radiant Facial Serum, we’ve paired the Kakadu Plum with Caviar Lime, another ingredient native to Australia, and the combination of the two provide amazing and restorative skin benefits."
Any tips on the best way to use it?
Vitamin C can be used day or night, depending on the type of skin you have and the products you are using along with it. The most important thing is use it consistently every day, to see the best results. We chose to put our Vitamin C in a serum formula intentionally combined it with other superfood ingredients that enhance its benefits.