You've probably read about Vitamin C and know it as a powerful antioxidant that stimulates skin metabolism and collagen formation, helping to regenerate the skin.

Here is another property of vitamin C that may affect its stability and efficacy...

Vitamin C is an ingredient photosensitive, light-sensitive. When it comes into contact with sunlight it oxidises, degrades, loses properties or spoils. This does not mean that it can produce some kind of negative consequence, it simply means that the product changes due to the contact with the sun. It can change its colour, texture, smell or lose some of its properties. Vitamin C is photosensitive and, although you will sometimes read that it can only be used at night, if the formula is right you can use it in both routines: it neutralises free radicals and prevents photoaging.

At Soivre Cosmetics to preserve the Vitamin C, we only use opaque, airless containers, as they do not allow light and oxygen to pass through and the ingredients remain stable once opened.

 

So, phototensitiser, what is it?

A photosensitising substance is a substance that, combined with solar radiation, induces an exaggerated response with negative consequences on our skin. From allergies, spots, blisters, vesicles, erythema to burns. They are also known as phototoxic ingredients and it is very important that you keep them in mind and leave them out of your nighttime routine.

  • Essential oilsphototoxic: bergamot, cumin, ginger, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange and verbena among the most common.
  • Some perfumesThe sunscreens, especially those with allergens, are photosensitising. Avoid using them when you are going to spend several hours in the sun.
  • Some dyesare often phototoxic. If your favourite products contain bengal red or eosin, use them only at night or with a strong sunscreen.

There are many drugs you may be using that are photosensitising. For example, some pharmaceutical acne treatments (e.g., for isotretinoins) or the retinoic acid as well as antibiotics, oral contraceptives and many other drugs can be phototoxic.

 

Now that you know the difference between photosensitive and photosensitising, write it down and don't forget it when you buy or use a cosmetic formulated with Vitamin C.

If you want to pamper your skin with this active ingredient, Soivre Cosmetics offers you the Vitamin C line Thanks to its formula and packaging, you will prevent it from degrading or losing its properties. What are you waiting for to get yours?