If you want glowy, bright, youthful-looking skin… this is where you start.
As a licensed esthetician, if I could only choose one skincare product to use for the rest of my life, it would be a vitamin C serum. No question.
Vitamin C is my desert island product… and honestly, it should be a non-negotiable in your routine too.
Why Vitamin C = Super Glowy Skin
You know that healthy, radiant, lit-from-within glow?
Nine times out of ten, when I see skin like that in my treatment room, it’s because that person is consistently using a vitamin C serum.
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful, multitasking ingredients you can use on your skin. It helps:
- brighten dull, tired-looking skin
- even out skin tone and fade sunspots
- support collagen production for firmer, tighter-looking skin
- protect against free radical damage
- enhance the effectiveness of your sunscreen
If your goal is glow… vitamin C is how you get it.
Why Vitamin C Is a Non-Negotiable
If you’re going to invest in one serum… let it be vitamin C serum.
You’ll get the most bang for your buck because it does so many things at once, brightening, lightning, tightening and protecting. She such a multitasker that makes real changes on the cellular level, helping your skin look healthier overall.
How to Use a Vitamin C Serum (The Right Way)
If you’re wondering how to use a vitamin C serum in your routine, and still keep it simple, I’ve got you:
- Cleanse your skin
- Apply your vitamin C serum (a few drops is enough)
- Follow with moisturizer
- Finish with SPF (this is key)
Bestie Estie Tip: Vitamin C is fantastic when used in the morning because it helps protect your skin throughout the day and even helps boost your SPF.
Not All Vitamin C Serums Are Created Equal
This is where things really matter.
Vitamin C is a very unstable ingredient to formulate, which means it can break down quickly when exposed to light and air. When that happens, it can lose effectiveness and even cause irritation and damage to the skin.
Here’s what to look for in a quality vitamin C product:
- An airtight bottle with an airless pump
- Packaging that doesn’t allow any light in
- A formula that stays stable over time
- One that is backed by clinical trials
Why investing in a high quality vitamin C product is so important; This is not the place to pinch pennies, Bestie. You are waisting both your time and money on drug store vitamin C serums. Vitamin C is one of the most difficult ingredients to formulate and the effectiveness comes down to the advanced formulation which is the delivery system into the skin. Investing in a clinical-grade vitamin C serum ensures you’re actually getting results at the cellular level. High quality, clinical grade vitamin C serums can be pricey. But they are worth the investment. And so are you!
My Esthetician Take (Your Bestie Estie)
After 10+ years in the treatment room, I can confidently say this…
If your skin isn’t where you want it to be, or if you just want to put the breaks on pre-mature aging and you’re not using a vitamin C serum, that’s one of the first things I would change.
It’s simple. It’s effective. And when used consistently, it truly transforms your skin. I will never go without my morning dose.
If you want that glow… this is where you start.
My Go-To Vitamin C Products (And How to Choose Yours)
Within the Afterglow Skin Co. line, there are multiple ways to incorporate vitamin C into your routine depending on your skin type and goals.
Here are two of the most effective options I recommend most often:
Bright n' Tight Vitamin C Serum (Our Afterglow Hero Product)
If you’re looking for that healthy, glowy, lit-from-within skin… this is it.
Our Bright n' Tight Vitamin C Serum is my go-to recommendation for almost everyone, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It uses the most advanced form of vitamin C (THD), which is gentler, more stable, and incredibly effective and many people start noticing a difference in as little as a few weeks.
This is truly our signature product and one of the easiest ways to upgrade your routine and start seeing real results. It’s my holy grail product and I won’t start my day without it.
Power C Cream (For Intensive Brightening)
If your skin can tolerate a stronger, more active approach, our Power C Cream is a powerful option.
This formula uses the highest concentration of L-ascorbic acid allowed in skincare products. It’s a more straightforward, potent treatment, best for those who are NOT sensitive or don’t have acne or rosacea prone skin. She’s spicy!
How to Choose
If you’re unsure where to start, I almost always recommend beginning with Bright n' Tight for its versatility, gentleness, and ability to deliver that consistent glow.
Or take the Afterglow skincare quiz to build your routine
And if you ever need help deciding, you always have access to me… Your Bestie Estie!
You can contact me directly or DM me on instagram at your.bestie.estie and I’ll help you with a customized recommendation!
Ready for Your Glow-up?
Explore the complete line of Afterglow Vitamin C products here.
