In partnership with Avène.
I have long relied on the brightening properties of Vitamin C to fade my post-inflammatory pigmentation and aid in my perpetual quest for the best glow possible. I recommend Vitamin C rich skincare to all who’ll listen, for it brightens the skin, evens out the complexion, supports our body’s natural production of collagen and enhances the skin’s overall radiance. But for some, a traditional, concentrated Vitamin C has the potential to instigate a skin disaster.
By its very nature, Vitamin C (also known as Ascorbic Acid), is highly acidic. For this reason, going too hard too soon with Vitamin C can sensitise the skin and irritate the skin of those with existing sensitivities. For this reason, the rules of Vitamin C application were extensive and vital. Be careful of which other Vitamins you apply it with, don’t use too much, don’t expose it to light, be wary of other acids. Given that the benefits of topical Vitamin C application read like a dream-skin-wish-list, however, it can feel tempting to ignore the risks and go all in for the chance of almost instantly brighter skin. Until recently, there had been no alternative- you could either opt for an intense C concentrate and risk disrupting the skin’s barrier function and flaring up sensitivities, or choose a lower concentration and only use it sparingly and risk not reaping any visible benefits.
This season, cult French pharmacy skincare house Avène have released the secret to providing the skin with a high concentration of Vitamin C while ensuring the gentlest possible mode of delivery- a breakthrough that has completely changed the way I use vitamin C.
Avène A-Oxitive collection has been formulated with gradual release Vitamin C at its core. Where pure Vitamin C can be harsh and sensitive skin, gradual release Vitamin C works to gently and slowly release pure Vitamin C throughout the day. This means your skin is still being delivered the equivalent of 15% concentration of pure Vitamin C* each day, but through a gentle, gradual delivery system to improve your skin’s tolerance of the ingredient.
Beyond the inclusion of gradual release Vitamin C, Avène’s A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum also contains hyaluronic acid, my personal favourite hydrating ingredient thanks to its unique ability to hold on to 1000 times its own weight in water, and Avène’s universally lauded signature Thermal Spring Water, the core of its entire range, to soothe the skin and heal irritations.
The Avène A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum and Smoothing Water-cream feel almost weightless on the skin, both quickly absorbed and water-fresh in their texture. Traditionally I’ve avoided lighter textures in the cooler months, as my skin can err towards dry as the temperature drops, however both the Serum and Water-cream have succeeded in delivering intense hydration to my skin without feeling at all thick or weighty. The serum, in particular, contains an ingredient called GP4G that works to improve the skin’s natural defense against environmental stressors, which is perhaps why my skin has not felt affected by the dry air in the way it often does at this time of year.
Following a month of consistent use, my skin is looking bright, my complexion lifted, my pigmentation faded and my hydration boosted. My skin is feeling protected from the elements, no seasonal sensitivities have been triggered, and my glow has not wavered despite the change in seasons.
The Avène A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum and Smoothing Water-cream are available now at Chemist Warehouse, Priceline and Adore Beauty.
*Serum: In-vitro study
Photography and styling: Gemma Watts
This article is sponsored by Avène however all views are, as always, my own.
