When launching Étymologie, Raquela Cheesmond (founder) wanted to make a product line that was selective and that would consist of products that could form the base of anyone's daily skincare regime. She also wanted the products to be clever; a variety that you could cocktail according to your current skin needs and / or condition. Her first launch of the collection was the Probiotic Vitamin C Serum, and here are her reasons for starting with this product (these are also great reasons why you should start with this gem):
Let's learn!
1. Daily Pollution Protection
On a daily basis, we are exposed to UV light and pollution, which causes oxidative damage to the skin leading to inflammation, collagen breakdown and hyper-pigmentation. In order to protect ourselves from these harmful, highly unstable free radicals caused by UV and pollution exposure, we turn to antioxidants. Which is why Vitamin C was chosen as the main ingredient; it is one of the most powerful antioxidants that has proven efficacy and has been studied for decades. THD ascorbate is also used as part of the formula, which is oil soluble and highly stable, therefore will remain fresh in your serum and will readily absorb into the skin. It is converted by our bodies to L-Ascorbic Acid (the active form of Vitamin C) to help combat the damage caused by UV and pollution exposure and work its high-performance magic on your skin.
2. Skin Brightening and Skin Tone Correcting
Like most people, the struggle with some hyper-pigmentation is real. Raquela was an acne-prone young adult – and her pigmentation is mainly post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation caused by acne scarring. Vitamin C is an excellent tool for skin brightening and correcting because it inhibits the production of melanin in the skin. Etymologie chose to use a 15% concentration of Vitamin C, as it has been shown to significantly reduce long-term dark spots in just 3 months. After just 1 month of luxuriating in the concentration of Vitamin C, she has seen major improvements in her scarring, and has noticed that any pigmentation from new spots disappears much faster since she started using her Vitamin C serum formulation.
3. Enhance Your Skin’s Microbiome
Just like your gut, your skin’s microbiome is a clear indicator of your skin’s health and it is strongly believed one should take both a topical and ingestible daily probiotic. A diverse microbiome of the right strains of bacteria is essential to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, that helps protect the skin from harmful pathogens and to reduce inflammation. Raquela, as a proud vegan in every sense, chose to use a vegan probiotic called Lactobacillus, which is highly stable and maintains its viability throughout the production process so you’re getting live, healthy bacteria delivered directly to the skin for the most effective results.
4. Promote Collagen Production
Collagen is the main protein molecule found in your skin and is responsible for maintaining its structure and giving your skin a plump, youthful appearance! Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis and is thus a powerful weapon in your anti-ageing toolkit. It is an absolutely necessary component for the enzymes responsible for collagen synthesis to do their job.
5. Highly Moisturizing Without Being Greasy
With a base of skin-identical squalane & hemi-squalane - sustainably sourced from olives and sugar cane - this serum is rapidly absorbed by the skin and does not leave a shiny finish. This serum is very concentrated, with over 15% Vitamin C, you only need 2 or 3 drops for an entire face and neck. Try to make sure skin is damp when applying the serum so it absorbs completely into the skin. Ideally, you mist your face with water or your favourite toner before applying!
6. Pair It With Everything
Depending on your skin type or condition you can use this Probiotic Vitamin C Serum alone or combined with other products. Even though very gentle at a 15% concentration, this serum is very powerful, and so it is sometimes good to mix it with a few drops of your favourite oil to slow down the delivery of the antioxidant to the skin. You can also use this serum with other active ingredients in your regime, such as an acid toner or retinol without issue, or simply add a drop or 2 to your cream moisturizer for some added benefit.
There is so much to know and share about Vitamin C and it’s amazing skin benefits. We can't possibly fit all its good deeds it into one article but we hope this has shown you why you need to include a Vitamin C serum in your routine!
