Using vitamin C skincare can have a dramatic anti-aging impact on your skin, but it does depend on which type of product you buy. Different products have different concentrations of vitamin C and some types of vitamin C do not store well. These products are available in a wide range of prices which further adds to the confusion.

To find out what type of vitamin C is good for you and your skin, you need to know the difference between them and what they are supposed to be used for. I have listed the three main types of vitamin C skincare all with a short explanation of what they will do and how to best use them for your skin type.

 Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, (MAP) is a derivative of vitamin C with a collagen boosting effect. This type of vitamin C is a very stable type which means it does not oxidize rapidly. it is so gentle, it can be safely used on sensitive skin. To protect MAP from degenerating it is best to store it in a cool dry place.

L-ascorbic acid is a natural form of vitamin C. To be really effective, this form of vitamin C must be very well stored. L-ascorbic acid certainly has its downsides: it oxidizes very quickly when exposed to air, heat or sunlight and can be very irritating to sensitive skin types. Dermatologists recommend that if you do not know the proper way of using this type of acid, do not use it. L-ascorbic acid is unsuitable for those with rosacea or sensitive skin.

 Ascorbyl Palmitate is a lot like the MAP type of vitamin C, but isn't quite as quick or effective as MAP. Much like L-ascorbic acid; it must be carefully looked after and stored away from sunlight and air, as this type of vitamin tends to degrade quite quickly. To be able to achieve the effects of collagen boosting with this type of vitamin, you must use it a lot more frequently and in much larger doses than you would have to use with MAP.

Make sure you know the exact ingredients any vitamin C skincare contains before buying. Some manufacturers add various types of vitamin C that not only stop the effects of the vitamin but can also be dangerous for your skin. By checking what ingredients the products have you will know what product is best for you.