Are you ready to unlock the secret to radiant summer skin? Among many skincare products, one that I cannot go without is my favorite Vitamin C Serum, especially during the summertime in Dubai where the UV rays can be super intense.
While many of us are aware that vitamin C offers numerous skin benefits, including preventing hyperpigmentation like sunspots, selecting the perfect product from the overwhelming array of options on the market can be quite a challenge. Trust me, I've been there myself. After trying so many products from all around the world, I discovered a game-changing vitamin C serum that delivers results, and all its active ingredients made sense to me.
Today, I'm here to share my favorite vitamin C serum and its unique features & benefits that set it apart from the rest.
Vitamin C Benefits
☑️ Brightens skin and fades dark spots
☑️ Boosts collagen production for firmer skin
☑️ Reduces inflammation and irritation
☑️ Protects skin from sun damage
Not All Vitamin C is created equal
First, I want to emphasize not all vitamin C is created equal.
Pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is the most effective form of vitamin C; yet it is extremely unstable. It oxidizes and loses its effectiveness as soon as it is exposed to air, water or light. Because of this, many skincare products on the market contain more stable versions of vitamin C known as vitamin C derivatives.
There are various types of vitamin C derivatives, some water-soluble and others oil-soluble. Each derivative functions differently, and their efficacy can vary depending on the specific type used in a product. Generally, water-soluble vitamin C derivatives target the surface layer of the skin, while oil-soluble ones can penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching and affecting a deeper layer of the skin.
(As a geeky side note, you might be wondering why cosmetics formulators don't include all different types of vitamin C derivatives in a single product, to reap the benefits of all of them. The reason for this is that each vitamin C derivative requires a specific pH level to be effective, making it difficult to combine all of them in one product.)
Pure Vitamin C & APPS, An Innovative New Type Of Vitamin C Derivative
Now that we know more about different types of vitamin C, let me tell you why CF serum is so incredible. It contains pure vitamin C and an innovative dual-functioning vitamin C derivative (APPS) that is both water and oil soluble! In this product, pure vitamin C is encapsulated in glycerin membrane to protect it from oxidation. Upon application, pure vitamin C is released from the capsule, allowing it to be absorbed by the skin and begin working its magic. As mentioned before, it is rare to find pure vitamin C in skincare products and even if it is present, ensuring its freshness can be challenging due to its inherent instability.
(Have you ever noticed that some vitamin C products turn slightly brown over time? This means that the vitamin C has oxidized and is no longer as effective. This is not the case with CF Serum, which remains stable and potent due to its unique glycerin encapsulation technology and air-tight packaging.)
APPS is a unique, stable vitamin C derivative developed in Japan with an amphiphilic property, meaning it is both water and oil-soluble. Therefore, it can target both the surface and deeper layers of the skin at the same time.
By now, you can see why CF Serum is such a special vitamin C product that provides a more comprehensive approach with these two types of effective vitamin C, but the secrets do not stop here!
Supporting Antioxidants
Aside from vitamin C, CF Serum boasts a powerful cocktail of antioxidants, including fullerene and astaxanthin. These are popular skincare ingredients in Japan but may be less well-known elsewhere.
Fullerene is a potent antioxidant characterized by its distinctive molecular structure consisting entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a soccer ball-like shape. It neutralizes harmful free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative stress.
Astaxanthin is naturally present in aquatic creatures such as salmon and red algae as a defense mechanism against environmental stressors.
These ingredients not only offer additional antioxidant properties to protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV rays, but also help to prevent Vitamin C from oxidizing and losing its effectiveness in the bottle. While pure vitamin C is protected by a glycerin capsule in this product, the addition of these other antioxidants provides further stabilization, ensuring the serum remains potent and effective.
MAAs, Unique Amino Acids Derived From Lake Alegae
Products containing high concentrations of vitamin C can sometimes have a drying effect on the skin. To counteract this tendency, the formulation includes MAAs (mycosporine-like amino acids), unique amino acids that can only be found in lake algae in Upper Klamath Lake in Oregon State, USA. This lake algae has evolved to produce natural amino acids in order to shield themselves from harsh UV rays. MAAs is known to stimulate our skin's own hyaluronic acid production, enhance moisture retention and help prevent dryness. This can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin.
18 Types of NMFs
(Natural Moisturizing Factors)
Natural Moisturizing Factors are vital components within the skin's upper layers, maintaining hydration. NMFs include amino acids, sodium PCA, lactic acid etc. When our skin lacks NMFs, it can cause dryness or irritation. By incorporating 18 different types of NMFs in this serum, it effectively protects the skin and maintain hydration, giving your skin an amazing glow!
How to Use
① Apply 2 pumps morning and evening after washing your face or after a toner.
② Wait for 5 minutes after application to allow the vitamin C to fully absorb into your skin.
③ Then apply your other serums or moisturizer to seal everything in.
⚠️You may find CF Serum texture to be thick and heavy. This is due to the presence of glycerin capsules and lack of water in this formulation in order to preserve pure vitamin C effectiveness. However, it absorbs into the skin in 5 minutes, resulting in a less heavy sensation. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to ask!
CF Serum is one of the top-selling products at Glow by Tomoko.
This serum combines innovative ingredients like APPs and MAAs with traditional elements like pure vitamin C, formulated in a way that preserves its potency. By blending cutting-edge technology and natural ingredients, it delivers comprehensive benefits for the skin. This is not only a vitamin C serum, but also a powerful blend of popular Japanese skincare ingredients, carefully formulated to maintain their potency and ensure visible, transformative results.
CF Serum has become a staple at my salon in Tokyo and has been featured in numerous Japanese beauty magazines. If you are interested in incorporating vitamin C into your routine, I highly recommend giving CF Serum a try. Experience the results that have made it a favorite among skincare enthusiasts!
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