Vitamin C Skin Benefits
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) in the skin care industry…. It’s everywhere! Our body does not produce vitamin c. We receive it orally through our diet (citrus fruits, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and more). They even have vitamin c packets for drinks or tablets. Vitamin C can also be received topically through our skin care products. Through many studies done on vitamin c, research shows that applying vitamin c topically is significantly more effective for your skin health than consuming it. Vitamin C is well known for its amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants are substances that help protect the skin surface from damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors like UV and pollution. On top of that, other benefits include skin brightening, even tone, reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and an overall more glowing complexion. Please note that vitamin c is very volatile for many reasons. A quote from a dermatologist, Dr. Rosemary Coleman states, “Vitamin C has quite a complicated chemistry, and because it’s a water-soluble vitamin it becomes very unstable in water solutions. Vitamin C doesn’t penetrate the skin easily, it degrades on exposure to oxygen, and it favors a pH around three, which is too acidic for human skin. Just because a company throws some vitamin c into their concoction doesn’t mean it’s actually active.” That is why it is important to look at the ingredients and the product formulation and do your research to find the right type of vitamin c product for your skin type. Learn how to use them correctly and how to store them. Vitamin C comes in a variety of products: cleansers, creams, serums, and masks. Find what works best for you. Typically, serums will be the most concentrated, giving you the best results. When it comes to storing your vitamin c, look for products in dark bottles, as vitamin c is sensitive to sunlight, make sure you close tightly after each use, store in a cool, dark, and dry space, and always pay close attention to the expiration dates. No matter your skin type, it is important to do a patch test before making vitamin c a part of your regular skincare routine.
4 Benefits Of Adding Vitamin C To Your Skin Care Routine
Brightening complexion, Even tone, Reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation - Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties, so it’s no surprise the amazing benefits it can have in reducing dark spots, evening tone, and overall brightening your complexion. Studies have shown that vitamin c helps inhibit the production of tyrosine, which is used to aid in the production of melanin. Therefore, it helps reduce excess pigmentation.
Increasing Collagen Production - Collagen is the building block for our skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. It’s what keeps us glowing and youthful. Vitamin C is a vital ingredient in accelerating the production of collagen and elastin in our skin.
Reduced Inflammation and Redness - Do you struggle with inflamed, puffy, and/or redness in your skin? Vitamin C might be able to help you! On top of being an antioxidant, it also has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it will help to soothe puffiness and help to mend damaged capillaries that cause redness.
Increased Skin Hydration - Do you have a hard time finding a good moisturizer that truly helps with dryness? Try adding vitamin c to your skincare routine. Vitamin C is clinically proven to help your skin retain water. Giving your skin that hydrated, plump, and youthful glow.
Some of my favorite vitamin c products include:
Image Skin - Vital C Enzyme Masque $40
Image Skin - Vital C Serum $82
Derma E - Vitamin C Serum $25
Mad Hippie - Vitamin C Serum $34
Dermalogica - Bio C Serum $95
SkinCeuticals - Vitamin C Serum $182
Murad - Vitamin C & Glycolic Serum $88
Sunday Riley - Vitamin C & Turmeric Oil $40
Sunday Riley - Vitamin C Brightening Serum $85
