Considered one of the best anti-aging fixings on the market, vitamin C is a fantastic all-in-one product because it can benefit almost anyone’s skin. Found in many skincare products, such as creams. Toners, and serums, vitamin C should be in EVERYONE’S routine because it’s excellent and capable of solving many skin concerns simultaneously.
Whether your dull-looking skin needs a little lift. You want to smooth out some fine lines, or perhaps fade uneven texture or discoloration caused by too much sun or acne. Vitamin C can do all this and more. Read on to find out how this versatile ingredient works. We break down the pros and cons of this star ingredient and why it’s so beneficial for our skin.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a vigorous nutrient that our figures need to repair and grow tissues, but we can’t produce it ourselves. It’s a powerful antioxidant can neutralize free radicals and support the skin’s natural regeneration. In the same way, eating foods rich in antioxidants helps our bodies fight free radicals; topical antioxidants like vitamin C do the same.
Pollution, UV damage, car exhaust, toxic chemicals, and smoke act as free radicals, so we need vitamin C to help protect our skin by fighting them, keeping our cells healthy and our skin looking its best. Keeping free radicals at bay not only helps prevent signs of premature aging but is also vital to the long-term health of our skin by protecting us from precancerous changes caused by UV damage.
Dermatology educator Elise Andrews states, “Free radicals steal electrons from other atoms, creating a cascading effect that generates even more free radicals. This essentially damages the skin and, in short, accelerates the aging process. So antioxidants are essential and can profoundly impact the overall entrance and health of the skin.”
What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
In short, everything! Surprisingly, vitamin C’s skin-boosting properties go far beyond its antioxidant status. Vitamin C addresses many common skin concerns, making it a must-have in any skincare routine.
Vitamin C is one of the best skincare products for brightening and can help reduce pigmentation issues caused by sun exposure, combat dullness, and fade dark spots caused by acne. Many of us have exposed our skin to excess sun at some point, especially in our younger years, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. This includes conditions like melasma, freckles, sun spots, age spots, and post-acne marks, all occurring when the skin produces excess melanin.
Vitamin C works by inhibiting melanin production, slowing it down so the skin produces less. Reducing the formation of this pigment not only helps prevent the appearance of new brown spots but also speeds up the disappearance of existing ones.
In addition to its powerful skin-lightening properties, vitamin C can also help prevent transepidermal water loss, which means it helps keep skin hydrated. It also helps surge collagen production and promotes cell turnover, which helps skin regenerate.
Collagen is a natural protein in the body that helps skin stay elastic and is responsible for giving it vitality, firmness, and elasticity… in short, its structure. Unfortunately, as we age. We start to produce less and less of it, and production begins to decline in our mid-20s and early 30s. We then start to lose 1% of our collagen per year, and by the time we reach our 40s, collagen declines significantly. Leading to early signs of aging, such as more visible wrinkles, sagging skin, and dehydration.
Regular application of vitamin C can help combat sagging skin, helping it stay firm and youthful, as it contains enzymes that stabilize and promote collagen production. This makes it an excellent skincare ingredient that fights the signs of aging and keeps it smooth and soft.
What is the difference between the various types?
Several types of vitamin C are on the market, but vitamin C is notoriously unstable and highly reactive. So, it’s essential to look for formulas that don’t contain water and come in an opaque. Airtight container, as sunlight, heat, and air can affect their potency. L-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, besides ascorbyl palmitate are vitamin C derivatives designed to stay effective longer.
If you notice that your product has altered color (i.e., darkened or turned brown), it’s most likely expired, and while it’s safe to use, it won’t be effective. Once vitamin C has oxidized. It means that the preservatives in the formula have broken down, and the product has lost most. If not all, of its effectiveness, and it’s time to throw it in the trash.
Is it suitable/safe for all skin types?
In short, yes. Vitamin C is a skincare product suitable for most skin types; most people will have no problem using it daily. As always. Do a patch test 24 hours in full on the inside of your arm before applying it to your face to ensure your skin will react favorably.
If you have extremely sensitive skin. Avoid L-ascorbic acid products; look for magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, as it is less likely to cause skin impatience.
How should I incorporate it into my routine?
While we can get vitamin C from our diet. Like oral versions of collagen, there’s no guarantee it’ll go directly to our skin. So, it’s best to apply it topically as part of a regular skincare routine to gain full benefits. Vitamin C is 20 times more strong when applied topically than orally.
Most experts agree that vitamin is best applied in the morning. As it’s rich in antioxidants that help protect our skin from free extremists. Serums are the most effective delivery method for incorporating a vitamin C product into your routine. After cleansing your skin in the morning, apply the serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.