If you asked a dermatologist for a list of the best ingredients for skin, vitamin C might be at the top. Here’s what you should know about the benefits of vitamin C for skin, including when to apply it, and exactly what this all-star vitamin can do for your skin. Let’s get ready to glow.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient in tissue repair and the enzymatic production of various transmitters. Also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, it's a vitamin that isn’t actually produced by the body. Instead, the only way to get it is through supplements or your diet — citrus fruits like oranges are famously rich in vitamin C and it has vital functions throughout the body. While you can certainly eat your way to a healthy vitamin C intake, your skin in particular reaps the biggest benefits when it’s applied topically versus ingested via an oral supplement. Topically, it’s 20 times more potent than the oral intake.
What are Vitamin C’s Benefits for Skin?
In short: everything. For one, vitamin C promotes collagen production, which has the potential to diminish fine lines, and is essential for firm, youthful skin. On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance. Finally, vitamin C helps to repair damage from sun exposure and collagen loss by encouraging healthy cell turnover and regeneration.
How to Use it
After cleansing and before applying moisturizer and sunscreen. Apply vitamin C as a serum in the mornings. It is to be believed that the best vitamin C skin care products are serums because they are more effective at penetrating the skin barrier than, say, a cream or toner. Then, be patient. Most skin care products take time to start working, and vitamin C takes a little longer, even with daily use. You won’t notice any significant changes in your skin for six to eight weeks. If you have sensitive skin, do a skin test first, as the high acidity can be irritating.
What to Look for
We can maximize the benefits of vitamin C by combining it with other antioxidants. Such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, together, they have optimal absorption benefits when it comes to anti-aging, skin brightening, and protection against against free radical damage. Vitamin C also plays well with vitamin B and hyaluronic acid. However, do not mix vitamin C with a retinol or niacinamide (which are best to use at nighttime), because the pH levels are incompatible. If you want to use both, retinol and vitamin C, waiting half an hour between applications is the best suggestion.
NOTE: Vitamin C is notoriously prone to oxidizing. It can break down when it’s exposed to light or air. Always check expiration dates on your products, and if you notice a sour smell or discoloration, it’s most likely breaking down.
Denice’s Tips:
1. For a boost of moisture, pat and press in our Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid PLUMPING SERUM. Then follow up with our 100% all-natural THE CREAM - good for the face, eyes, lips, elbows, knees and anywhere else!
2. Refresh and improve skin's moisture with a spritz of our BLUE TANSY HYDRATING FACE MIST! Keep in the fridge for an extra refreshing sensation.
“Drink lots of water, get lots of sleep, and don’t forget your vitamin C.” -unknown
#usingmothernaturetostopfathertime
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