Vitamin C is a commonly used ingredient in many skincare products. Image supplied.
Vitamin C = goodness for our skin!
Ok so those of us who have dipped our toe into the world of skincare are likely familiar with vitamin c, as it’s a commonly used ingredient in many skincare products such as creams, toners but most often – serums. Simply put, Vitamin C is one of those ingredients that should be in everybody’s routine – not only is it that good, it’s capable of addressing a multitude of skin woes at the same time.
Touted as one of the best anti-ageing ingredients on the market, Vitamin C is a fantastic “all-round” product, for the simple reason it can benefit almost anybody’s skin. Whether you simply need a bit of a pick me up for dull skin, want to smooth out some fine lines or uneven texture or fade discoloration caused by too much sun or acne – Vitamin C can do all this and more.
Read on to discover how this versatile ingredient works, the different types and what sort of skin conditions it can treat. We break down the ins and outs of this hero ingredient and do a deep-dive into how and why Vitamin C is so beneficial for our skin.
First off, what is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that our bodies require to repair and grow tissue, however we cannot produce it own our own. It is also a potent antioxidant that can neutralise free-radicals (more on that later) and help aid your skin’s natural regeneration processes. In the same way that consuming anti-oxidant rich foods in our diet helps aid our bodies in fighting off free radicals, topical antioxidants do the same, fighting off topical and environmental aggressors. UV-damage, pollution, car/exhaust fumes, toxic chemicals and smoke all act as free radicals in the skin and antioxidants help to protect our skin by fighting these off, in turn keeping our skin cells healthy.
Keeping free radicals at bay not only help to prevent the signs of premature ageing, but are also vital for the long term health of our skin by protecting us against precancerous changes caused by UV damage.
Vitamin C addresses so many different common skin concerns.
What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
In short – everything! Surprisingly, Vitamin C’s skin-loving capabilities extend far beyond its antioxidant status. Vitamin C addresses so many different common skin concerns – which is why it’s a serious must-have for any skincare routine.
To start with, Vitamin C is an extremely powerful skin brightener and one of the best skincare products to assist with fading unwanted pigmentation (caused by too much sun-damage), reduce overall dullness, helping to deliver serious glow-worthiness.
Most of us are guilty of getting too much sun at one time or another, especially when we were younger. Hyperpigmentation can include melasma, freckles, sun spots, age spots as well as dark spots left over from acne breakouts – all of these occur when the skin over produces melanin.
Vitamin C helps to impede the production of melanin, slowing it down so that the body produces less of it.
Aside from its powerful brightening capabilities, Vitamin C can also help prevent trans epidermal water loss, meaning it helps keep skin hydrated. It also helps boost collagen production and assists with cellular turnover, encouraging skin regeneration.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that as we get older, we start to produce less and less of. Collagen is responsible for giving skin its vitality, firmness and bounce. Regular application of Vitamin C can assist with loose, sagging skin, helping to keep skin tight and firm.
What is the difference between the various types?
There are different types of Vitamin C on the market, however Vitamin C is notoriously unstable and very reactive so it is important to look for formulations that contain no water and come in an opaque, airtight container, as sunlight, heat and air can all effect the potency. L-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl palmitate are all Vitamin C derivatives that are designed to retain their potency for longer.
If you notice your product has changed colour (i.e. darkened or turned brown), it may be out of date and whilst safe to use, might not be as effective as its most likely oxidised .
It’s best to apply Vitamin C topically as part of a regular skincare routine to get all the benefits.
Is it suitable/safe for all skin types?
In a nutshell, yes. Vitamin C is suitable for most skin types and most people will not have a problem using it on a daily basis. As always, do a patch test 24 hours beforehand on your inner arm prior to applying to your face, just to be sure your skin will react favorably.
If your skin is extremely sensitive, try and avoid products containing L-ascorbic acid, instead look for magnesium ascorbyl phosphate as it is less likely to cause skin irritation.
How should I incorporate is to my routine?
Whilst we can of course get Vitamin C from our diet, as much as we might like it too, there is no guarantee that its going to head straight for your skin, so it’s best to apply topically as part of a regular skincare routine to get all the benefits. In fact, Vitamin C is 20 times more potent when applied topically, compared to orally.
Vitamin C is best applied in the morning as its rich in antioxidants which help protect our skin from free radicals. According to Dermal Educator Elise Andrews, “free radicals steal electrons from other atoms which creates a cascade effect, creating even more free radicals. Essentially this damages the skin because the atoms are losing electrons and trying to contribute to other electrons at the same time – all of this impacts the health of the cell and speeds up the ageing process. Therefore, antioxidants are so important and can have a profound impact to the health of your skin”.
Most experts agree, serums are the most effective skincare method of delivery when it comes to incorporating a vitamin C product into your routine. After cleansing in the morning, apply your serum, followed by a moisturiser then SPF. Vitamin C also layers extremely well with other products, such as other antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.
If you would like to learn more about professional skincare products, contact beauty salon suppliers. Find the Global Beauty Group at www.globalbeautygroup.com.au.
This story was brought to you in partnership with Global Beauty Group.
Images supplied.