The Skin Alphabet – Vitamin C
Continuing in the series of the Skin Alphabet (see Vitamin A , Vitamin B , Vitamin E), next up is Vitamin C.
The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) contribute in collagen synthesis making this vitamin a vital molecule for skin health.
The use of Vitamin C in skin care is largely known within the industry and continues to be a topic of conversation with the amazing changes it has on the skin and the benefits behind continuous use helps support a wide range of skin conditions, especially those associated with ageing, skin protection & health.
Vitamin C is one of the most common cosmeceuticals used in most people’s daily skincare routines, helping prevent against sun damage, pigmentation changes and all round skin health. Vitamin C can present in different forms such as serums and creams, with varying concentrations.
So let’s look at Vitamin C in a bit more detail below.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C’s technical term is referred to as Ascorbic acid – this is an antioxidant that provides a lot of important nutritional benefits — like boosting the immune system and preventing heart disease and eye problems, but it also has a lot of beauty benefits too.
Ascorbic acid can reduce and help prevent sun damage, free radical exposure, reduce inflammation in the skin, help brighten and even out pigmentation, and stimulate new and healthy collagen formation in skin fighting the signs of ageing.
Why do we see L-ascorbic acid associated with our Vitamin C products?
Pure Vitamin C is known as L-Ascorbic Acid. The “L” is in reference to how the molecule rotates to light and refers to its source.
L-Ascorbic Acid within cosmeceuticals penetrates the skin tissue, stimulating further collagen production, resulting in increased firmness to the skin. L-Ascorbic Acid is known for being a rejuvenating vitamin and an essential ingredient in reducing photo-damage caused by UV exposure. Therefore, L-Ascorbic Acid plays a major role in anti-aging treatments, skin firmness, overall repair and brightening, it also serves to rejuvenate the skin.
L-Ascorbic Acid comes from natural sources such as oranges.
How does it benefit the skin?
The benefits of using Vitamin C during the day, as it is a super antioxidant, it helps fight against free radical exposure, which can damage proteins, lipids, and DNA in your skin causing cellular damage and increase photoaging. Vitamin C is also essential in the production of collagen, helping prevent and protect against the signs of ageing.
How does it treat skin conditions?
Vitamin C is also an essential antioxidant when helping treat skin conditions such as pigmentation. Daily use of topical Vitamin C helps to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which helps to prevent melanin production. Minimising pigmentation formation within the skin cells and reducing current pigmentation, helping lighten and even out skin tone.
Oily, dry and combination skin types can benefit greatly from L-Ascorbic Acid products.
Those who experience more sensitive/reactive skin types, such as rosacea are to be advised on other alternatives to avoid any irritations.
Wound Healing & Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is used to form an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Heal wounds and form scar tissue.
What Changes Can Vitamin C Have On My Skin Long Term?
Continued use of Vitamin C in your daily routine, will result in brighter, more even skin tone and texture. It also helps prevent further pigmentation changes and discolouration to skin cells, as well as having a more fresh, rejuvenated appearance to the skin’s surface.
Most importantly, Vitamin C helps reduce UV and free radical exposure, which adds an additional layer of protection underneath your sunscreen for optimal sun protection.
For further cosmeceutical recommendation, be sure to contact your Dermal Clinician or book in with us for a Skin Consultation.
Stay tuned for our next Skin Alphabet…
