WHAT CAN VITAMIN C DO FOR YOUR SKIN

Date: March 30, 2023 | SEO Team

If you have your head in the skin care game, you’ve likely heard of vitamin C serums.

Vitamin C serum is recognised as one of the best and legendary ingredients in the skin care world. Some believe that it is the holy grail for all things skin-related, and for a good reason! It is touted for its anti-ageing, anti- inflammatory, firming and skin brightening properties.

Although you are probably consuming vitamin C through your diet, there is no guarantee that it is going straight to your skin. Researchers have discovered that when it comes to healthy skin, topical application of vitamin C is significantly more effective than consuming it.

Vitamin C is not just confined to its antioxidants but it is beyond it. Since vitamin C is highly acidic it works efficiently in skin-healing processes. When it is applied topically, it works instantly to heal a wound by intensifying the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are both protein fibers that enhance skin cell regeneration and make your skin firm and tight. Collagen also helps to delay the aging process of the skin and prevent dark pigmentation while making the skin look youthful and plump.

BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C FOR SKIN CARE:

1. PROTECTS SKIN FROM DAMAGE:

Our skin is under constant invasion from environmental agents like air pollution, pesticides that deprive the skin of its luster and lead to the creation of free radicals, unstable molecules that ultimately steal electrons from your cell and cause damage. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C protect the skin from free radicals by lending the electrons to bind instead, which eventually results in less cell damage and exceptionally beautiful looking skin. 

2. HAS ANTI-AGEING EFFECTS;

Free radicals such as air pollution, alcohol and sugar intake, poor nutrition, smoking cigarettes, and UV radiations from the sun hasten the skin’s aging process. Vitamin C on the forefront has the ability to boost collagen production, a protein that holds the tissues of the body together. If there will be less collagen production it leads to sags and bags, wrinkles that ultimately lead to aging.

3. WORKS HAND IN HAND WITH SUNSCREEN:

Studies have shown that when vitamin C is combined with sunscreen you get better protection against harmful UV rays. Sun damage is caused by molecules called free radicals that lead to significant damage to the skin. According to researchers vitamin C levels are also lower in more mature or photodamaged skin and excessive exposure to oxidant stress via pollutants or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation – is linked with depleted vitamin C levels in the skin. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants which protect healthy skin cells by “giving” these free radicals an electron, rendering them harmless.

4. REDUCES HYPERPIGMENTATION:

Since it hampers melanin production, vitamin C can actually fade hyperpigmentation which includes sunspots, age spots, and melasma.  

 It is also extensively used in dermatology for reducing pigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin.

5. REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF UNDER-EYE CIRCLES:

Vitamin C serums can help smooth out fine lines by plumping and hydrating the under-eye area. Studies have shown that vitamin C’s collagen boosting ability may also help thicken the skin under your eyes that makes it harder to see the pooled blood. Some people also say that it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under eye dark circles.

HOW TO CHOOSE A VITAMIN C SERUM:

There are numerous vitamin C available in the market at a different variety of prices, but one must always carefully consider certain aspects before choosing the right one. Let us take a look at the aspects in detail:

(i) The appropriate ingredients: One must always look for a product that says “ascorbic acid” or “Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate” which is the vitamin C specially formulated for your skin. Indulgeo Essentials Vitamin C has Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate –  that is soluble in oil and easily penetrates to the dermis offering multiple benefits and won’t ever irritate your skin like other forms of Vitamin C. This oil soluble vitamin c doesn’t get rancid either. 

(ii) 10%–20% concentration: One must always look out for a serum that’s neither too weak nor too strong. Under 10% would not bring out the benefits you’re looking for, but anything higher than 20% might seriously lead to certain risks as well as irritate your skin at the same time.

(iii) No clear bottles: Vitamin C serum’s sunset glow can be pretty, but if it’s packaged well, you shouldn’t be able to tell. This ingredient is sensitive to sun, heat and light, so go for a product that’s protected in dark or tinted glass as it helps to maintain the efficacy and stability of the product.

WINNING COMBINATIONS WITH VITAMIN C:

(i) Vit.C + Sunscreen: As a rule of thumb, Vitamin C serum should be applied as a base layer underneath the sunscreen – together they’re the power couple of sun protection. Together, they’re more effective at neutralizing free radical damage from sun exposure than alone.

(ii)Vit.C + Niacinamide: Just go for it! The multitude of benefits of both of these ingredients, and the complementary nature of these together address the aging issue from various angles. When using them together, layering is preferable.

(iii)Vit. C + Vit. E + Ferulic Acid: Offering triple protective powers, it’s the best of all worlds. ​​By adding these 3 in conjunction to your skincare routine, you can double the antioxidant ammunition to fight skin damage from free radicals even better.

 HOW TO INCORPORATE VITAMIN C IN YOUR EVERYDAY ROUTINE

A three-step system of cleansing, treating, and moisturizing would do wonders for getting radiant skin. That second step would be Vitamin C application. This unique formulation should ideally be used post your water-based moisturizers and right before all the heavier oil based moisturizers. It is recommended to apply Vitamin C in the morning only because of the way it serves as a backup to sunscreen and also how excellently they work in synergy. 

                                              THE BOTTOM LINE

Consistency is always the key for maximum effect, so one should always add it to their respective skin care routines in a way that makes sense for them respectively in order to attain an out-of-this-world glow. But one should discontinue its use if they begin to experience irritation or discomfort at any stage!