We all know that vitamin C is great for our body. So, you may already be eating foods rich in this vitamin. When you fall sick, you start taking or increase the intake of foods high on vitamin C and sometimes even start taking vitamin C supplements. These boost the immune system and has a healing effect on the body. Vitamin C is very essential for a healthy body. Some sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, broccoli, papaya, strawberries, and peppers.
Vitamin C grows and repairs tissues in the body. Dr. Harold Lancer says that it helps in the formation of collagen which is an important protein for creating blood vessels, cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments. For healing the body from wounds or any sort of damage, vitamin C is required for repairing the tissue. Vitamin C keeps the teeth and bones strong. It also helps in absorption of iron. Lack of this vitamin can immediately cause many conditions from high blood pressure to bleeding of gums. Thus, vitamin C is important for your health and it is equally important for keeping the skin young and healthy.
Vitamin C as an Antioxidant
When it comes to skin, vitamin C needs to be talked about. It is a potent antioxidant that supports healing and protects the skin. Dr. Lancer adds that vitamin C is required for the production of collagen in the body so it can be inferred that this prevents the signs of aging . Being an-antioxidant, it protects the skin. Free radicals that damage the lipids, protein, and DNA in the skin, get neutralized by antioxidants. External factors like pollution, UV rays, cigarette smoke damage the skin but an antioxidant (topical) can protect the skin from getting harmed. Vitamin C when applied on the skin prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and protect the skin from getting discolored. Further it helps the skin retain moisture. No wonder people use this amazing vitamin given its endless benefits and research supporting its effectiveness.
Choosing the Right Vitamin C
Now, the important question is what should you look for in a skin care product containing vitamin C? Products that contain vitamin C or other antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin E get destabilized after being exposed to air or light. So, a product with vitamin C should be packed in an opaque container with pump release that will decrease the amount of air and light with which the product comes in contact. Also, there are different types of vitamin C available, so you must know which ones to choose or which is the right product for the skin.
The most common form of vitamin C is ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid. It is also quite stable. Research suggests that it can reduce the effects of sun damage and appearance of hyperpigmentation. It also makes the skin look firmer, younger, and glowing. It also restores vitamin E in the skin which gives a young appearance.
Other forms of vitamin C in skin care are retinyl ascorbate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate among others. Although there is little research suggesting the effectiveness of these ingredients, they are beneficial for the skin. And these are not used alone. These forms of vitamin C are used in conjunction with other anti-aging agents and this enhances their effectiveness. Dr. Lancer says L-ascorbic acid is the best which helps you have a healthy and glowing skin.
Whenever you are deciding on skincare with vitamin C, notice the concentration of the antioxidant. Vitamin C is believed to be most effective at a concentration of 5% or more.
There are creams that contain 10% concentration of vitamin C that has been stabilized. It reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots and damage caused by the UV rays of the sun. You should choose creams that contain retinol which helps fight fine lines and wrinkles. The cream should be packed in opaque bottle to make sure that vitamin C does not get destabilized. This helps the antioxidant maintain its complete strength.
If you want the best out of your vitamin C treatments, you can use a cream that pairs vitamin C with a brightening serum for a healthy-looking skin. Make sure that the serum is formulated from something like the red algae extract for skin brightening and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and brown spots. Sugar cane extract and licorice extract also help in polishing the skin by reducing discoloration and preventing against damage caused by free radicals. These treatments help the skin remain healthy, nourished, and glowing.
Dr. Lancer says that you must not only take care of your face but also your neck and chest. These areas are affected by the free radicals as much as your face. Since the skin is delicate in these areas, so the damage is even more. So, treat these areas as well.
So, we have seen that vitamin C is absolutely essential for a healthy body and a healthy skin. Thus, vitamin C is a must for your skin health. But not all products may have the same result. Therefore, you must thoroughly research the ingredients and know what you are buying. When you use the appropriate skincare and the best vitamin C, your skin will definitely thank you!
