What are the Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin?
Below we've outlined some exciting reasons to include Vitamin C in your skin can routine to help you reach your skin care goals. We've included 11 ways that Vitamin C can benefit your skin, and 3 tips to how to use it correctly.
Our Vitamin C Oil Antioxidant Facial Oil is the perfect way to add vitamin c and a long list of antioxidants to your daily skin care routine.
What is Vitamin C?
Welcome to the world of Vitamin C - a powerhouse nutrient that offers numerous health benefits. Whether you're an avid health enthusiast or simply looking to boost your immune system, understanding the wonders of Vitamin C is essential. In this article, we will unravel the mysteries surrounding this incredible vitamin and explore its remarkable benefits.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a potent antioxidant in the body. Its antioxidant properties help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals, which can contribute to various chronic diseases and premature aging. Furthermore, Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, a protein that supports healthy skin, joints, and connective tissues.
Apart from its antioxidant and collagen-building abilities, Vitamin C offers a wide range of health benefits. Research suggests that it may boost the immune system, improve iron absorption, support brain health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote heart health. Additionally, it may also help in reducing the severity and duration of common cold symptoms.
So whether you're sipping on a refreshing orange juice or munching on bell peppers, remember that your body is indulging in a powerful dose of Vitamin C. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the extraordinary benefits of this essential nutrient and discover how it can elevate your health and well-being.
Below, we’ve covered a brief history of vitamin c, some fast facts, 11 ways it can help your skin, and 3 tips on how to properly use it.
The History of Vitamin C
The word “Ascorbus” means no Scurvy. Traditionally, Vitamin C rich foods like lemons were carried by sailors on long journeys to avoid Scurvy, a disease of bleeding gums. In 1937, Dr. Albert Szent Goyrgi was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work in isolating the Vitamin C molecule from red peppers and identifying its role in Scurvy.
Some Fast Facts About Vitamin C for Skin Care
ONE. The most recommended vitamin c variation is ascorbic acid, and it’s also known as l-ascorbic acid. It is the most common and researched form of vitamin C for your skin.
TWO. There are actually two primary forms of Vitamin C for skin care: ascorbic acid and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate – which turns into vitamin C when it hits your skin. Vitamin C is highly vulnerable to oxidation and can quickly lose its effectiveness if exposed to air and light, so many times, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is your best choice. In the skin care industry, it’s referred to as MAP.
THREE. Studies show that even low amounts of vitamin c for the skin do offer significant antioxidant benefits.
Our Vitamin C Oil Antioxidant Facial Oil is the perfect way to add vitamin c and a long list of antioxidants to your daily skin care routine.
FOUR. All the various forms of vitamin C can bring multiple benefits to your skin, preventing future damage but also working to repair the effects of aging and sun on your skin, promote wound healing, and control inflammation.
In one highly reputed medical study, individuals with photo-aged skin were treated with topical ascorbic acid serum once a day for 2 weeks on one side of their face. 80% experienced a significantly improved score according to dermatologists. Dyspigmentation, surface roughness, and fine lines on the treated side improved significantly. The conclusion of this particular studies shows that vitamin C for skin care is an effective for the treatment of photo-aged skin and does not cause any obvious side effects.
11 Answers to the Question "What are the Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin"
- SAFE FOR (ALMOST) ALL SKIN TYPES. Vitamin C has an excellent safety rating, and most people can use topical vitamin C for an extended period of time without experiencing any adverse reactions. In rare cases, people who have hypersensitive skin may experience minor irritation, but it will not harm their skin. Vitamin C is also safe to use in conjunction with other skin care actives, including alpha hydroxy acids, retinols, and SPF.
- IT ACTUALLY PROMOTES BETTER HYDRATION FOR SKIN. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, one of the main vitamin C derivatives used in skin care, has been shown have a hydrating effect on skin. It decreases transepidermal water loss, allowing your skin to better retain moisture.
- IT CAN BRIGHTEN SKIN. Vitamin C can help fade pigmentation and smooth the skin’s surface to reduce dullness. This gives skin a youthful glow.
- IT HELPS REDUCE REDNESS. Vitamin C has also been shown to treat a huge variety of inflammatory skin conditions. Vitamin C has an anti-inflammatory activity and can be used in conditions like acne vulgaris and rosacea. It can promote wound healing and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- IT HELPS FADE HYPERPIGMENTATION. Sun spots, age spots, and melasma, can occur when melanin is overproduced in certain areas of the skin. It can also happen in areas where acne has healed. Vitamin C has been shown to impede melanin production. This can help fade dark spots and lead to a more even-toned complexion.
- IT CAN REDUCE DARK UNDER EYE CIRCLES. Although vitamin C is more effective at reducing overall redness, experts say that it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under-eye circles.
- IT CAN INCUR COLLAGEN PRODUCTION. Vitamin C is well known for boosting collagen production. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that depletes over time. Lower levels of collagen can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
- IT CAN HELP WITH LOOSE AND SAGGING SKIN. Collagen production is directly tied to skin elasticity and firmness. When your collagen levels begin to drop, your skin may begin to sag. Applying vitamin C may boost collagen production, resulting in an overall tightening effect.
- IT CAN HELP PREVENT SUN DAMAGE. Sun damage is caused by molecules called free radicals. These are atoms with a missing electron. Free radicals search for other atoms from which they can “steal” an electron —and this can lead to significant damage to the skin. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect healthy skin cells by “giving” these free radicals an electron, rendering them harmless.
- IT CAN HELP SOOTHE A SUNBURN. In addition to minimizing redness, vitamin C accelerates cell turnover. This replaces the damaged cells with healthy new ones.
- IT HELPS WITH WOUND HEALING. Given its effects on sunburn, it should be no surprise that vitamin C application can speed up overall wound healing. Healthy wound healing reduces your risk for inflammation, infection, and scarring.
3 Tips on How To Use Vitamin C for Skin Care
Notice if the product has changed color. If your vitamin c product has oxidized, it will become a yellow color, and it’s going to become less effective. You can still use it if you want, but it won’t do as much for your skin.
Use a vitamin C product at the right step in the process. The right moment to use your product depends on what kind of product it is. For serums, you want to use them before you moisturize, applied to freshly cleaned dry skin. If it’s a cream or lotion based vitamin c product, you’re good to go.
Make sure to store your vitamin C products correctly. In topical skin-care products, vitamin C is sensitive to light and air. When exposed to these factors, it can become oxidized, making it less stable and less efficacious. Store these products in cabinets and compartments that tend to be protected from light and air.
Our Vitamin C Oil Antioxidant Facial Oil is the perfect way to add vitamin c and a long list of antioxidants to your daily skin care routine.
Conclusion
We hope we've answered the question "What are the benefits of Vitamin C for skin?". Vitamin C is essential for a truly effective skin care routine. There are so many benefits, you won't regret including it in your skin care routine.