Vitamin C provides potent antioxidant protection, shielding skin from damaging free radicals—the molecules that promote premature aging. The most abundant form of free-radical damage are sun damage, pollution and oxygen—that assault skin on a daily basis. but Topical vitamin C can help (Dermatological Surgery, 2008 & Dermatology Research and Practice, 2012)!
When incorporated into your daily skincare regimen, well-formulated products containing vitamin C provide a range of benefits that can maintain skin younger-looking.
See what C can do:
- Reduce the appearance of brown spots and other types of sun damage
- Helps boost healthy collagen production.
- Reduce inflammation and irritation, both of which cause a cascade of damage
- Fade post-breakout red marks by improving skin’s natural healing response
- Increase the effectiveness of your sunscreens and boosts your skins defense against UV exposure.
Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C Royalty
Ascorbic acid—also known as L-ascorbic acid—has the most research of any form of vitamin C when it comes to benefits for skin. For that reason, ascorbic acid is the most common form of vitamin C used in well formulated skincare products. When properly formulated, it helps create younger, firmer skin while fading signs of sun damage and post-acne marks.
Ascorbic acid is also a powerhouse when mixed with other antioxidants, or when used alone in higher concentrations, such as 15% or 20% or greater, amounts that can be great for treating extra-stubborn concerns (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2008 & Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012).
Recommended Treatments: Add a few drops of Vitamin C Serum to your favorite moisturizer for dramatically brighter, firmer and healthier skin.
Want to target a particularly stubborn brown spot, red mark place a direct drop of vitamin c serum with, a 25% ascorbic acid concentrate, to the trouble spot.
With decades of research vitamin C is a long-established skincare superstar that can help you achieve younger, healthier and more radiant skin. However, like any ingredient, skincare will never be as simple as any single ingredient—just as no single food or nutrient can keep your body healthy, you need more than just one ingredient to keep your skin in good shape, too!
It’s important to mention that vitamin C forms are effective in lower concentrations. High concentrations will irritate the skin and may even mimic a sun burn on your face.
Research has shown that concentrations as low 0.6% provide antioxidant and anti-aging benefits to skin (Skin Research and Technology, 2008). Depending on your concerns, you may do just fine using a regular-strength vitamin C product. I like and use a serum called 40 Carrots, which can be purchased at your local drug store.
Vitamin C is a powerful tool for healthy vibrant skin. For best results, use it strategically and as part of a routine that includes a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen plus irritant-free products that contain a skin-pleasing mix of antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients.