What pops up in your mind when you think of vitamin C? Do you picture a luscious citrus fruit, or do you perhaps think of its ability to protect the immune system to prevent colds and flu? Apart from its health benefits, vitamin C has many other benefits, especially for the skin.
In our day and age, with a plethora of beauty products, vitamin C stands out as a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from UV light and other environmental aggressors. When it comes to skincare, vitamin C can be applied topically as a serum. You can also consume it naturally from lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, and even bell peppers.
Brightening your diet by adding vitamin C has several health benefits, but first, let us discuss the benefits of using vitamin C for the skin.
What are the Health Benefits of Vitamin C for the Skin?
Protects Skin Cells from Environmental Damage
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that prevents cellular damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced by the body when exposed to radiation, the sun, tobacco, smoke, or X-rays. Vitamin C has properties that neutralize these free radicals and prevent the skin from being damaged.
Brightens the Skin
Vitamin C evens out the skin complexion and reduces fading dark spots, while also boosting radiance by impeding melanin production.
Firms the Skin
Dermatologists concur that vitamin C can improve collagen production. As we age, the skin loses its elasticity when the production of collagen decreases, which makes the skin look less firm. Vitamin C, being a powerful antioxidant, maintains the integrity of the collagen we have and prevents its rapid breakdown.
Improves the Skin’s UV Protection
A study by Science Direct revealed that when used collaboratively with vitamin E and ferulic acid, vitamin C can remarkably reduce the effects of UV damage on the skin.
What’s the Best Way to Use Vitamin C?
Apart from being ingested as part of a healthy diet, you can use vitamin C in a skincare product like a serum or moisturizer. However, it’s best to use it with sunscreen. For optimal results, you can use vitamin C in the morning, but you can also apply it at night if you want to reduce the appearance of discoloration. Here are a few other points you need to keep in mind for a brighter, smoother complexion.
Choose the Right Concentration
The most powerful form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. You can start with a low concentration of 10% and gradually increase it to 15% or 20%. Water-soluble vitamin C is less irritating.
Pay Attention to the PH
Absorption of vitamin C depends on the pH level. If you have sensitive skin, look for a formula with a pH of 5 to 6 to avoid any irritation.
Go with a Serum
Serums are the most popular type of vitamin C for the skin. If you have sensitive skin, you might benefit from mixing the serum into a moisturizer as a gentler option.
Store it Safely
Vitamin C serums come in two formats: water-based and anhydrous, which means without water. The former is more unstable and light sensitive, while the anhydrous form tends to be more stable even in the presence of sunlight. No matter what type you opt for, it’s best to keep vitamin C serums in an airtight, dark, cool place.
Layer it Under SPF
Being a natural ingredient, vitamin C does not make the skin more vulnerable to sunburn. Nevertheless, the good news is that when combined with SPF 30 sunscreen, it protects the skin further.
Regardless of how you choose to include vitamin C in your skincare regimen, it’s essential to start slowly and gradually increase the frequency of your applications to avoid any adverse reactions on the skin. After all, no matter what your age, you can always find the right form for your skin type!
David Messiha | Staff Writer
