.png)
Touted as one of the best anti-ageing ingredients on the market, Vitamin C is a fantastic “all-round” product, for the simple reason it can benefit almost anybody’s skin. Found in many skincare products such as creams, toners and serums, simply put, Vitamin C is one of those ingredients that should be in EVERYONE’S routine as not only is it that good, it’s capable of addressing a multitude of skin woes at the same time.
Whether your dull-looking skin needs a little bit of a pick me up, you want to smooth out some fine lines or perhaps fade some uneven texture or discoloration caused by too much sun or acne - Vitamin C can do all this and more. Read on to discover how this versatile ingredient works we break down the ins and outs of this hero ingredient and why it’s so beneficial for our skin.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that our bodies require to repair and grow tissue, however we cannot produce it ourselves. It’s also a potent antioxidant that can neutralise free-radicals and help aid your skin’s natural regeneration processes. In the same way that consuming anti-oxidant rich foods in our diet helps aid our bodies in fighting off free radicals, topical antioxidants such as Vitamin C do the same.
Pollution, UV-damage, exhaust fumes, toxic chemicals and smoke all act as free radicals which is why we need Vitamin C to help protect our skin by fighting these off, which in turn keeps our cells healthy and our skin looking its best. Keeping free radicals at bay not only help to prevent the signs of premature ageing but are also vital for the long term health of our skin by protecting us against precancerous changes caused by UV damage.
According to Dermal Educator Elise Andrews, “free radicals steal electrons from other atoms which creates a cascade effect, creating even more free radicals. This essentially damages the skin and in short, speeds up the ageing process. Therefore, antioxidants are so important and can have a profound impact to overall look and health of your skin”.
What are the benefits of Vitamin C?
In short – everything! Surprisingly, Vitamin C’s skin-loving capabilities extend far beyond its antioxidant status. Vitamin C addresses so many different common skin concerns – which is why it’s a serious must-have for any skincare routine.
Vitamin C is one of the best skincare products to brighten and can help reduce pigmentation issues caused by sun exposure, combat dullness and fade dark spots from acne. Many of us have overexposed our skin to the sun at some point, especially in our younger years, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. This includes conditions like melasma, freckles, sun spots, age spots, and post-acne marks - all of which occur when the skin produces excess melanin.
Vitamin C works by inhibiting melanin production, slowing it down so the skin generates less of it. By reducing the formation of this pigment, it not only helps prevent new dark spots from appearing but also accelerates the fading of existing ones.
Aside from its powerful brightening capabilities, Vitamin C can also help prevent trans epidermal water loss, meaning it helps keep skin hydrated. It also helps boost collagen production and assists with cellular turnover, encouraging skin regeneration.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body that helps skin stay elastic is responsible for giving skin its vitality, firmness and bounce….in short it’s structure. Unfortunately, as we get older, we start to produce less and less with production starting to dwindle in our mid-to-late 20s and early 30s. We start losing 1% of our collagen per year after that and by the time we hit our 40’s, collagen drops dramatically, leading to early signs of aging such as more visible lines, lax skin and dehydration.
Regular application of Vitamin C can assist with loose, sagging skin, helping to keep skin tight, firm and youthful-looking as it contains enzymes that stabilize and promote collagen production. This makes it a great skincare ingredient that fights signs of skin aging while keeping one’s skin plump and soft.
What is the difference between the various types?
There are different types of Vitamin C on the market, however Vitamin C is notoriously unstable and very reactive so it is important to look for formulations that contain no water and come in an opaque, airtight container, as sunlight, heat and air can all effect the potency. L-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl palmitate are all Vitamin C derivatives that are designed to retain their potency for longer.
If you notice your product has changed colour (i.e. darkened or turned brown), it most likely means it’s out of date and whilst safe to use, won’t be effective. Once Vitamin C has oxidized, it means that the preservatives in the formula have broken down and the product has lost most, if not all of its efficacy and it’s time to toss it in the trash.
Is it suitable/safe for all skin types?
In a nutshell, yes. Vitamin C is a skincare product suitable for most skin types and most people will not have a problem using it on a daily basis. As always, do a patch test 24 hours beforehand on your inner arm prior to applying it to your face, just to be sure your skin will react favorably.
If your skin is extremely sensitive, try and avoid products containing L-ascorbic acid, instead look for magnesium ascorbyl phosphate as it is less likely to cause skin irritation.
How should I incorporate it into my routine?
Whilst we can of course get Vitamin C from our diet, similar to oral versions of collagen - there is no guarantee that that it is going to head straight for your skin, so it’s best to apply topically as part of a regular skincare routine to reap all the benefit’s. In fact, Vitamin C is 20 times more potent when applied topically, compared to orally.
Most experts agree, Vitamin C is best applied in the morning as its rich in antioxidants which help protect our skin from free radicals. Serums are the most effective method of delivery when it comes to incorporating a vitamin C product into your routine after cleansing in the morning, apply your serum, followed by a moisturiser then SPF.
This article was brought to you in partnership with beauty wholesaler and salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To learn more about the technologies or to find a treatment specialist in your local visit their website or call 1300 006 607.
Comments