Beauty
Why you should be using vitamin C in your skin-care routine
Vitamin C Image by: istock
Beauty
Why you should be using vitamin C in your skin-care routine
It’s time to add the anti-aging powerhouse vitamin C to your skin-care regimen.
Vitamin C isn’t an obscure ingredient. In fact, most of us are familiar with it thanks to our daily intake of fruit and vegetables. But skin-care researchers continue to uncover and understand the role that vitamin C has in the prevention of aging. The good news? If you’re already eating blueberries and acai regularly, you’re a step ahead. But, in terms of skin care, topical vitamin C is significantly more effective than consuming it, so it’s a good idea to add it to your skin-care routine, too, to protect against free-radical damage, increase microcirculation and build collagen. Here’s what you need to know.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the most potent antioxidants on the market. It’s found naturally in citrus fruit and berries, and vegetables such as red peppers and kale. Vitamin C can be derived from those natural ingredients, but skin-care scientists often tweak or create formulas in a lab to ensure a more stable product. The human body is not able to make vitamin C or store it in large amounts, but it’s essential for maintaining skin health, which is why you should add it to your routine, stat.
What does it do to the skin?
Many people are familiar with the notion that vitamin C has skin-brightening properties, but vitamin C’s main function is to build collagen. Collagen (think of it as the springs in a mattress) production slows down in our mid-20s, but vitamin C encourages its continued creation. The ingredient also protects our skin from the effects of free radicals (environmental aggressors responsible for 80 percent of the skin’s aging).
Stability is key
Unfortunately, the most potent form of vitamin C is also the least stable. Brands have been perfecting their formulas to ensure that vitamin C is stable and, therefore, active. Vitamin C easily degrades over time—more swiftly when exposed to heat and light—so freshness is key. Unstable vitamin C won’t damage your skin, but it also won’t work and can cause photosensitivity (which is a reaction to UV rays from sunlight and other light sources and in extreme cases can lead to rashes).
Find your formula
When it comes to picking a product with vitamin C, opting for a formula that will stay on your skin, instead of being rinsed off. Products with 10 -15 percent vitamin C work perfectly for the skin because they’re strong enough to be active. More than 25 percent isn’t advised, as your skin can’t absorb more than that at once. Alternatively, look for formulas that aren’t too acidic, with a pH level of three to four.
Booster Club
These ingredients are the supporting case that allow vitamin C to shine.
Vitamin E: Vitamins C and E work better when paired together. They offer complementary support to ensure free-radical protection.
Hyaluronic acid: The combination of antioxidant powerhouse vitamin C and hydrating wonder-molecule hyaluronic acid helps keep skin plump and radiant.
Peptides: Combining the ingredient with peptides, which tighten and lift,
gives vitamin C an extra dose of anti-aging benefits.
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