If you’re interested in skincare, you’ve probably heard of vitamin C. Vitamin C is widely known as one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients available and the key to maintaining smooth, even, and glowing skin. You are most likely to get Vitamin C from your diet. However, there is no guarantee of a sufficient amount of Vitamin C reaching your skin. The most direct way to reap these benefits is to use serums and other topical products.
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble antioxidant and an essential nutrient protecting your skin from free radical damage and improving its health. Vitamin C helps in tissue growth and repair in the body. The human body does not produce Vitamin C naturally but instead obtains it from Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C skincare products are a direct method of delivering Vitamin C to the skin topically. Even if you consume all of the Vitamin C-rich foods, your skin will benefit the most when the Vitamin is applied topically in its most potent and concentrated form.
Continue reading to find out why you should incorporate Vitamin C into your routine.
1. Fights wrinkles and fine lines.
Vitamin C works wonders to prevent and reduce these ageing signs by increasing collagen synthesis in your body. Two studies found that a higher intake of vitamin C was associated with better skin appearances, and topical application of vitamin C for 12 weeks reduces fine lines, smoothens the skin, and increases collagen production.
Vitamin C is essential for your body’s collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that gives your body, including your skin, structure. When your body’s collagen production slows, your skin loses firmness and elasticity, and it begins to sag. Fine lines and wrinkles appear on your face, making you appear older. Vitamin C is a natural collagen booster, which improves your skin’s elasticity, texture, and quality, making it appear tight and youthful.
2. Reduces inflammation.
Vitamin C is an excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that helps to reduce inflammation-related symptoms such as rash, redness, and irritation. Topical vitamin C reduces inflammation in various skin conditions, including acne and psoriasis.
3. Protects from the sun.
Prolonged sun exposure can have disastrous effects on your skin, such as skin tanning, rough skin, redness, and so on. Vitamin C applied topically acts as an antioxidant to protect your skin from UV rays. Combinations of vitamin C and vitamin E are more effective than vitamin C alone in protecting the skin from sun damage.
4. Reduces pigmentation.
Pigmentation, also known as hyperpigmentation of the skin, is caused by increased melanin production. Melanin is a pigment that gives your skin color. Hyperpigmentation is generally not harmful, but topical vitamin C application can lighten dark patches for cosmetic purposes.
Vitamin C’s brightening properties extend to fading dark spots and lightening hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C inhibits the pathway of abnormal skin pigmentation (melanin) production to even out skin tone and lightens dark spots, sun spots, acne scars, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation caused by melasma. This unique anti-spot property of vitamin C lightens dark areas without affecting the pigmentation of your normal skin.
5. Hydration boost.
A high vitamin C intake helps to reduce skin dryness and provides moisture to your skin. Ascorbic acid keeps the skin moist and prevents it from becoming dry and oily. Vitamin C and its derivatives have hydrating properties and reduce transepidermal water loss – that is, it strengthens your skin barrier, aids in moisture retention, and prevents moisture loss from the skin’s surface. Hydrated skin is healthy skin that is plump and soft to the touch.
Conclusion
Vitamin C contains a variety of nutrients, including antioxidants. Even if you consume vitamin C, there is no guarantee that it will reach your skin. You must apply it topically to achieve the best skin results. Numerous options are available on the market, including vitamin C-containing lotions, moisturizers, serums, and creams. Many dermatologists, however, recommend serum for the best skincare results because it is a lighter formulation than a moisturizer and absorbs quickly into the skin. It is suggested to apply vitamin C before applying your sunscreen during your AM skincare routine.