Vitamin C Skin Benefits

Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants and is present in all layers of the skin. While most species can produce vitamin C, humans lack the enzyme necessary for its synthesis and require a dietary source of vitamin C.

We all know about the benefits of incorporating the vitamin C in our skincare. Let’s remind them. 

Vitamins C benefits the skin in several ways. It has been clinically proven to stimulate collagen synthesis, essential for healthy and firm skin.  It also protects skin against oxidative stress because of its antioxidant properties. Incorporating vitamin C into topical skin treatment will:

• Aid skin regeneration process by preventing or reducing damage to skin cells caused by free radicals and oxidative stress e.g. pollution or UV-exposure.
• Prevent premature skin ageing and keep wrinkles at bay by promoting collagen production 
• Prevent skin hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the skin’s melanin production

Vitamin C will:

• brighten your complexion
• smooth out the lines
• firm the skin
• revive dull-looking skin

Vitamin C is a popular cosmetic ingredient that has been extensively researched and proven to be effective. However, with so many vitamin C products available, it can be challenging to know what to look for. While the concentration of vitamin C is important, the crucial factor is the type of vitamin C used in the product.

There are many different forms of vitamin C, such as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, and Ascorbyl Stearate, to name a few. It's essential to understand that not all forms of vitamin C convert to the biologically active format, and some are not delivered into the skin adequately.

Additionally, the stability of vitamin C in the formulation impacts its effectiveness. For example, Ascorbic Acid, also known as vitamin C, is water-soluble and unstable when exposed to air or light. However, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate are lipophilic and oil-soluble, making them very stable and effective. These types of vitamin C have a high affinity for the skin because the skin's surface is covered with lipids, making it respond well to lipophilic substances like Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and Tocopherols (vitamin E).

Numerous studies have shown that Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate penetrates the skin deeper, both the epidermis and dermis than any other form of vitamin C. It has also been clinically proven to suppress the pigmentation after exposure to UVB irradiation and is effective even at the low concentration of 1%.

So let's summarise:

1)      It is important to know the type of vitamin C in the skincare product.

2)      Some forms of vitamin C do not require high concentration to work, they will be as effective at a lower level.

3)      Stability of vitamin C and whether it converts to a biologically active form in the skin are vital considerations when formulating or choosing an effective vitamin C skincare.

4)      Lipophilic form of vitamin C like Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a novel form of vitamin C, has been proven highly effective in preventing skin photo-ageing and skin damage associated with exposure to UV-radiation.

5)      Combining vitamin C with vitamin E effectively increases protection against UV-induced skin damage. Both antioxidants are capable of reducing oxidative stress and should be used alongside sunscreen blocks, which used alone do not block all the free radicals produced by UV-exposure.

6)      It is untrue that Vitamin C products should only be applied in the morning. Vitamin C is also useful after exposure to UV- radiation and can be used at night.

7)      Vitamin C should not be used together with benzoyl peroxide, used to treat acne, as it oxidizes the vitamin C.

Discover our highly effective Vitamin C Serum – which combines vitamin C in its stable Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate form, and vitamin E with potent botanical actives like carrot and rosehip CO2 extracts, bisabolol, pomegranate, and sea buckthorn oils.

Our night treatment – Dream Couple – consists of two serums, one with vitamins C and E and one with Hyaluronic Acid.

Try it for yourself and transform your skin into healthy, glowing and more fresh-looking. 

 

Photography:

1) Rayia Soderberg - Unsplash

2) Mae Mu - Unsplash