VITAMIN C - WHAT DOES IT DO FOR YOUR SKIN?
We cannot produce vitamin C, and our body does not store it; therefore, we only use it orally (think colloidal vitamins and freshly squeezed orange juice) or topical (list the vitamins in your favourite skincare serums and moisturizers)
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its role in collagen synthesis make vitamin C a vital molecule for skin health. Dietary and topical ascorbic acid has beneficial effects on skin cells, and some studies have shown that vitamin C can help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV) -induced photodamage. Vitamin C can help protect skin from many problems, including sunburn, photoaging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging skin, dryness, and uneven skin colour, according to Nutrient’s research. Anyone facing these skin problems might consider adding a vitamin C serum to their skincare regimen.
MORE FUN FACTS ABOUT VITAMIN C
However, if you've done your best to optimize your eating and sleeping habits, there are ways to combat these external effects, and vitamin C may just be the weapon you need to protect your skin. In a small clinical study, scientists pointed out that vitamin C can help reduce and prevent dark circles by strengthening the thin and delicate skin under the eyes. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C help hide the blood vessels underneath, thereby making the skin more elastic and firmer.
Vitamin C also plays an important role in the formation of collagen. Collagen is a fibrous protein that helps to form the connective tissue of the skin. When used topically, vitamin C can accelerate the production of collagen and elastin, helping to keep the skin firm and elastic. Vitamin C helps to lighten dark spots on the skin by limiting the enzyme responsible for melanin production.
Vitamin C works synergistically with antioxidant vitamin E and ferulic acid to reduce the damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that the combination of vitamin C, E and ferulic acid not only provides better stability than vitamin C and E but also improves the skin’s UV protection. Compared with vitamin E alone, the combination of vitamin C and vitamin E is more effective in preventing sun damage.
A high intake of vitamin C helps to relieve dry skin and keep it hydrated. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin and may promote keratinocyte differentiation and decreased melanin synthesis, resulting in antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. Normal skin requires high concentrations of vitamin C, which plays many roles in the skin, including forming the skin barrier and collagen in the dermis, the ability to counteract skin oxidation, and modulating cell growth signalling pathways and cell differentiation.
Normal skin contains a high concentration of vitamin C, which supports important and well-known functions by stimulating collagen synthesis and helping antioxidant protection to resist photodamage caused by ultraviolet rays. Therefore, by promoting collagen production, topical vitamin C can help prevent premature skin ageing. Although skin ageing is inevitable, daily intake of vitamin C can help increase collagen production and slow down the ageing process. Vitamin C also helps to repair damaged capillaries that cause redness of the skin, making the complexion smoother and more even.
Even serums containing low concentrations (less than 1%) of vitamin C still have antioxidant protection and are beneficial for the skin. To reduce the signs of ageing, it is especially important to use a topical serum so that the vitamin C can be absorbed directly into the skin cells.
Using topical vitamin C (3-10%) for at least 12 weeks has been shown to reduce wrinkles, reduce damage to protein fibres, reduce visible skin roughness and increase collagen production. Results from two studies showed that increased vitamin C intake was associated with good skin appearance and preventing skin pollution. “The antioxidant helps protect against hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for converting tyrosine to melanin in the skin,”
Because vitamin C is acidic, using vitamin C skincare products can help remove dead skin cells. One of the ways that vitamin C is beneficial for overall skin health is to support the skin's barrier function. Studies have shown that vitamin C can improve the production of barrier lipids, thereby enhancing the skin's ability to protect itself from transdermal moisture loss, thereby maintaining health, happiness and moisture. When used in combination with vitamin E, vitamin C is particularly effective in reducing oxidative damage to the skin.
This antioxidant has multiple functions in the skin, including producing collagen, improving hyperpigmentation and neutralizing free radicals. The main function of vitamin C in the skin is to act as a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage.
Helps reduce redness and an even skin tone. Vitamin C also helps in the treatment of many inflammatory skin conditions. Vitamin C skin products can help lighten dark spots, reduce sun damage, and help skin heal. Vitamin C skincare products such as serums and moisturizers can help in the addition, making the skin firmer and brighter and more even complexion. On the product side, vitamin C serum and moisturizer are two key products that can help you reap the benefits of vitamin C for skincare.
Vitamin C products that also contain vitamin E are a great way to double the antioxidant capacity and protect the skin. Adding vitamin C to your daily skincare routine will not only brighten your complexion but also protect your skin from sun exposure and harmful free radicals.
PS, fancy treating yourself to an at-home pamper session? Here are our favourite products:
Luxury Coconut & Lychee Seed Super Scrub
Blossom Fig & Vanilla Body Lotion
Blossom Fig & Vanilla Body Wash