Why Vitamin C Products are Your Skin's Holy Grail

WHY DOES VITAMIN C NOT HAVE ITS OWN NATIONAL DAY?

We’re not kidding! Considering how big a role this vitamin can play in our health and appearance it’s really quite surprising that we have totally missed out on this little super power.

HERE ARE THREE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT VITAMIN C

1. Human beings are one of only 4 mammals that cannot make their own vitamin C (we are in good company here as the other 3 are primates, guinea pigs and fruit bats!). We need to get our vitamin C from outside sources. Scientists consider this a “nutritional defect” in our species!
2. Deficiency of Vitamin C in your diet causes a disease called SCURVY. Quite fittingly the word Ascorbic (as in Ascorbic Acid, the technical term for pure Vitamin C) translates loosely to “anti-scurvy”
3. In spite of Vitamin C being so necessary for our overall health, our bodies are incapable of storing it. Vitamin C is water soluble and excess amounts of it are simply passed out in our urine. Bottom line is that we need to ensure a regular daily intake of this vitamin in our diet. Same goes for topical application via our skincare.

SO WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT VITAMIN C IN SKINCARE

Tonnes have been written about the health benefits of Vitamin C. It helps our bodies absorb other nutrients such as iron more efficiently.

Vitamin C boosts our immunity against infections, helps wounds heal faster and also affects mood & energy levels. It impacts cardiovascular health by keeping blood vessels elastic.

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Here are the reasons why dermatologists and skin specialists recommend Vitamin C for your skin.

1. Vitamin C boosts your skin’s collagen levels. In addition it stabilizes the collagen as well. This makes it great as an anti-ageing warrior.
2. Vitamin C tackles pigmentation. Vitamin C inhibits the production of an enzyme that triggers melanin formation. This helps reduce and prevent formation of dark spots and scars.
3. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps repair free radical damage. This makes it a great active ingredient to combat sun damage, loss of moisture and pollution damage to your skin.
4. Vitamin C boosts the power of your sunscreen. This is thanks to its antioxidant properties - which means that the layering of Vitamin C under your sunscreen fights free radical damage caused by UV exposure.
5. Vitamin C is perfect for ALL skin types. It is one of those rare active ingredients that has something to offer all skin types. In fact it is great for almost all skin concern you can think of - from pigmentation to dark spots, rosacea, acne and early signs of ageing.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO INCORPORATE VITAMIN C INTO YOUR SKINCARE REGIME

• You can find Vitamin C in face washes, toners, serums and moisturisers. Check the label of your skincare product. Depending on the form of Vitamin C used, the label may call it out as Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, 3-Glyceryl Ascorbate etc

• If your face wash contains Vitamin C, make sure to massage your cleanser into your skin for at least 25-30 seconds. This ensures that the active ingredient stays in contact with your skin for a long enough period of time.

• Toner should be applied on a cotton pad which should then be gently pressed over your forehead, nose, cheeks and chin. Do not rinse after applying your toner.

• Vitamin C Serums are normally the most potent of any product that contains Vitamin C. Your serum can have a concentration varying from 5% to 20%. If you are new to Vitamin C, it is best to begin with a lower potency and then working up to a higher one. OR introduce the vitamin C serum to your skin gradually by adding a few drops to your moisturiser and then building on from there.
• Pat on a moisturiser once you have given your serum a good 25-30 seconds to get fully absorbed into the skin. (product link)
• Do a patch test before starting a new skincare regime with Vitamin C.

Do you get confused about the difference between a serum and a moisturiser? Here’s a small writeup about this that might help clear the air a bit.

BEFORE WE LEAVE - SOME MORE THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT VITAMIN C

 

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1. Vitamin C is a very unstable active. Exposure to heat and/or light can degrade it and make it less potent. Never purchase a Vitamin C product that comes in a jar. Or one that is packed in clear glass bottles.
2. Keep your Vitamin C products in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight. Also, if you are using a dropper close the bottle immediately and screw the lid back on tight.
3. Don’t be disappointed if you do not see results immediately. Use your products regularly and consistently. Be mindful of expiry dates and use up your product within 6 months of opening the bottle.

Wishing you happy and healthy skin days ahead!