Vitamin C for the Skin: Uses, Benefits & More
Every so often a new buzz worthy skincare ingredient takes the beauty industry by storm. Many can be considered fads that don’t actually contribute much, but every now and then a real superstar ingredient emerges. One that continues to stand the test of time is the almighty Vitamin C.
Touted as one of the best anti-aging ingredients on the market, Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and aids in your skin’s natural regeneration process. This in turn helps your body repair damaged skin cells.
With this ingredient here to stay, let’s explore some of the many benefits, and how to use it.
What is Vitamin C?
Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. In the same way antioxidant-rich foods aids your body in fighting off free radicals, topical antioxidants like Vitamin C do the same but for your skin. When applied to the skin, Vitamin C does a lot to help offset pesky daily aggressors like UV damage and exposure to air pollution.
How does Vitamin C benefit the skin?
Aside from its powerful antioxidant properties, it has a wide range of other wonderful benefits too. It is a very hydrating ingredient that is safe for most skin types. A 2017 review showed that Vitamin C application triggers melanin production, which is the pigment responsible for skin colour. Vitamin C can help fade dark spots and give you a youthful glow. It can help reduce the appearance of under-eye circles, protects against sun damage and can even help prevent skin sagging.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of using Vitamin C in your skincare routine is the fact it promotes collagen production. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that can deplete as we get older over time. Signs of lower levels of collagen are the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C is a well known collagen booster and boosting collagen include improving skin elasticity, skin hydration, and again, leaving your skin with a bright glow.
How can you add Vitamin C into your daily skincare routine?
Kristina Goldenberg, M.D., of Goldenber Dermatology in New York City previously told Allure that: “the key is now the vehicle that vitamin C comes in, but in the form of vitamin C that is being applied”. She recommends looking for products with ascorbic acid as this is the most stable and effective form of Vitamin C in skincare.
In terms of what product you should be seeking out, serums are more effective than creams or toners. What do we recommend, you ask? Well keep your eyes peeled as we are working on something very exciting here at Michael Marcus HQ!