In Australia alone, over 5.3 million women purchase cosmetics and skincare products in an average of six months. The concept of beauty stretches far back in time; men and women both prized smooth, supple skin throughout history.While what we value about skin has not changed much, skincare practices and products have certainly revolutionized.
One major natural product that made its way to the skincare routines of millions across the nation is Vitamin C. First discovered in the 1920s to cure scurvy, this vitamin is now deemed the holy grail of skincare ingredients.
You can name any complexion concern, and there’sbe a chance that Vitamin C can come to the rescue. We’ve all heard about the antioxidant found in the orange juice we drink when we have a cold, but what’s more interesting is the miraculous wonders it can do for your skin.
Let’s look at what Vitamin C is before we get into how it helps repair and improve your skin.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, which also goes by ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, is a potent antioxidant that prevents or reduces damage to our cells. They neutralize the production of highly reactive molecules, called free radicals,whichaid in your skin’s regeneration process.
Its free-radical-fighting power keeps signs of premature aging at bay and helps protect skin from precancerous changes caused by UV exposure.
Yourbody doesn’t produce vitamin C on its own, the only way to get it is through supplements or your diet. One of the most popular sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, like oranges,which are rich in the potent ingredient.
Although there’s no denying that you can eat your way to a healthy vitamin C intake, your skin particularly reaps the greatest benefits when it’s applied topically instead of being ingested via your diet.
How Does Vitamin C Benefit The Skin?
- Replenishes Dehydrated Skin
Your skin comprises 64%of water and needs to be kept hydrated at all times.Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, one of the leading vitamin C derivatives, hasbeen shown to have an effect on your skin.It decreases transepidermal water loss, allowing your skin to retain moisturewhile preventing it from becoming too dry or oily.
- Combats Fine Lines And Wrinkles
Vitamin C is an effective tool against fine lines,wrinkles, and other signs of your skin’s wear and tear. Research shows this nutrient helps protect againstdamage and aids collagen formation, which smooths out these signs of aging.
- Regenerates Sun-Damaged Skin
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to discoloured patches(sunspots), flakiness, rough areas, rosacea, etc. Topicallyapplying a daily vitamin Cdosehelps guard your skin against damage.Studies show that people with photo-damaged skinexperienced a significant improvement in their skin’s appearance—in terms of roughness,skin tone, and fine lines—after using a topical vitamin C treatment for a couple of months.
- Improves Skin Elasticity
Vitamin C has shown to boost collagen production; this is a naturally occurring protein in our body,which helps give skin that tight, plump look. As we age, the production of collagen in our bodydecreases. Using an ingredient like vitamin C can help slow down the agingprocess and improve elasticity.
- Reduces Redness and Evens Out Skin Tone
Sun exposure, hormones, and other medical conditionscan lead to patchy and uneven skin. Vitamin C has proven tobe a warrior in the fight against redness. It helps repair the damagedcapillaries that cause discolouration and strengthen them for the future, givingskin a youthful glow.
- Helps Reduce Inflammation
If your skin shows any signs of redness andirritation, there’s probably an underlying immune response, allergicreaction, or an infection behind it.Studies show topical vitamin C helps relieve signsassociated with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other skin wounds.
- Cools Sunburn
Although Vitamin C isn’t an alternative to SPF, it helps cell turnover. This heals and rejuvenates sunburned skin faster.
- Reduces Hyperpigmentation
When your body produces excessive melanin, hyperpigmentation (dark patches) is common. Applying vitamin Cto your skin has proven to decrease discolourationas it inhibits tyrosinase production, which is an enzyme that contributes to melaninproduction.
How To Incorporate Vitamin C Into Your Routine?
While Vitamin C is included in many of our daily foods, such as broccoli, kale, oranges, and strawberries, it is essential to apply it topically for your skin to receive optimal benefits.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, or a combination of the two, applying the antioxidant the right waywill help boost your skin rejuvenation process.
The way to include Vitamin C in your skincare routine is through a serum. This allows the L-ascorbic acid to absorb into the skin. Since serums have a lighter formula that’s ideal for deep penetration, this is the most effective way of incorporating vitamin C into your skincare regimen.
You can add this serum in your morning routineand it’ll protect your skin from free radicals during the day. Begin with cleansing your face, use a toner, then apply the Vitamin C serum followed with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
Vitamin C works well with sunscreen and combats harmful UV exposure.
Now that the benefits of Vitamin C are well known to you, you can add this in your skincare routine to give your skin the care, pampering, and citrus it craves!
About the Author
The author is the owner of an Australian-based skincare company, specializing in various and effective and natural skincare products suited for various skin types. With a passion for skin biology, their business, Efani Co., provides its customers with reliable skincare solutions for specific skin issues. They are dedicated to offering effective, science-based skin therapy to solve real skin problems.
