Interesting, isn’t it? Toronto dermatologist Dr. Sonya Abdulla describes the benefits of vitamin C for your skin, and everything you need to know about this super-ingredient.
1. What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is an essential vitamin, which means it unfortunately cannot be produced by the human body. So you need to get it from natural sources, like citrus fruits and leafy greens. And as if that weren’t annoying enough, this vitamin is soluble, meaning the body can’t store it, no matter how much orange juice or kale you consume.
But there is also good news: vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. A diet rich in antioxidants helps the body ward off highly reactive molecules, called free radicals. Topical antioxidants, like vitamin C serums, work the same way on the skin: they fight free radicals caused by pollution, stress, and sunlight—all exposome factors. The exposome includes all the environmental factors to which the human body is exposed during a lifetime and the impact of these factors on health.
“Ascorbic acid scavenges free radicals, or silent damage, that contribute to aging,” says Dr. Abdulla. Antioxidants neutralize the production of free radicals using their own electrons. In other words, they work like a switch that is turned off.
2. What does vitamin C do for your skin?
This ingredient works like a real workhorse. Taken orally, vitamin C can strengthen your immune system. And even if you only use it topically, your skin can reap great benefits. Whether you want to correct uneven skin tone or brighten it, smooth fine lines, rough skin texture, acne scars, or any other complexion problem, a vitamin C skin care product can help make your skin fabulously smooth and give it a healthy-looking shine.
Vitamin C is one of the few ingredients with the ability to protect your current supply of collagen (thanks to its antioxidant properties) and to improve its production. These two functions are essential to reduce the signs of aging. Vitamin C also helps fade and even prevent dark spots as well as pigmentation caused by previous inflammations, such as acne. “A melanin inhibitor, vitamin C reduces hyperpigmentation,” adds Dr. Abdulla.
3. What type of vitamin C should I use?
Unfortunately, not all vitamin C products are created equal. called precursors, must be converted into an active form to provide the best benefits to the skin. » Look for ascorbic acid, which is the most stable and effective form of vitamin C for skin care.
“To maximize the effect, choose formulas with a concentration of 10% or more,” emphasizes Dr. Abdulla. And remember: your body can’t store vitamin C, so a product with a 20% concentration will provide maximum effectiveness.
The best vitamin C serums contain other antioxidants, such as vitamin E. For example, Vichy ‘s LiftActiv 15% Vitamin C Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid contains 15% pure vitamin C, vitamin E and other active ingredients, such as fragmented hyaluronic acid and mineralizing thermal water from Vichy.
4. When and how to use vitamin C?
Some active ingredients, including retinol, are recommended for nighttime use due to their photosensitive effect, but products with vitamin C can be used day or night. Vitamin C is the perfect skincare ingredient to add to your daily routine as it neutralizes unwanted free radicals.
If your skin is acne-prone, vitamin C works wonders on scarring and pigmentation. Vichy LiftActiv Specialist Peptide-C Serum Ampoules contain 10 % pure vitamin C. This ten-day treatment targets marks and dark spots.
This super-vitamin also has anti-aging properties. Discover the best anti-aging daily care LiftActiv Collagen Specialist from Vichy . : a hydrating combination of vitamin C, phytopeptides and mineralizing thermal water that softens wrinkles, firms and targets discolored skin while illuminating the complexion. Apply any of these vitamin C products all over your face in the morning, before applying your daily sunscreen .
5. What should be considered when using vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a difficult ingredient to include in compositions because this molecule is unstable, which means that it breaks down on contact with oxygen and light. Amber bottles of Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Vichy LiftActiv Specialist Peptide-C Serum Ampoules help preserve the stability, and therefore effectiveness, of these products.
It is important to know that once the product is started, especially serum with vitamin C, you should use it without delay. In other words, do not put it aside because you have just discovered a new product. The fresher the product, the more effective it will be. Your face will give you the pretty proof.
