The Importance and Benefits of Vitamin C For Skin

Here at BodyCarre.com , readers often comment on the health benefits of vitamin C for our skin . We knew that this vitamin can work wonders and it seemed important to us to do an article about these benefits.

Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, that is, it is capable of eliminating free radicals and reducing the signs of aging . It is an essential substance in all aspects: the functioning of the skin (including its growth, maintenance and repair, which protect it from the ravages of oxidation caused by free radicals), wounds and the synthesis of collagen.

Benefits of vitamin C for the skin

Studies have found that vitamin C has a photoprotective effect against UVA and UVB rays . Therefore, topical vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant. It is sold or can be made in pharmacies.

Dermatologists have found that vitamin C is one of the best ingredients for fighting dark spots : it not only lightens the skin , but it also inhibits the production of tyrosinase, the enzyme that creates pigmentation.

The scientists also determined that vitamin C is not only essential for building collagen and elastin, but it actually initiates the production of these proteins, making it a powerful anti-aging agent.

The efficacy of vitamin C derivatives to protect and promote collagen synthesis, whiten the skin and inhibit melanin synthesis has been proven by some studies.

If you have sensitive skin , experts recommend trying vitamin C products.

The beauty industry has long known that this vitamin is vital to skin health – both in food and in cosmetic form . The nutrients help form collagen and elastin, which are essential for keeping skin firm and youthful.

Benefits of cosmetics with vitamin C

How to take advantage of vitamin C?

Vitamin C is soluble in water and is not synthesized within our body : we need supplements derived from food complexes or vitamins.

Oral antioxidant supplementation, including vitamin C in capsule form, is considered potent in scavenging free radicals. The supplementation method is widely used by people who cannot maintain a balanced diet and thus acquire the nutrients that the body needs.

When there is a lack of vitamin C in any function of the body, the body removes it from the skin, making it vulnerable to deficiencies. The physical stress or emotional further increases the demand for vitamin C.

Take advantage of these qualities by eating foods rich in vitamin C and using cosmetics that contain it. Check out our article with the ranking of the 50 foods with the most vitamin C.

We leave you some of the best supplements that you can buy online:

  • FORZA Vitamin C 1000mg High Strength Formula- 60 Tablets
  • SOLGAR – VIT. C 1000MG. 100 CAP. SOLGAR
  • Pure Vitamin C 600 mg x 90 capsules

Vitamin C in cosmetics

With all these benefits for the skin, many cosmetic companies offer products made from vitamin C. Many of us take a vitamin C supplement every day. Now we have to include these cosmetics in the daily routine.

Vitamin C is a wonderful ingredient, but it does have some downsides . Pure natural vitamin C (known as ascorbic acid) is highly unstable when mixed into a water-based formula.

Since almost all products contain water, this creates a problem. Once ascorbic acid breaks down, it is no longer effective and can even cause skin irritation. As a result, many manufacturers of skin care products have turned to synthetic forms of vitamin C.

Normally, the word “synthetic” scares many skincare advocates (especially those who use more natural and organic products), but in this case synthetic is not so bad.

Synthetic types of vitamin C are more stable than ascorbic acid , can be absorbed through the skin, and have not been shown in laboratory tests to cause toxicity or damage to the skin.

The most common and effective types of synthetic vitamin C include L-ascorbic acid (the best synthetic form), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, vitamin C esters, sodium ascorbyl palmitate, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate .

Occasionally, a product may also contain ingredients like vitamin E and ferulic acid to help stabilize vitamin C.

If you want to avoid synthetic forms of vitamin C, you have another option, vitamin C whole . Whole vitamin C contains ascorbic acid plus all of the other natural components of vitamin C, including natural enzymes and bioflavonoids.

You can get whole vitamin C naturally from sources such as rosehips, sea buckthorn berries, amla berries, citrus fruits, marula oil, pomegranate seeds, and similar fruit sources.

A product that contains large amounts of these natural sources of vitamin C does not need fillers, stabilizers, or other ingredients to be effective . Some people even argue that whole vitamin C absorbs better than synthetic versions, has a lower risk of irritation, and offers more nutrients.

Vitamin C Concentration: Is It Important?

Often times, manufacturers of vitamin C serums believe that it is favorable to have a high concentration in the product (10-20%) but studies have shown that the range of proven efficacy of vitamin C is between 0.3% and 10% .

High concentrations of vitamin C can cause irritation and may not be necessary to achieve results.

Also, some forms of vitamin C (such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate and whole vitamin C) are easily absorbed through the skin and can give the same results as a 20% solution but at a much lower concentration.

On the other hand, some forms (such as ascorbic acid polypeptide and ascorbic acid) can be irritating at high concentrations. In general, concentration is not all that it is expected to be.

Therefore, look for a well-formulated product with a lower concentration (2% -10%) to avoid irritating the skin.

Types of vitamin C and their benefits for the skin

There are many different forms of vitamin C on the market. Since natural vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is quite unstable and easily degrades (making it less effective and irritating), many new forms of vitamin C have been synthetically created with a single effect to provide greater stability .

Although many of them are great, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, some forms of synthetic vitamin C can be absorbed more deeply into the skin than others. Also, some forms protect better than others against the sun’s UV rays.

Before buying a serum, check out our guide below to make sure the type of vitamin C you are buying is right for your skin type and you get the desired result.

Whole Vitamin C

It is pure and whole vitamin C that has not been chemically altered. It is derived from natural sources such as plants and fruits. It contains all the natural compounds of vitamin C, including phytonutrients, bioflavonoids and natural enzymes. Whole vitamin C is ideal for all skin types , especially sensitive skin.

IN FAVOR

· Stable
· Non-irritating
· Bioavailable (good penetration and absorption)
· Clinically proven to protect against UV damage, increase collagen and reduce skin pigmentation.

AGAINST

· Not available in super high concentrations.

Ascorbic Acid / L-Ascorbic Acid

Ascobic Acid is a naturally occurring, water-soluble vitamin C that has been isolated from the other compounds found naturally in all vitamin C. Considered the best form of topical vitamin C if formulated correctly. Ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid should be avoided by skin types sensitive to high concentrations .

IN FAVOR

· Bioavailable (good penetration and absorption)
· The most proven form of Vitamin C
· Clinically shown to increase collagen, reduce pigmentation and protect from UV damage.

AGAINST

Unstable and decomposes at high pH (low pH serums may cause irritation)
May cause irritation at higher concentrations

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate / Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Synthetic and water soluble forms of vitamin C that is very stable and effective.
Safe and effective for all skin types , including sensitive ones.

IN FAVOR

Stable
Non-irritating
Clinically proven bioavailable (good penetration and absorption)
Converts to ascorbic acid when absorbed
Increases collagen
Reduces skin pigmentation

AGAINST

There is no conclusive research on the effectiveness of protection against UV damage

Ascorbyl Palmitate / Sodium Ascorbyl Palmitate

Synthetic vitamin C. Although most forms of vitamin C are soluble in water, ascorbyl palmitate is a fat / oil soluble form of vitamin C. Because this form of vitamin C is usually present in an oil-based formula, it is more suitable for dry skin and different types of sensitive skin .

IN FAVOR

Stable
Non-irritating
Protects from UV rays
Moderately effective in increasing collagen

AGAINST

May not penetrate as well as other forms of vitamin C
No research indicates it can reduce pigmentation
Not super effective at increasing collagen production

Tetra-hexyldcyl ascorbate

A synthetic, fat-soluble form of vitamin C that is very similar to L-ascorbic acid. Due to its solubility in fat, it is said to easily penetrate the deeper layers of the skin. Ideal for all skin types , especially for sensitive skin.

IN FAVOR

Stable
Non-irritating
Bioavailable (deeper penetration and absorption)
Protects against UV rays
Increases collagen production twice the rate of ascorbic acid
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces pigmentation

AGAINST

No major inconveniences

Ascorbic acid polypeptide

A synthetic, water-soluble form of vitamin C that can be converted to ascorbic acid once absorbed through the skin. It should be avoided by sensitive skin in concentrations higher than 1% .

IN FAVOR

Stable
Can penetrate deeper into the skin than other water-soluble forms of vitamin C
Protects against UV rays
Increases collagen production

AGAINST

· May be irritating in concentrations greater than 2%.

Additional Ingredients: What else should a cosmetic contain?

Although vitamin C is important, you should pay close attention to the other ingredients used in the formula .

It is vitally important to evaluate the entire product before purchasing it. Why? Because you could be paying for garbage.

For example, a product may contain a large amount of vitamin C in high concentration, but it may also contain cheap, potentially toxic and irritating fillers such as propylene glycol and butylene glycol (classified as irritant), alcohols, phenoxyethanol (a preservative that can cause serious allergic reactions and eczema) and a host of other not-so-great ingredients.

These ingredients are not only irritating and cheap, some of them can also be harmful to your skin and health . Ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and petroleum by-products like propylene glycol have been shown to cause hormonal imbalances and even cancer.

These are not intimidation tactics, this is scientifically proven and many of these chemicals are banned for cosmetic use in other countries.

Do you really want to pay for ingredients that do nothing for your skin and can even be harmful?

Ingredients to avoid in vitamin C serums and why

Many popular vitamin C serums are packed with cheap fillers, irritants, and chemicals that could be harmful to your skin and health . There are dozens of potentially bad chemicals to avoid in skincare (think petroleum by-products and carcinogens); however, some harmful chemicals appear to be more common in vitamin C serums.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL AND BUTYLENE GLYCOL

Propylene Glycol (also known as PG) is commonly derived as a by-product of petroleum and can be found in a wide variety of skin care products, as well as antifreeze, brake fluid, and paints.

It is used as a solvent, stabilizer, and moisturizer in many beauty products. It improves the penetration capacity of other chemicals, allowing harmful chemicals to penetrate the skin and bloodstream more than they could on their own.

The Environmental Working Group notes that the use of PG has been linked to dermatitis and irritation in humans. Although PG can prevent moisture loss by creating a seal on the skin, it can also make your skin dry by drawing moisture from the deeper layers to the upper layers.

PARABENS

Parabens are inexpensive chemicals that have been used since the early 1950s to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, fungi, and even parasites in a wide range of cosmetic products .

But there are some important issues related to parabens. Studies have shown that these chemicals can be absorbed through our skin and into our bloodstream, where they then nest and accumulate in our cells.

Parabens are xenoestrogens, which means that they can mimic estrogen in the body and upset our natural hormonal balance. Also in 2004, British researchers discovered parabens within breast cancer tumors, raising a fear that there may be a link between paraben exposure and breast cancer.

PHTHALATES

Phthalates are a group of chemical plasticizers used as lubricants in a variety of beauty products such as nail polishes, detergents, toys, shampoos, creams, and moisturizers .

Several studies have shown that phthalates act as endocrine disruptors and have been linked to male and female reproductive defects, asthma, ADHD, breast cancer, and even diabetes.

The problem with phthalates is that they are often hidden on ingredient labels under vague terms like “fragrance .  For this reason, it is best to avoid products that use synthetic fragrances.

PHENOXYETHANOL

Phenoxyethanol is a very common ingredient used as an antibacterial preservative in cosmetics . It has been linked to the cause of severe eye and skin irritation, as well as severe allergic reactions and eczema.

Long-term repeated exposure to this chemical can cause organ damage in adults and a long-term reduction of nervous system function in infants.

Vitamin C ampoules

There are creams, serums and ampoules, but the problem is that vitamin C is quite unstable and difficult to handle, because it oxidizes easily , so many products that contain it do not have the same effectiveness! The ampoules are single-dose , that is, one application, with a higher concentration in a quality / price ratio, so we are going to explain about them below.

Vitamin C ampoules are optimal for use in a 21 day healing time, as a cell renewal cycle, or to have a flash effect ! They are excellent for use after the beach, when the skin is often dull and dull. After a facial or a peel and instantly improve the appearance of the skin.

They can be used by all people, except those with very sensitive skin . If you have dull, tired skin, with uneven tone, spots and fine lines or wrinkles, you will benefit a lot with vitamin C in high concentrations.

You must use it in the morning, as an antioxidant. Don’t forget to put on a sunscreen afterwards! You can also apply it at night after a home treatment, such as a purifying mask or a gentle peel. Apply to clean skin in circular motions. Do not keep anything in the vial, because the vitamin C oxidizes in contact with air. Use what is left on your neck, décolleté and hands. If you want to get visible results on your spots or skin tone, you should use it for at least 3 to 6 months.

Example of using a vitamin C ampoule as a “flash” treatment:

At night, wash your skin with a foam or gel cleanser and toner. If you have clarisonic , use it for a deeper clean. If not, apply a purifying mask, such as green clay . Afterwards, rinse your skin well. Apply a toner (if you don’t have one, thermal water works!). Now distribute the contents of the blister well over the entire face, neck, chest and hands. Before going to bed, apply your regular moisturizer . The next day, you will notice the difference!

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Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.

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