Vitamin C is considered by many to be a “wonder” vitamin when included in skincare products. What can this amazing vitamin do, other than help fight colds? When applied topically to the skin, wrinkle reduction, firming, and a more youthful glow are just a few benefits. Any woman who has researched products designed to reduce sun damage and make skin look younger and more radiant has likely come across the benefits of vitamin C, whether applied topically or taken internally. This “powerhouse” of a vitamin can deliver amazing results, whether your skin has been damaged from years of soaking up the sun or simply needs a boost when it comes to sagging and wrinkles. If you’re looking to erase a few years and reveal your most radiant, beautiful skin, you’ll find below all you need to know about this wonder vitamin!
The skin is the body’s largest organ, so it makes sense to take care of it if you want to look younger and luminous even as you grow older. What makes vitamin C so special?
First, it comes in several forms, including ascorbic acid (the most powerful form of topical vitamin C), ascorbyl palmitate, retinyl ascorbate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, all derivatives of this wonderful vitamin. When you find one of these ingredients in a skincare product, you know it contains at least some form and amount of vitamin C.
The most effective and researched form of vitamin C in terms of benefits for the skin is ascorbic acid, also referred to as L-ascorbic acid in some products. The most powerful skincare products contain this ingredient, which is capable of fading not only the lines, wrinkles, and discoloration caused by sun exposure, but post-acne marks as well. The best formulations also work to firm sagging skin, a common sign of aging caused by the breakdown of collagen.
All types of vitamin C can offer protection and repair from damage caused by free radicals.
While the explanation of free radicals is a bit complicated, the easiest way to explain it is the damage that can be caused to the skin and immune system by factors that “spawn” the odd splitting of electrons in molecules, including radiation, herbicides, pollution, even cigarette smoke. Considering today’s polluted environment, protecting the skin from free radicals is critical to protecting its youthful, vibrant appearance. Fortunately, products containing various forms of this “wonder” vitamin can even reverse damage to a certain extent.
Vitamin C acts primarily in cellular fluid and is an effective antioxidant for fighting the formation of free radicals caused by tobacco smoke and ordinary air pollution.
For the most beautiful skin, applying topical products and consuming foods containing vitamin C are most effective.
Vitamin C has been referred to as a “superstar” when it comes to an ingredient in skincare products that can genuinely restore younger looking, firmer, more radiant skin. Effective in minimal concentrations, it isn’t necessary to spend a fortune on products that claim miraculous results because of their higher vitamin C concentrations. In fact, studies have proven the anti-aging and antioxidant benefits are apparent when using concentrations of only 0.6%.
When it comes to diet, including foods rich in vitamin C not only helps repair skin, but you’ll also enjoy immune-boosting benefits. Some of the foods highest in vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, papayas, berries, dark leafy greens, bell peppers, cantaloupe, and even broccoli and peas. These foods are also effective in defending against the flu and colds.
Are you convinced about the power of vitamin C for firmer, healthier, more youthful looking skin?
Most skincare experts and dermatologists agree vitamin C is a top ingredient to look for in skincare products designed to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. In any of its forms listed above, serums, creams, and lotions can also repair some damage caused by the sun, free radicals, and the normal aging process. No topically applied over-the-counter product can take off 20 years, but vitamin C can help you in achieving the most beautiful, youthful-looking skin possible.
If you want your skin to look its most radiant, vitamin C supports the production of collagen, essential for firming, wrinkle reduction, and that luminous, healthy glow. Add this “powerhouse” vitamin to your skincare regimen and diet and see the results for yourself when you look in the mirror!