Skincare - Benefits of Vitamin C

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is one of the best ingredients available for reducing the signs of aging and keeping your skin smooth, even, and glowing. Another name for vitamin C is Ascorbic acid. It is a water-soluble component that is essential for the health of your body and skin.

Although you likely consume vitamin C in your food, there is no way to ensure that it reaches your skin. The quickest way to enjoy these advantages is by applying vitamin C serums and other topical solutions.

What are the benefits of Vitamin C in skincare?

1. Increases Collagen Production

   The body needs vitamin C to produce collagen. The main component of skin, hair, muscles, and tendons, collagen is what maintains our skins smoothness and youthful look. Collagen levels and production decreases with ageing, which can result in sagging and loose skin.

   Vitamin C can help keep the skin tight and plump by speeding up the production of collagen and elastin when applied directly to the skin.

2. Reduces Hyperpigmentation

   By reducing dark spots and making them less noticeable, vitamin C may assist to improve the complexion of the skin.
   One of the main reasons for hyperpigmentation, which is when darker spots appear on the skin, is spending too much time in the sun and being exposed to harmful things in the environment. Hyperpigmentation can cause an uneven skin tone even if it is not harmful.

   Tyrosinase is an enzyme that helps make melanin, the substance that gives colour to our skin, hair, and eyes. Vitamin C can stop the enzyme from working, which helps lighten areas of darkened skin. Vitamin C does not change the colour of naturally dark skin pigment. It only lightens the abnormal dark spots caused by too much sun exposure.

3. Anti-Ageing Effects

   Applying topical vitamin C to the skin may rejuvenate its youthful, smooth appearance and delay the onset of premature ageing. Vitamin C can boost collagen production, which helps reduce wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. It may also prevent the natural collagen loss that occurs with aging.

   Additionally, vitamin C is very important for stopping signs of early aging caused by factors such as; smoking, pollutants in the environment, and spending long periods of time in the sun.

4. Hydrates Skin

   Without enough moisture, the epidermis, or top layer of skin, begins to dry up, resulting in itchiness, scaliness, and early ageing. Maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin requires adequate hydration. Luckily, research has shown that vitamin C can help the skin hold onto water, keeping it moisturized and smooth. It also helps prevent the skin from becoming too oily or dry.

   It was observed that people who took vitamin C supplements experienced noticeable and lasting improvements in the moisture, flexibility, and texture of their skin.

5. Wound Healing

   Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that plays a significant role in wound healing. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from harmful free radicals and UV damage. Vitamin C is also essential for the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its elasticity and helps in the healing process.

   When the skin is damaged, vitamin C helps to speed up the healing process by promoting the growth of new tissue. It also helps to reduce inflammation and redness, making scars less noticeable.

Overall, including vitamin C into your skincare routine can be incredibly beneficial, both for general skin health and wound healing. Vitamin C also has many health benefits, so it's good to eat more fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C. Your skin will thank you for the extra boost of this essential nutrient.

Top tips for using Vitamin C:

• Before using skin products with vitamin C, test it on a small area of skin to see if your skin reacts. You might feel a bit of a tingling sensation, which is normal. But if the tingling starts feeling severe, stop using the cream and talk to your doctor.
• For best results, apply vitamin C topically once or twice a day at morning and night.
• Applying vitamin C for the daytime should be followed by the use of a broad-spectrum SPF moisturiser.
• If you discover that your skin is sensitive to daily application, start by using a low dose once or twice a week, and then gradually increase use as tolerated.