What is Vitamin C and How Does It Work

I think each of us has ever faced different skin problems such as pigmentation or facial wrinkles. Fortunately, there is one substance that can be used as a treatment for these issues- vitamin C! But how can this thing from orange juice help your skin?

What exactly is vitamin C? 

Basically, it’s a potent antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals. It sounds quite complicated, doesn’t it? In other words, antioxidants reduce or prevent damage to our cells by neutralizing the production of highly reactive molecules called free radicals. As for the skin, they offset the negative impact of UV damage or exposure to air pollution. Simply, vitamin C just helps our body to regenerate damaged skin cells.

What else vitamin C is famous for? 

Vitamin C is beneficial not only for its antioxidant properties. As long as it’s highly acidic, it triggers the skin to heal itself by accelerating the production of collagen and elastin. These two proteins help keep skin plump and firm. That’s why Vitamin C is considered to be one of the best anti-aging products.
Moreover, vitamin C affects your melanin production which causes dark spots and hyperpigmentation. So with continued topical use, vitamin C is a superior brightening agent that helps to lighten brown spots and to smooth the skin tone.

How should you use it?

All dermatologists agree that the best of skin-care products is serum because it is much more effective than creams or toners. Talking about the form of vitamin C, ascorbic acid is the most common and effective form. It is proven to be the best at penetrating the skin barrier. And don’t forget that Vitamin C is most effective when exposed to sunlight. So it should be included in your morning skin routine.

Is it safe to use vitamin C with other ingredients?

Combining with other antioxidants such as vitamin E can double the protection against free-radical damage. But if you are new to using these substances, begin slowly. Let your skin grow more accustomed to the ingredient. But other ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or retinol should be avoided. Using them with vitamin C at the same time makes them all less potent and effective. Also, these combinations may cause irritation, so try to use these ingredients separately.

What should you care about?

If you are the one with sensitive skin, don’t forget to be extremely careful. Vitamin C may cause redness and other allergic reactions. So before using the product, try it on a test area to make sure that no allergy exists. Also, don’t forget to look at the concentrations of vitamin C in your product. In general, they range from below 5% all the way up to 30%. Those with dry or sensitive skin probably should stick with lower concentrations, around 5%. But those with more oily skin or with more extensive pigmentation issues can handle higher concentrations. But in most cases, a concentration above 20% is not needed. And the last but not the least moment you should care about is a correct storing. Vitamin C featuring products are highly sensitive to light and air. These factors oxidize vitamin C and make it less stable and less effective.

What do I use?