Why Vitamin C for skincare
Vitamin C, a key ingredient in skincare, is renowned for its capacity to reduce wrinkles, enhance complexions, and protect skin from environmental pollutants. Its antioxidant properties help combat free radicals, which promotes a more even skin tone and anti-aging effects. However, with the abundant availability of vitamin C cream, “how does one figure out what is right for their skin and complements their skincare regimen?". Multiple factors, like concentration, formulation, and packaging, can significantly impact its effectiveness. Understand these factors correctly and your skin will glow and look young like never before.
What is Vitamin C?
Known as the most potent ingredient in the skincare industry, vitamin C is chemically known as L-ascorbic acid. Vitamin C can be found in multiple foods and fruits. However, this potent nutrient loses its goodness while being ingested. Which is why it is recommended by dermatologists to seek out medically baked vitamin C alternatives via the use of topical creams.
Benefits of Vitamin C
- Vitamin C helps in synthesizing hyaluronic acid, which in turn boosts the production of collagen, the protein that is essential to keeping the skin tighter and providing structure.
- Vitamin C also has anti-oxidant properties, which lessen the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals from sources such as alcohol and cigarettes not only increase the rate of aging but also delay the development of some kinds of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- By preventing the synthesis of melanin, vitamin C helps to lessen the appearance of dark patches and hyperpigmentation. A more radiant complexion and a more even skin tone are the outcomes of this.
Forms of Vitamin C in Skincare and their effects on different skin types
In skincare, vitamin C can be found in forms like L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
L-ascorbic acid acts as a gold standard when it comes to vitamin C in skincare, but due to its high acidic nature, it can have side effects like irritation on sensitive skin. The shelf life of a product based on L-ascorbic acid decreases drastically when it is exposed to air and light.
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is highly preferred by people with acne problems as it is a gentler form of vitamin C. And it has the anti-oxidant properties to deal with acne or rosacea.
Ascorbyl palmitate, a less active form of vitamin C that is also fat-soluble, is appropriate for people whose skin doesn’t react well with L-ascorbic acid and are looking for a product that has a longer shelf life.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a high-cost alternative to L-ascorbic acid that doesn’t only boost the production of collagen but also acts as a moisturizer due to its hydration properties. This form complements all skin types.
Tetrahexyldecyl (THD)-ascorbate is an oil-soluble form of vitamin C that penetrates the skin easily and quickly. THD-ascorbate also has a longer shelf life, is highly effective, and complements all skin types. Light Up Beauty’s vitamin C face glow cream uses this form of vitamin C because of its ability to produce 50% more collagen and be able to penetrate the skin 3x faster, while also while its ingredients such as alpha arbutin and bio retinols address the issue of pigmentation and dark spots.
Consideration of pH Level
"A pH level between 3 and 4 is crucial for Vitamin C to penetrate the skin effectively," says Dr. Lisa Johnson. But what is the best pH concentration for your skin type? It is recommended by dermatologists when incorporating vitamin C into your skincare regimen to start out with a lower concentration of 5–10% and gradually increase it as your skin develops a tolerance for it.
Conclusion
By understanding the different factors such as type of skin, pH level, potency of vitamins, etc., one can not only get a skin brightening cream and even skin tone but also maintain the youthfulness of their skin. Healthier, more vibrant skin can be achieved by incorporating a well-chosen Vitamin-C cream into your skincare routine.