drThe first glass of lukewarm water with drops of lemon that you consume in the morning is full of vitamin C. Your cough syrup or your favorite serum that you apply everyday, all are enriched with Vitamin C. However, topical usage of vitamin C has gained tremendous significance in a short time. The benefits are amazing as it slows down the early skin aging, prevents sun damage, and improves the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. The antioxidants in Vitamin C fights harmful free radicals (toxins) that come in contact with your skin from external sources like air pollution, or internal processes like your metabolism. Free radicals can damage the skin, and applying topical vitamin C can combat free radicals and improve the skin’s overall appearance.
It is no surprise that vitamin C serums, masks, face creams, and other vitamin C skincare products, especially vitamin C serum have steadily made their way to your shelves all across the globe.
What exactly is vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble antioxidant and an essential nutrient that protects your skin against free radical damage and improves your skin’s health. Vitamin C is also required for the growth and repair of tissues in your body. The human body does not naturally produce vitamin C but sources it from vitamin C rich fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C skincare products are a way of topically supplying vitamin C directly to the skin. Your skin reaps the biggest benefits of vitamin C when it is applied topically in its most potent and concentrated form.
What are the Benefits of Vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is a powerhouse, packed with so many skin-loving benefits that it is hard to choose just a few to add here. Here are some of the many benefits of vitamin C for skin;
Fights Free Radicals
The antioxidants in vitamin C neutralize free radicals in skin that damage the skin tissues that give elasticity, strength, moisture barrier, cell functioning, skin’s texture and color. It guards your skin against environmental aggressors.
Boost Collagen
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the collagen synthesis of your body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the dermis and it provides strength to your skin. Collagen production decreases by about 1% each year after 21 years of age which decreases the firmness of your skin.
Vitamin C is a natural collagen booster that in turn improves your skin’s elasticity, texture, and quality making it look tight and young.
Hydrates your Skin
Vitamin C and its derivatives control trans- epidermal water loss. It strengthens your skin’s barrier, maintains moisture level while making your skin soft and supple.
Brightens your Complexion
Vitamin C lightens and brightens your skin. It also protects your skin from UV rays and environmental pollutants. It acts as a brightening agent that improves the appearance of dull skin by giving you a more even and bright complexion with a natural glow from within.
Lightens Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C works effectively on hyperpigmentation. It evens out your skin tone, acne scars, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation due to melasma.
How can you add vitamin C into your daily skincare regime?
Wash Your Face
It is important that before you start your day or apply any product on your face you should clean your face thoroughly. This process will remove dead skin cells, sebum and bacteria accumulated on your skin. Use a vitamin C enriched face wash to get the maximum benefits.
Apply a Vitamin C Serum
A Vitamin C Serum can bring tremendous benefits to your skin. It has amazing benefits and crucial inclusion in your skin care regime. It will not only lighten your skin tone but also refurbish your skin.
Moisturizing is Crucial
Cleansing can remove some of our natural skin lipids leading to transepidermal water loss due to poor skin barrier function. This makes your skin dry and sensitive and moisturizer can help to restore and balance your skin. Dry, shriveled, dead skin cells stack on top of each other which means light reflects in different directions so the skin doesn't look smooth.
