Why do we need Vitamin C serum?
Vitamin C is one of our body’s primary protections from free radical damage. Our bodies struggle to deliver enough L-ascorbic acid, the natural form of vitamin C, to the skin through diet alone. To reap the anti-aging benefits of Vitamin C, we need to use topical treatments.
What are the benefits of using Vitamin C on your skin?
Vitamin C repairs and protects your skin by promoting wound healing, fights aging process, promotes collagen production, keeps skin healthy and firm, and helps prevent skin cancer. Vitamin C brightens the skin’s appearance and fades dark spots and wrinkles. The result would be a younger looking, more radiant and flawless skin.
How do we find the right Vitamin C serum?
Several vitamin C derivatives, like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl-6-palmitate, hydrate the skin well but do not significantly raise L-Ascorbic Acid levels in the skin. Therefore, you might not get the best results which you were looking for in your vitamin C product. The L-Ascorbic Acid (LAA) derivative, however, is the one that is the most effective because LAA is the only vitamin C molecule that the body can recognize and use. A stable and high enough concentration of LAA has to penetrate into the skin in order to achieve the biological effect we are seeking (1). Therefore, make sure that you look for this ingredient in your vitamin C product if you want the most results.
Look for LAA at a concentration of 20% and a pH level of about 2.6 to 3.0 for maximum results. Studies actually show that vitamin C serum with 20% LAA at 3.0 pH, and packaged in a light-protected bottle (for stability), will maximize the penetration into the skin and biologic activity (2). If this feels too irritating for your skin then you will want to start with the 10% and gradually increase as needed. You can also use it less often such as every other day or twice a week.
I enjoy using L-Ascorbic Acid crystals like Cosmedix Pure C Mixing Crystals, which can be combined with distilled water or a hydrating serum. You can control the strength of your L-ascorbic mixture by adding more or less of the crystals into the hydrating serum or liquid, or even your moisturizer (weaker effect compared to when mixed into a liquid form). I found that the stronger mixture works really great when you are trying to fade hyperpigmentation faster. However, keep in mind that having a stronger concentration might irritate your skin or cause breakouts. I suggest starting out with a weaker solution and gradually increasing it as needed. Pay attention to make sure that you are not irritating your skin. Give your skin a break and extra hydration when it is feeling tight or dry and irritated. I like using this product about once a week in the winter time, and more often in the summer.
Click here to view a very affordable vitamin C serum with 20% L-Ascorbic Acid which I also love, and it does not require mixing! This serum feels hydrating on the skin and keeps my skin clear and brighter. Keep in mind to keep the bottle sealed tightly and stored in a cabinet to keep it from exposure to air and light; therefore maintaining its effectiveness.
I hope that this bit of information about vitamin C has helped some of you understand more about the importance and benefits of vitamin C or which vitamin C product to choose. I know I have thoroughly enjoyed writing about it, because I feel so passionate about vitamin C now that I've seen the wonders that it's done for my skin. I hope that you too will soon discover what it can do for your skin!
REFERENCES
- Sheldon R. Pinnel, MDa and Doren L. Madey, PhDb, The Benefits of Topical Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) for Skin Care and UV Protection, Appl Cosmetol 18 126-134 (October/December 1999)
- SR Pinnell, Topical L-Ascorbic Acid: Pecutaneous Absorption Studies, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery 21 137-142 (Feb2001)