Vitamin C has been proven to be very beneficial for a wide variety of skin problems. Vitamin C is necessary for the body to produce collagen and elastin. It also neutralizes skin damaging free radicals that are produced when you are stressed, exposed to the sun, pollution, cigarette smoke and more. Vitamin C thickens the skin, helping it to retain moisture and a plumped, younger looking appearance.
For years, cosmetics companies have been trying to incorporate vitamin C into their wrinkle creams and serums. However, there has always been the problem of keeping the vitamin C stable enough not to oxidize while in the product or on the face. Vitamin C becomes oxidized when it is exposed to oxygen. This will make it turn yellow, orange, or brown. When it is in the oxidized form, it is actually very harmful to the skin. This is why, when you buy products that have vitamin C in them, you should always choose ones that are white or clear so that you can tell when they expire.
Studies show that products containing between 10% and 20% vitamin C are most effective. Formulations containing ferulic acid are the most stable for external use. Ferulic acid is found in plants and it gives their cell walls their rigidity. It not only adds an extra benefit for firming skin, but also works synergistically with vitamin C to keep it from oxidizing for longer.
When used with vitamin E, vitamin C and ferulic acid protect DNA from the photochemical reactions that can lead to tumors, skin discolorations, and several types of skin cancer. When used topically, they inhibit the production of pyrimidine dimers, which are the primary cause of melanomas in humans. They also help to protect cells and heal cells that have been mutated by pyrimidine dimers.
Besides inhibiting tumor formation and helping to protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun and pollutants, vitamin C can have some cosmetic benefits as well. It increases collagen and elastin formation, which helps to thicken, protect, and heal cells. This thickening effect helps skin to retain moisture, increasing circulation and plumping up the skin’s surface. It eradicates free radicals that damage skin, causing wrinkles and discolorations. It lightens dark discolorations, such as freckles and age spots. Continued use can reverse sun damage and help you to achieve younger, smoother looking skin.
Most people are tolerant of vitamin C on their skin. However, if you have more sensitive skin, you may notice some irritation. If you experience this, use products with a lower concentration of vitamin C. You may also choose to make your own vitamin C masks, serums and moisturizers using a non-acidic, buffered form of vitamin C, like vitamin c powder. The best vitamin C in the form of a powder may have added ingredients, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc, to increase the absorption and effectiveness of the vitamin C on your skin.
To make your own vitamin C products, first dissolve the powder in water. Then, put it directly on your skin or mix it with honey, lotion or other facial products. Because vitamin C will oxidize, you should only leave it on your skin, exposed to the air, for around 20 minutes. You can leave some of the product that you make out in the open to see how long it lasts before you decide how long you can leave it on.
If you are concerned or experience a skin reaction, you should contact your physician or dermatologist for advice. If you are unable to use vitamin C externally, you may consider adding it into your vitamins and supplements routine. You can still experience the protective and beautifying benefits of vitamin C whether you use it topically or internally.
About the Author: Phil Le Breton is owner at Wholesale Nutrition. He has a strong interest in helping people achieve greater brain and body health with vitamins and supplements, with an emphasis on vitamin C powder. Wholesale Nutrition has provided the world with the best vitamin C and wholesale vitamins since 1970. Visit http://www.nutri.com to buy high-quality discount vitamins today!
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymine_dimer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferulic_acid
https://www.pharmacymix.com/topical-vitamin-c-for-skin.htm
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