We all know the importance of ingesting vitamin C through food; in fact, the first thing you will think about is drinking a freshly squeezed orange juice. Although it is evident that you cannot stop consuming it, today we will not talk about food. Vitamin C is also used for facial care, known as L-ascorbic acid. This provides numerous benefits for the skin of your face, but the body is not able to synthesize it on its own. So a great option is to obtain it through food or topically. I am sure that in recent years you have seen how the number of cosmetics that have this ingredient have increased.
Here we tell you everything you need to know to convince yourself that vitamin C is something that interests you.
It is a powerful antioxidant
Many studies have been carried out, first with animals and then with human cells, and all have shown that vitamin C protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. However, strong antioxidants also have a downside: They bind to oxygen free radicals so that skin cells do not. This is when the antioxidant can become an oxidant.
Is it true that it smoothes wrinkles?
Roughly we can say yes. Vitamin C tries to contribute to the synthesis of collagen, by binding amino acids. Collagen is the protein that is most present in our skin and responsible for making it look smooth. This vitamin also inhibits the accumulation of elastin residues, which is what causes the wrinkle. The sun's rays are responsible for damaging both collagen and elastin, so it is true that sunbathing helps skin aging.
What is not so sure is that we can get that smoothing with a cream. Its application to the skin cannot ensure that vitamin C intervenes in the synthesis of collagen. Until now it has only been known that this benefit is obtained orally and with specific concentrations.
Reduces stains
Wrinkles are also accompanied by another skin enemy: blemishes. This symptom is one of the biggest alerts of photoaging. As much as you enjoy roasting in the sun (and you have done it for years), your skin has memory and will face you sooner or later. Melanin is responsible for producing spots on the skin.
In this case, vitamin C has to inhibit the action of the enzyme that gives rise to melanin, but without actually blocking it. One of the most remarkable effects of this vitamin is the luminosity and uniformity that it brings to the face. So it is normal for you to feel glowing skin after applying a serum.
What dose of vitamin C is recommended?
Cosmetics usually have a vitamin C concentration of around 5-20%. Experts assure that we will achieve a better effect if the formulas have pure concentrations of between 10 and 20%. In this case, more is not better. Even, there are skins that can present a reaction to 10%. Keep in mind that pure vitamin C is very unstable; therefore it is recommended that you look for different ways to stabilize it.
When should you wear it?
Most recommend doing it in the morning, just after washing your face. Of course, you have to then apply a sunscreen. It doesn't matter if it's winter, it's cloudy or you're not going to sunbathe. After applying a cream or serum with vitamin C, a sunscreen is a must.
If you combine it with applying vitamin E (alpha tocopherol) or ferulic acid, you will be an expert in the care of your skin.
Is cream or serum better?
There are numerous cosmetics with different formulas. As it is an unstable substance that reacts to oxygen, light or heat, it is recommended that the container be dark and hermetic. In the case of serums, the containers are usually opaque, to avoid damage caused by light.
There are even some brands that pack it in nitrogen atmospheres to prevent oxygen from spoiling the formula. It is always preferable to use single-dose formats, such as glass ampoules, to prevent oxidation on contact.
I recommend the ones that I use. Don't be scared by the high price, it can last up to 6 months. And believe me: it's worth it.
It goes without saying that it is a product for both women and men. The skin of both will notice a significant change.
