9 important benefits of Vitamin C in skincare
Posted by Ashmita G on 29th Dec 2021
Vitamin C is a nutrient found in your diet. However, direct application to the skin as a serum or in other topical products has shown to be more effective in reaping amazing skin benefits. Read on to understand the benefits of incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine and how to do so correctly.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C goes by the name ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid. It is a vitamin that the body doesn’t naturally produce. It is only available externally through supplements, nutrition, and dietary products. Citrus fruits like oranges are the most popular source of Vitamin C.
Vitamin C performs vital functions in the body as it is the essential nutrient for tissue repair and the enzymatic production of various transmitters. While you can certainly eat your way to a healthy intake of Vitamin C, studies have shown that topical applications show better results for the skin. As per dermatologists, topical application is around 20 percent more potent than oral intake.
Here are the 9 important benefits for why you should be incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine:
1. It is safe for most skin types.
Vitamin C is considered a safe skin ingredient. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin type, Vitamin C can be a staple item in your skincare arsenal. It can be used for an extended period of time without fear of adverse side effects. In rare cases or through improper utilisation, people with sensitive skin may experience some minor irritation. Vitamin C is also safe to use alongside some other skincare actives, such as niacinamide.
Although Vitamin C can cause some redness and irritation initially for some people, the skin can become accustomed to it by introducing it slowly and gradually into the skincare routine. For example, once a week for the first few weeks and then 2-3 times a week for the next few weeks. Everyday application can be achieved without irritating the skin with a little patience.
2. It is hydrating.
A common Vitamin C derivative, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, is known for its rich and deep hydrating effects on the skin. The use of this derivative has been shown to decrease trans-epidermal water loss, allowing the skin to retain more moisture. It is less irritating than L-ascorbic acid, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
3. It is brightening.
Vitamin C is a very good agent in brightening the skin. It provides a youthful glow with regular use.
4. It helps reduce redness and evens out skin tone.
Vitamin C is also used to treat a wide variety of inflammatory skin conditions. By minimising redness and mild rosacea, it creates a more even-toned complexion.
5. It helps fade hyperpigmentation.
Hyperpigmentation along with sun spots, age spots, and melasma is caused from the overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin. It can also occur due to acne scars. Vitamin C helps fade these dark and uneven patches, resulting in an improved skin tone - by impeding melanin production.
6. It reduces the appearance of dark circles.
Vitamin C has been shown to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and to plump the skin in the undereye area. Besides reducing overall redness, it also helps alleviate the discolouration associated with undereye dark circles.
7. It promotes collagen production.
Vitamin C is widely appreciated for its collagen-boosting properties. Although collagen is a naturally-occurring protein, its production naturally decreases over time as we age. A lower level of collagen leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps fight it by promoting increased collagen production. This results in improved skin elasticity and a firmer complexion.
8. It protects against sun damage.
Free radicals from the harmful rays of sunlight are harmful to our skin. These are electropositive and search for atoms from which they can take an electron. These free radicals cause significant damage to the skin, resulting in sun spots, pigmentation, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protect the skin by providing electrons to the free radicals, thus rendering them neutral.
9. It promotes rapid wound healing.
By increasing cell turnover and boosting collagen, Vitamin C also accelerates the wound healing process and prevents scars and inflammation.
How to use a Vitamin C serum/product?
Even though Vitamin C is generally well-tolerated by most people, it is always important to perform a patch test (as with all new skin products):
i) select a small and concealable area of your skin to apply the product.
ii) after application, wait for 24 hours. If there are no side effects or allergic reactions, the product is safe to use. However, discontinue immediately use if you get any rash or hives.
When using the product, make sure to follow the instructions on the label. It can usually be applied twice a day but make sure to start off slowly if you are new to Vitamin C.
Adding Vitamin C to your skincare routine
Serum formulations tend to absorb better into the skin than their moisturiser counterparts and as such, Vitamin C products are commonly found in a serum formulation. L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of Vitamin C, so keep an eye out for this ingredient when looking for a potent serum.
A common problem is that Vitamin C serums tend to oxidise over time (change to a yellow and then a red-brown colour). This renders the Vitamin C ineffective. To address this, always use products within 6 months after opening and storing serums in a refrigerator can help to extend their life.
Product recommendations
1. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
Enriched with natural ingredients, this serum is very effective in helping to counter dull skin and enlarged pores. It is also suitable for sensitive skin types or those who are new to Vitamin C serums.
2. Jumiso All Day Vitamin Pure C 5.5 Glow Serum
The Jumiso All Day Vitamin Pure C 5.5 Glow Serum is a potent skincare product designed to brighten and revitalise the skin. Infused with a powerful concentration of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and ferulic acid, this serum helps to reduce hyperpigmentation, improve skin tone, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.