5+ Reasons Why YOU Need Vitamin C

There are so many amazing benefits of Vitamin C, where to start? Let's dive in with what Harvard has to say about it.  Topical Vitamin C is science-backed, and the best ingredient on the market for pro aging support, giving users a smooth, even, glowing complexion. According to Healthline there are plenty of benefits to using Vitamin C on your skin. 

1.It’s safe for most skin types

Vitamin C has an excellent safety profile for all skin types. Most people can use topical Vitamin C for an extended period of time without experiencing any adverse reactions.Vitamin C is also safe to use with other skin care products, including alpha hydroxy acids, retinols, and SPF.

2. It’s hydrating

From a review by Healthline the authors noted that topical Vitamin C penetrates the skin best in the form of ascorbic acid. When applied to the skin, it decreases transepidermal water loss (TEWL), allowing your skin to retain moisture better. Not only does it help the skin retain moisture but it also provides better skin barrier function as well.

3. It’s brightening

By inhibiting melanin production (melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color), Vitamin C can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation and smooth the skin's surface to reduce dullness. This gives you a youthful glow as it may brighten your skin’s appearance.

4. It helps fade hyperpigmentation

Since it impedes melanin production, Vitamin C can actually fade hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation — including sunspots, age spots, and melasma — occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain areas of the skin. It can also happen in areas where acne has healed.

5. It helps reduce redness and even out skin tone

Vitamin C has also been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent through its antioxidant capacity, according to a Healthline 2015 review. This means it soothes your skin and can reduce puffiness.

This anti-inflammatory action neutralizes free radicals that cause oxidative damage and optimizes the immune system to discourage an inflammatory immune response. Thereby, reducing redness, which in turn can create a more even complexion.

6. It reduces the appearance of under-eye circles

Although Vitamin C serums are more effective at reducing overall redness,  it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under-eye circles, by smoothing out fine lines by plumping and hydrating the under-eye area.

According to a 2019 study that was using Vitamin C for dark circles under the eyes there was significant improvement in the pigmentation of under eye circles.  Nonetheless, it's always good to keep in mind that the skin under your eyes is thin, sensitive and has less pores. Therefore, it's best to stick to products that are specially formulated for the under eye area. Like our Skinceuticals under eye balm. 

7. It promotes collagen production and prevents skin sagging

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that depletes over time and lower levels of collagen can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. A Healthline review done in 2017 showed that Vitamin C is well known for its ability to boost collagen production. In fact collagen synthesis cannot happen without Vitamin C. Since collagen production is tied to skin elasticity and firmness, when your collagen levels begin to drop due to natural aging, oxidative stress damage, or extreme weight loss, your skin may also begin to sag. Therefore, applying a Vitamin C serum can increase your own collagen production and result in overall tightening of the skin, making skin look firmer and more toned. 

8. It protects against sun damage

Excessive exposure to oxidant stress via pollutants or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is associated with depleted Vitamin C levels in the skin. Vitamin C levels are also lower in more mature or photodamaged skin, though researchers are unsure whether this is a cause or effect. Sun damage is caused by molecules called free radicals. Healthline describes free radicals as atoms with a missing electron. These atoms are searching for other atoms from which they can “steal” an electron  - and this can lead to significant skin damage. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and antioxidants protect healthy skin cells by “giving” these free radicals an electron, rendering them harmless. Pretty cool huh?

Although you’re probably getting Vitamin C in your diet, there’s no way to guarantee it’s going straight to your skin. Using serums and other topical products is the most direct way to reap these benefits. However, not all 

Vitamin C products are created equal. 

To retain its potency:

• the product should be made with the Vitamin C derivative L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

• To be effective, the concentration of Vitamin C needs to be between 10-20%

• For serum stability, it needs to be in an opaque and airtight bottle.

 Naturally You’s favorite Vitamin C serum is CE Ferulic by SkinCeuticals. Be sure to ask us about it at your next appointment!