Vitamin C Benefits: Skin Care & Face Health
If you've been looking for a way to fade hyperpigmentation, dullness or achieve a glowing complexion, you've probably heard of Vitamin C! Vitamin C is a tried-and-true active ingredient available in many skincare formulas!
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what Vitamin C is, how it benefits your skin, and how you can introduce it into your skincare routine.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble Vitamin. It’s a vital nutrient that the body needs to form blood vessels, cartilage, and collagen. It’s also a powerful antioxidant crucial to neutralising free radicals that damage skin cells.
Vitamin C impacts many aspects of skin: elasticity, firmness, the appearance of wrinkles, the appearance of dark spots, and the resilience of skin against the premature signs of aging.
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening SerumThere are different forms and types of Vitamin C on the market, and the most common is L-Ascorbic Acid because it’s the most potent. When looking for Vitamin C skincare, look for formulas that are in opaque or amber packaging. When exposed to direct sunlight, it can become unstable and lose potency!
What Are the Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin?
Vitamin C is hands down one of the best active ingredients available. It's generally safe for all skin types and can be used topically for extended periods without any adverse reactions.
It's safe to use with other active ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol. Here’s how Vitamin C 9
Clinique Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder CleanserImproves Skin Firmness
Time stops for no one! So if you're looking for something to slow down visible signs of aging, Vitamin C should be the first thing on your list! Vitamin C will improve the skin's firmness by stimulating collagen production.
Collagen is a vital protein that serves as one of the main building blocks of the skin, and it keeps the skin firm, elastic, and hydrated. Unfortunately, the skin's collagen stores break down as we age.
Vitamin C works by stimulating the fibroblasts in the deeper layers of the skin to create more collagen. When used consistently, the skin's firmness increases as its collagen stores increase!
Softens Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Similar to how Vitamin C will improve the firmness of your skin, it will also work to soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Keeping your skin’s natural collagen levels from degrading is essential in maintaining plump skin and a youthful complexion. By stimulating the creation of collagen, Vitamin C will slowly fill in fine lines and wrinkles.
Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating FacialFades Dark Spots and Hyperpigmentation
Your skin tone can become uneven over time. These reasons vary amongst individuals, but common causes are pregnancy, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne. Vitamin C is crucial if you’re looking to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Vitamin C is a melanin inhibitor. It works by interfering with melanocytes (melanin-producing cells in the bottom layer of the epidermis) ability to produce additional pigment in the skin. This interference prevents further darkening of existing spots and the formation of new ones.
Murad Essential-C CleanserProtects Against Sun Damage
Neglecting to protect your skin from sun exposure is the quickest way to prematurely age and severely damage your skin. Therefore, not only should you religiously wear sunscreen, but you should also protect your skin with a topical antioxidant.
Vitamin C is one of the most potent antioxidants on the market! Unprotected exposure to UV rays will expose your skin to free radicals. They are missing an electron, and when they interact with the skin, they "steal" an electron, leading to significant skin damage. Applied to the skin, antioxidants neutralise these free radicals and prevent them from causing damage.
Gets Rid of Dark Circles
While Vitamin C is great for getting rid of fine lines that you may notice around the eyes, it's also a great way to alleviate any discolouration forming under and around the eyes!
It works by thickening the skin around the eyes so that the blood vessels are not as visible beneath the skin. Vitamin C is also effective at lightening dark spots caused by skin pigmentation, thanks to its regulation of melanin production.
Murad Vita-C Eyes Dark Circle CorrectorWhen to Use Vitamin C in Skincare Routine for Best Benefits?
There are many ways to incorporate Vitamin C into your skincare regimen, and the most common way to incorporate it is by using a serum. However, there are many different types of products that you can use to get your dose of Vitamin C!
Use It Day and Night!
To see the best results when using Vitamin C, you must be consistent and diligent. Because it is safe for virtually all skin types, it’s best to incorporate Vitamin C in your day and night routine!
Vitamin C is perfect for your morning routine because it doesn’t increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, and it will protect against the sun’s free radicals. While applying Vitamin C in your morning routine can help your skin defend against free radicals, it’s also essential to use it as part of your nighttime routine!
Using Vitamin C as part of your nighttime routine also helps replenish your skin’s stores of Vitamin C, helping your skin protect itself against external stressors.
Murad Get Your Dose of Vitamin C!
Vitamin C is great for your immune system, but it is also excellent to restore and maintain your skin’s overall health! This powerful antioxidant is right at home in your luxury beauty routine to prevent premature ageing signs, soften existing wrinkles, and plump your skin full of collagen.
Try our skin analysis if you’re still trying to create your perfect skincare routine! You’ll get a detailed result explaining your skin type and the best products you'll need to reach your skin goals.
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