Vitamin C, your skincare superstar!!
When it comes to our skin vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient with the research to prove it! Vitamin C comes in several forms and carries many benefits, so let’s take a look at why we should include Vitamin C into our daily skincare regime AND why it is essential in our daily eating, because you won’t regret it.
The main role of our skin is to act as a protective barrier, guarding our body from differing kinds of damage. The skin uses vitamin C and other antioxidants to protect itself from the damaging effects of free radicals (produced by UV radiation, pollution etc) – not sure what free radicals are? Keep reading to learn more.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant and is a natural element of our skin, it is found in high concentrations in both layers of our skin – the epidermis (the upper most, protective layer) and the dermis (the dense, collagen & elastin packed layer), but as we age and are exposed to UV and other external insults these levels decline significantly.
As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C can help enhance wound healing and prevent or slow damage and inflammation to our cells caused by free radicals, providing protection. Free radicals are very reactive and unstable molecules that the body produces, and in small amounts are a normal and manageable process, but in high concentration free radicals cause cell damage, inflamm-ageing, affect immune function and overall health longevity.
Vitamin C is an ideal component for both prevention and repair of tissue damage, it is essential for the production and maintenance of collagen formation which keeps the skin plump.
Vitamin C helps to reduce melanin formation which minimises hyperpigmentation/ skin discolouration and can improve hydration in the skin.
The skin can be targeted for nutrient delivery by way of topical application (skincare) directly on to the epidermis, and nutrients delivered through the bloodstream via the dermis for optimum results.
Research results
L-Ascorbic Acid (a form of vitamin C) is the most abundant antioxidant found naturally in the skin, and when applied topically, L-Ascorbic Acid serves as a multifunctional antioxidant quenching reactive oxygen species (ROS/ free radicals) generated in the skin’s aqueous environment.
Other essential functions of vitamin C include serving as a co-factor for enzymes essential for collagen synthesis and preservation, anti-inflammatory, photoprotection, tyrosinase inhibiting, and general treatment of photodamaged skin.
In a study performed by Fitzpatrick & Rostan, 2002, results showed topical vitamin C to provide significant visible improvement in texture and lines of photoaged facial skin.
Topical application of vitamin C is considered to be the best way to gain and support skin benefits, with visual changes including reduced pigmentation, improvement in fine lines and general surface texture, and potentially improved skin hydration (Hoffman, 2019).
The ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating serum provides a potent dose of ascorbic acid specially formulated and stabilised to brighten and redefine the skin.
Primary Benefits
Pure vitamin C rapidly exfoliates skin surface pigmentation for a more even tone & brighter complexion.
Helps minimise the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.
Naturally occurring lipids hydrate & support skin barrier restoration.
Prevents new pigment formation.
If you have skin concerns then make the time to invest in your journey appropriately and talk to a skin professional before purchasing products, and let’s reap the many benefits of this fabulous vitamin and antioxidant from the outside in and the inside out.
References
Farris, P.K. (2014). Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice. Hoboken,
NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
Obagi, Z.E. (2015). The Art of Skin Health Restoration and Rejuvenation – 2nd ed.
Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press
Pinell, S.R., Huanshu, Y., Omar, M., Monteiro Riviere, N., Debuys, H.V., Walker, L.C.,
Wang, Y., Levine, M. (2001). Topical L-Ascorbic Acid: Percutaneous Absorption
Studies. Dermatol Surg, 27, 137 – 142.
Pullar, J.M., Carr, A.C., Vissers, M.C.M. (2017). Nutrients: The Role of Vitamin C in Skin Health. mdpi.com/journal/nutrients. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients