You probably already know this. But oranges are kind of a big peel when it comes to fighting the annual flu. What you may not know, is that your skin is also begging to benefit from their valuable vitamins.
We believe that the most beautiful thing women can wear is confidence. But self-confidence can be challenging. And struggling skin never helps. So a little TL (Vitamin) C may be just what you need this season. And while the cosmetic industry is full of empty promises and glowing-skin guarantees—we’ve done the required research to win back your radiance.
It’s time for your largest organ to emanate your inner-esprit. This revitalizing vitamin will do just the trick. And it may just give you a renewed zest for life (quite literally.)
Vitamin C for Skincare
Vitamin C is world renowned for its unparalleled contribution to our overall health. And this is no faux fad. While it’s most commonly known for fighting the flu, the vivacious vitamin is making moves in skincare circles. And just like oranges are a crucial addition to our Winter diet—we wouldn’t skip a good dose of Vitamin C in our daily skincare routines either.
Essentially, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that avoids the breakdown of important proteins. It is also referred to as ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid in medical fields. It is imperative to many basic bodily functions. And is an essential nutrient in the repair of skin tissue.
How does it work?
Vitamin C fulfills the fundamental role of delivering antioxidants to threatening free radicals. Free radicals are atoms that are missing an electron so they steal electrons from other indispensable atoms. If left unattended, they will run rampant to steal your glow and destroy your skin. However, if antioxidants are present, they are the first to give up their own electrons to neutralize the potentially harmful atoms. And so, by distributing these selfless antioxidants, Vitamin C is the MVP in protecting your skin from potential damage.
But funnily enough, the essential vitamin isn’t actually produced by the body. And like many other vitamins, we rely on our food sources or supplements to acquire the necessary nutrients. Fruit and vegetables high in Vitamin C - such as cantaloupe, oranges and broccoli - are great at preventing snotty noses and sniffles. But studies show that ingesting this vitamin will have very little effect on your skin.
This is because the outermost layer of our skin (the epidermis) doesn’t have the necessary vessels to receive nutrients from our skin cells. So Vitamin C should be applied directly to the skin in order to confer its benefits. In fact, experts say that it is twenty times more effective when applied to the skin topically, as opposed to taken orally through supplements.
The Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
We listen to the experts. And their research doesn’t lie when it comes to the miraculous effects of this natural supplement. It’ll do wonders for your acne wounds, collagen production, pigmentation, sun damage and tired eyes.
Let's break it down.
Vitamin C for Acne
Acne is a common skin condition caused by inflammation. This kind of inflammation can damage the skin in the form of scars and wounds. Research shows that the application of Vitamin C to such skin damage can result in radical improvement.
Acne scars incite a lack of confidence in people all around the world. And it is for this reason, that we are so excited to have found a solution. By feeding the destructive free radicals, Vitamin C allows for other atoms to get to work in healing your skin from inflammation. It also has brightening properties to target darker spots caused by acne.
Vitamin C for Collagen Production
Most of us are quick to grab a large tub of collagen powder off the shelves. But very few of us know why we actually need it. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that depletes over time. And lower collagen levels are known to lead to unwanted lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C has been proven to increase collagen production and preserve our existing reserves. It is a crucial ingredient to that fresh, youthful aesthetic we unapologetically covet. And it’s a whole lot cheaper than hoards of collagen powder.
Vitamin C for Melasma and Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is the dark spots that result from acne, UV rays or other skin injuries. While melasma is pigmentation (dark spots) that can result from pregnancy or other hormonal changes. These dark spots are caused by the tyrosinase enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for the production of melanin that gives your skin its color. Vitamin C is proven to reduce the effects of this enzyme. And it plays a vital role in eradicating hyperpigmentation.
Recent studies show an average improvement of 73 percent in skin pigmentation with regular application of Vitamin C. Now those are some serious stats.
Vitamin C for Sun Damage
Sun damage is also caused by free radicals. And as we’ve already explained, Vitamin C allows these unbalanced molecules to get hold of the required electrons in order to neutralize before they damage the skin.
In addition to this, frequent sun exposure is directly correlated with depleted Vitamin C levels. So if you’ve dropped the ball and overindulged in UV rays this Summer—you’d best replenish your vitals to minimize the blow.
Vitamin C for Tired Eyes
It’s been a long week and your eyes can’t hide it? We all know the feeling. And our favourite vitamin is here to save the day. Vitamin C helps to hydrate the eye area and alleviates discolouration associated with dark circles. It does this by reducing the effects of the tyrosinase enzyme and brightens darker patches.
How to Apply Vitamin C to your Skin
Vitamin C should be applied on a daily basis. And while there are a number of ways to do this—a serum is the most effective.
According to the experts, a Vitamin C serum is the most direct way to deliver the nutrient to your skin. And you should be able to tell whether it is working within a week of regular usage. Your skin will feel smoother, softer and whole lot more dewey. While darker spots should begin to appear lighter.
For the best outcome, use a Vitamin C cleanser before applying your serum. And complete the routine with a revitalizing Vitamin C moisturizer or a protective Vitamin C sunscreen. This will help to further hydrate your skin. And it will also seal in the serum for maximum benefits.
Potential Side Effects of Applying Vitamin C to your Skin
Vitamin C serums and products are generally safe to use and irritation is unlikely. The only real risk is that some serums include many different ingredients. And these extra ingredients could cause allergic reactions for sensitive skin types. So if you’re nervous about using new skincare products, we recommend that you use a brand with fewer ingredients, such as the Neutriherbs Vitamin C range.