Topical Vitamin C for the skin

There are a lot of vitamin C products on the market and many of them will claim to give amazing results! A true formula that will improve the skin will include all of the following. 

Vitamin C

There have been lots of talk about all the benefits of topical vitamin C. Vitamin C is found in dark green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and is made synthetically for topical application. It is commonly known for it antioxidant properties. Vitamin C has a low molecular weight and is a weak acid. Ascorbic acid is known for being notoriously unstable. It can easily oxidise and turn yellow when the solution has been exposed to air. Therefore, causes short shelf life. Many product brands have chosen to mix pure stable crystal forms of ascorbic acid with a chosen solution prior to application. This helps the brand keep its stability for their vitamin c products. Before purchasing any vitamin C look for the concentration. The maximum required concentration for percutaneous absorption is 20% therefore higher concentrations is just a waste. Look for lipophilic formulations, this means formulations that have included Vitamin E to keep the stability of the vitamin C and allow for ease of penetration. Also look for it its is Ascorbic Acid. Ascorbic Acid provides the best bioavailability in the skin. A formulation that has been made in a dark glass bottle with a air tight lid can also keep its stability. There are so many brands in the market but only a few have scientific research for   vitamin C formulations. Therefore, knowledge and research should be done before purchasing any product. 

What does Vitamin C do?

Antioxident Properties 

Vitamin C is a free radical scavenger of reactive oxygen species, making it now of the most powerful antioxidants in human tissues. The reason why vitamin C is such a powerful antioxidant is because it donates electrons to the free radicals helping to neutralise them and making them stable in an aqueous compartments of the cell. It is not effective against lipophilic free radicals that is why it works synergistically with Vitamin E in tissues. Vitamin C is an antioxidant to oxidative damage caused from both UVR and environmental pollution. 

Antiageing properties 

Vitamin C is also needed for the formation of collagen. Deficiency of it can cause problems like scurvy. It is essential for the stability of the collagen, as well as the cross linking of collagen fibres. Vitamin C helps to stimulate collagen types IV and VII and stimulates fibroblast proliferation and hence collagen production. 

Inhibition of Melanogenesis

Ascorbic acid has been shown to reduce the level of quinones in the skin, such as dopaquinone, which are enzymatically generated and therefore tyrosine cannot convert to melanin 

Photoprotective Effects  

The photo protective effects are enhanced when working synergistically with Vitamin E. There must be high concentrations to have an effect however, can reduce the signs of ageing. 

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Reduces the inflammatory response when swelling is caused. 

Who is Vitamin C good for?

Vitamin C is suitable for those who have photo damage, acne, rosacea, UVR exposure, pigment disorders, PIH, rhytids, dehydrated skins and general maintenance.