If retinol rules our PM skincare routine, correcting damage while we sleep, Vitamin C is definitely its preventive AM counterpart. It's a great addition to any skincare line-up, but many first-timers wonder if serums and creams containing Vitamin C can really deliver a range of coveted benefits. We're here to tell you it's worth the hype and here are 5 reasons why you should use Vitamin C for skin health.
☀️ IN A BOTTLE
All of us have tyrosinase enzymes, which in layman's terms controls melanin production. Not to be confused with melatonin 😴, melanin is responsible for our unique pigmentation, but too much of a good thing (melanin) can lead to uneven skin tone. This is where Vitamin C comes in - it regulates melanin production and prevents dark spots from forming.
HITS THE REWIND ⏪ BUTTON ON EXISTING DAMAGE
As a result of Vitamin C's anti-inflammatory properties, it helps lighten, brighten, and reduce redness, so your complexion looks more even. Enough said.
LET'S PLUMP ⬆️ THE VOLUME!
We all know collagen is the key to plump, youthful skin (... and if you didn't know, NOW YOU DO!) What you may not know is that Vitamin C is a vital part of collagen synthesis because it participates in a process called hydroxylation. Hydroxylation is like a collagen bootcamp that works to ensure our collagen is strong enough to support the epidermis, or the outer layer of skin. This in turn increases cell turnover to result in healthy, bouncy skin.
GIVES FREE RADICALS THE BOOT 🥾
You can use Vitamin C for skin health. Every day our skin runs the gauntlet thanks to exposure to free radicals like pollution, UV rays, and second-hand smoke. While Vitamin C isn't a physical barrier, this antioxidant finds atoms with only one electron (aka free radicals) and donates an electron to bring them into balance. How thoughtful!
Why is this significant? By neutralizing free radicals, we prevent them from stealing electrons from healthy atoms, which staves off cell degradation, which in turn slows aging.
ACID FREE❓ YES PLEASE❗
The most common, and purest, form of Vitamin C in skincare is L-Ascorbic Acid. However, the fickle nature of L-Ascorbic Acid oxidizes the fastest and becomes ineffective about six months after opening. Not to Did we mention it's also known to cause stinging and irritation for our sensitive-skin girlies…? Hard pass.
That's why we prefer to look for water-soluble (and preferably oxygen- and light-stable) forms such as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP). SAP and MAP are considered the most successful derivatives of Vitamin C since they absorb effortlessly into the skin, delivering the amazing benefits we listed above without losing effectiveness!
These are just a few of the benefits of Vitamin C for your skin. So we have to ask - will you take advantage of the benefits of Vitamin C for your skin and add it to your morning routine?