Vitamin C and Why It’s Essential for Healthy Skin
When we talk about exciting and science-backed ingredients that do wonders for our skin, we need to mention Vitamin C. UV damage and pollution can decrease the levels of Vitamin C in the skin’s outermost two layers, epidermis and dermis, which leads to loss of firmness, a dull-looking complexion and uneven skin tone. Vitamin C is an essential part when it comes to skin health because it contributes to collagen synthesis, provides photo-protection, decreases sun damage and helps wound healing. It also reduces trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) which helps the skin retain moisture better.
Vitamin C in skincare has many forms and all of them offer antioxidant benefits. The most popular form of Vitamin C in products is Ascorbic Acid or also called L-ascorbic Acid. Other forms that have notable research proving their efficacy include the two heroes; Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, as well as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Ascorbyl Glucoside.
Triple C from Science Skincare is a potent Vitamin C and peptide serum that helps with sun damage protection and repair, and skin brightening. It includes 10% Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and 5% Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate.
The hero ingredients
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate is an oil-soluble, stable form of Vitamin C that penetrates the skin to reduce inflammation and heal wounds. It protects against DNA cell damage induced by UV exposure, promotes collagen synthesis and collagen production and shows anti-ageing properties.
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, on the other hand, is a non-irritating, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that helps reduce the appearance of sun spots, age spots and hyperpigmentation, and protects the skin against oxidative stress caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants. It also diminishes the signs of ageing and boosts skin’s radiance.
Let’s concentrate
Whether the product has higher (10% or more) or lower concentration of Vitamin C, doesn’t affect how effective it can be. It simply shows that those with higher percentage will deliver targeted results while lower ones help for the cumulative effect of all ingredients in a certain product. Studies show that concentrations of Vitamin C as low as 0.6% have antioxidant and anti-ageing benefits and help enhance the effect from other important ingredients like ceramides and retinols.
Mix it up
The different forms of Vitamin C can be combined and layered with other actives, including exfoliating acids, other vitamins and retinol.
Vitamin C is considered a skincare staple exactly because it has multiple skin benefits and it’s non-irritating. Topical Vitamin C is generally safe and gentle for most skin types and only in rare cases people with very sensitive skin may experience minor irritation. While other powerful ingredients like retinol require being introduced slowly to any skincare regimen, Vitamin C doesn’t require quite as much caution and it’s normal if you feel a slight tingling sensation upon application.
Skin power
Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient with proven skin-brightening benefits while providing protection from the visible impact environmental stressors have on the skin. Its ability to even out the skin tone and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles helps sustain a radiant and youthful look and feel to the skin.
