Why is everyone adding this popular antioxidant to their daily routine?
Here is all you need to know…
Vitamin C needs no introduction. If you have not already incorporated this secret weapon into your daily regime, or this is your first time hearing about vitamin C, do not stress. The Naderi Center will supply the truths and debunk the myths that surround this powerful antioxidant.
What is vitamin C?
What is vitamin C? There is no one better to explain than our Board-Certified Dermatologist here at The Naderi Center, Dr. Alexandra Snodgrass. “Antioxidants, such as vitamin C serums, are an imperative component to any skin care regimen as they prevent free-radical formation and therefore prevent signs of premature aging”. Dr. Snodgrass recommends her patients incorporate a vitamin C serum as a part of their daily routine due to their major benefits, but what do these positives entail?
Major benefits of vitamin C
Vitamin C is treated for many skin problem areas. This antioxidant fights against aging skin cells and harmful molecules that interfere with collagen production, which results in harsh lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C also improves hyperpigmentation, a discoloration on the skin’s surface caused by excess melanin production from acne, melasma, and sunspots. Vitamin C has the ability to brighten and fade these spots by acting as a reducing agent at the scene of melanin production. Another condition that severely affects aging skin is sun damage, but sunscreen is not the only product to protect against UV rays. Adding vitamin C is an extra barrier to combat sunburn cell formation. This essential vitamin also encourages our body’s natural collagen synthesis and enhances the processing of tissue healing. Our skin layers include the epidermis, which is the outer layer, and the dermis, the layer underneath the epidermis. To keep the elasticity of these layers intact, collagen plays a big role. This protein helps restore dead skin cells and strength them. With age comes a decrease in collagen production, but studies have found that vitamin C can play a huge factor in collagen synthesis and can increase your body’s collagen
Extra benefits
Doctors stress the importance of vitamin C due to the medically proven benefits that help other areas besides skin repair. Vitamin C has properties that can build and help the immune system fight off infections by producing and strengthening the white blood cell count. These cells are important in shielding the body from disease and outside attackers. Another supported study is that vitamin C can increase the intake of iron into your bloodstream and prevent deficiencies. Iron is crucial in the production of oxygen flow and the creation of red blood cells. Abandoned iron that was not initially ingested can be saved by the antioxidant and used for body functions again. In addition to these benefits, vitamin C may help with blood pressure levels. High blood pressure effects nearly a third of the country’s population and can lead to a potential risk of heart disease. Vitamin C contains elements that may assist in lowering blood pressure through moderating these levels.
Concentrations
Vitamin C serums have different strengths and are not created equal. L-absorbic is the most powerful type of vitamin C. Other derivatives of L-absorbic are not as biologically active and do not absorb well. Concentration is also key to a good vitamin serum. Vitamin C products can range from lower than 5% to as high as 30%. Knowing which concentration for your skin type will play a role in the overall effectiveness. A person with sensitive skin would most likely not be using a vitamin C product with a concentration of 30%, but rather around 8-10%. Someone who has oily-combination skin most likely will see results with a higher concentration around 20%. Consult with your dermatologist about which strength is perfect for you.
Early bird or night owl
In most routines, order matters. You would not condition your hair before shampooing, or pour milk before cereal (well we hope not), and vitamin C serums are just like that. Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Snodgrass, says, “For best results, vitamin C serum should be applied after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing and sunscreen. This allows the product to work into your routine and provide the maximum benefits”. Whether you apply the vitamin C serum morning or night does not have a significant difference. Most people like to apply vitamin C serums in the morning to protect the skin barrier against environment stressors like UVs and free radicals. Others like to use this antioxidant as a night cap to fight off the damage that was done from the day.
Topical or oral?
We are always told to eat our fruits and vegetables to gain our vitamins, but when it comes to vitamin C, is our diet enough? Excellent sources of vitamin C are found in citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, and even daily vitamin C supplements. However, when it comes to the most beneficial treatment for skin care realness, topical products is the way to go. Topical vitamin C products are more effective since it is being applied directly to the source and instantly used by the skin cells. Having a healthy diet and applying your vitamin C serums is the perfect balance for your skin goals.
Top vitamin C products
Quality products do come with a price, but the benefits are priceless. Medical grade products provide prestigious quality where the effectiveness speaks for itself. Although Target and Walmart may be budget-friendly, it might not have the most active form of vitamin C. Drug store serums lack the biochemical ability to get past the epidermis, and unfortunately only coat the dead skin cells. Medical grade skin care products are able to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, the epidermis and dermis, and provide the proper ingredients for improvement. Dr. Snodgrass attests to three products that are the holy grail of medical grade serums.
Revision Skincare Vitamin C Lotion 30% ($122)
Revision Skincare is a line that boosts your skin’s texture and tone to give a more youthful appearance. This vitamin C serum has THD ascorbate and vitamin E. These antioxidants fight fine lines and wrinkles while brightening and evening skin texture.
ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Self-Activating ($93)
ZO Skin Health is an excellent skincare line where their products restructures skin at a cellular level to heal years of wear and tear on the skin from sun exposure, the elements, and other inferior skin care products. Their vitamin C serum gives the skin a potent dose of antioxidants to provide brighter and redefined skin. It promotes even skin tones while diminishing the appearance of anti-aging.
Epionce Intense Defense Serum ($144)
Epionce is a botanical based skincare line that is paraben, sulfate, and cruelty free. These products are designed for the person who wants very minimal reaction in their skin when it comes to skincare, or for someone who has truly compromised skin. The Intense Defense Serum is a complete multivitamin product that leaves your skin glowing. This is a highly advanced anti-aging serum that uses botanical sources of Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E.
If you are not already convinced from this article about incorporating vitamin C into your routine, call and consult with your dermatologist to hear more about how vitamin C can help you achieve flawless skin.
