Vitamin C is in when it comes to your skin, but what is the true role of vitamin C is in skin care?
All animals and plants make their own vitamin C, except humans. As a result, we need to take vitamin C through our diet or apply it to the skin in the form of creams or serums.
The vitamin C that we take orally does not go to the skin, so one must apply this vitamin in the form of a cosmetic on the skin surface if we want to obtain its benefits.
The level of vitamin C that is deposited in the skin is 27 times higher if it is applied in the form of a cream or serum than if it is taken by mouth. Vitamin C in cosmetics has 4 effects on the skin. First of all, it is a powerful antioxidant. By applying it, it is possible to eliminate the free radicals that sun exposure produces on our skin.
Secondly, our skin needs vitamin C to produce collagen, which is a fundamental ingredient that helps prevent wrinkles. Hence, adequate levels of vitamin C in the skin are essential to maintain appropriate collagen levels.
Thirdly, it has an anti-inflammatory effect. There are many studies that show that vitamin C cream reduces inflammation secondary to a sunburn, which translates into a possible anti-cancer effect.
The fourth function of this vitamin is that it is a powerful skin lightener, that is, it leaves the skin brighter when applied. The active form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid, also called pure vitamin C, which is very unstable and oxidizes easily when in contact with air or light. That is why packaging should always be opaque.
If you are investigating possible methods to increase the assimilation of vitamin C through the skin, a cream with this ingredient would be ideal. Without a doubt, vitamin C is a key ingredient to maintaining healthier skin and we should always include it in our skin care regimen, even at ages as early as 30 years old.