04.12.08
the truth about Vitamin C skin creams
Benefits to your skin of Vitamin C
We all know about the benefits of Vitamin C. In order to keep skin smooth, supple and wrinkle-free it is crucial we have enough Vitamin C every day. As we get older we can take as much as 1-2 grams or even more. Besides internal supplements Vitamin C applied topically can also be of great benefit. Here’s why:
• Vitamin C is an excellent antidote against photoaging of the skin when applied topically. Research studies have shown that regular application of topical Vitamin C provides wavelength-independent ultraviolet protection and results in clinically visible anti-wrinkling.
• When exposed to sunlight, topical Vitamin C products prevent sunburn damage without blocking vitamin D synthesis, unlike other sunscreen products in the market.
• Once applied, it is absorbed in the skin and cannot be washed or sweated off. In addition to being a powerful anti-oxidant Vitamin C plays a crucial role in two processes that become very important as we get older—collagen synthesis and inhibition of melanogenesis.
• A critical step in the bio-synthesis of collagen involves Vitamin C. If it is not present, collagen production halts, it’s that simple.
• In the presence of UV light the melanogenesis process goes to work to produce melanin—the brownish-red and back-brown pigments that look like freckles or tanning, or in worst-case scenarios like age spots, sun spots, blotchiness or hyperpigmentation (uneven distribution of pigment). Vitamin C works at the first step of the process to turn off melanogenesis.
The Problem with Vitamin C Creams, Lotions and Serums
There is a major problem associated with topicals containing Vitamin C, namely, that in the presence of air, liquid or other oxidizing agents it is easily converted to oxidized forms. Oxidized vitamin C is not only incapable of boosting collagen synthesis or scavenging free radicals, it may actually promote free radical formation.
• Most serums and creams contain oxidized Vitamin C, which means that not only are they providing no benefits, they may actually be harming your skin.
• Only highly concentrated preparations (10% or more) deliver enough vitamin C to the cells to be topically effective.
The solution is simple—add powdered Vitamin C to your daily sunscreen just before you apply it to your face, neck and hands. In a very short time you will see amazing changes in your skin.
