What Does Vitamin C Do For The Skin & How Do I Incorporate it in my Skincare Routine?

What Does Vitamin C Do For The Skin

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help brighten and even out skin tone, boost collagen production, and protect against damage from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. Here are some of the things it can do:

1. Protection against UV radiation: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin from UV-induced damage. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that topical application of Vitamin C reduced UVB-induced DNA damage in human skin cells.
2. Stimulates collagen synthesis: Vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of collagen, which is the protein responsible for maintaining skin’s elasticity and strength. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that topical application of Vitamin C increased collagen synthesis in human skin cells.
3. Reduces hyperpigmentation: Vitamin C inhibits the production of melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that topical application of Vitamin C reduced the appearance of hyperpigmentation in human skin.
4. Improves wound healing: Vitamin C plays a role in the production of collagen, which is essential for wound healing. A study published in the Journal of Surgical Research found that Vitamin C supplementation improved wound healing in rats.
5. Anti-aging effects: Vitamin C helps to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can cause premature aging of the skin. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that topical application of Vitamin C reduced the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in human skin.

Overall, Vitamin C plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and has numerous benefits for the skin, including protection against UV radiation, stimulation of collagen synthesis, reduction of hyperpigmentation, improved wound healing, and anti-aging effects.

How to Incorporate Vitamin C into Your Skincare Routine

Choose the Right Vitamin C Product

• When selecting a Vitamin C product for your skincare routine, it’s important to choose one that contains a stable form of Vitamin C, such as L-ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbyl phosphate. These forms of Vitamin C are more easily absorbed by the skin and are less likely to oxidize, which can make them less effective. Look for products that are fresh and haven’t expired, as Vitamin C can lose its efficacy over time.

Cleanse Your Skin

• Before applying your Vitamin C product, it’s important to start with clean skin. Use a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup from your face.

Apply the Vitamin C Product

• Using a dropper or pump, apply a small amount of Vitamin C serum or moisturizer to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Gently massage the product into your skin using upward circular motions.

Follow with Sunscreen

• Vitamin C can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day. Apply your sunscreen after your Vitamin C product has been absorbed into your skin.

Use it Regularly

• To see the benefits of Vitamin C, it’s important to use it consistently as part of your daily skincare routine. Start by using it once a day and gradually increase to twice a day if your skin tolerates it well.

Store it Properly

• Vitamin C is sensitive to light and air, so it’s important to store your product in a cool, dark place and keep the bottle tightly sealed.

References:

1. Pinnell, S. R. (2003). Cutaneous photodamage, oxidative stress, and topical antioxidant protection. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, 8(1), 27-37.
2. Farris, P. K. (2005). Topical vitamin C: a useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatologic Surgery, 31(s1), 814-818.
3. Katiyar, S. K. (2003). Treatment of hyperpigmentation. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 1, 151-159.
4. Bello, S. A., & Oluwasola, A. O. (2007). The effects of vitamin C supplementation on the healing of wound in albino rats. Journal of Surgical Research, 142(2), 299-305.
5. Humbert, P. G., Haftek, M., Creidi, P., Lapière, C., Nusgens, B., Richard, A., … & Zahouani, H. (2003). Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin: clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo. Experimental dermatology, 12(3), 237-244.
6. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. Published 2017 Aug 12.
7. Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146.
8. Farris PK. Topical vitamin C: a useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):814-817; discussion 818.
9. DePhillipo NN, Aman ZS, Kennedy MI, Begley JP, Moatshe G, LaPrade RF. Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2018;6(10):2325967118804544. Published 2018 Oct 24.
10. McDaniel DH, Neudecker BA, DiNardo JC, Lewis JA 2nd, Maibach HI. Clinical efficacy assessment in photodamaged skin of 0.5% and 1.0% topical reduced glutathione: a randomized, double-blind, split-face, vehicle-controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015;14(1):61