Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to skincare.
It’s an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin. In addition, it plays a critical role in collagen synthesis, which is essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin.
How Vitamin C benefits your skin?
Vitamin C and Skin Brightening:
Vitamin C is known to help brighten and even out skin tone. It can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, giving the skin a more radiant, glowing appearance.
Vitamin C and Collagen Production:
As mentioned earlier, Vitamin C plays a critical role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a protein that helps keep the skin firm and plump. As we age, our collagen levels naturally decline, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. By using a Vitamin C serum, you can help boost collagen production and maintain a more youthful appearance.
Vitamin C and Skin Aging:
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as UV radiation and pollution. These stressors can cause oxidative damage to the skin, leading to premature aging and other skin concerns. Using a Vitamin C serum can help combat these effects and keep the skin looking healthy.
Vitamin C and Sensitive Skin:
Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin. It can be especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or conditions such as rosacea.
Vitamin C and Sun Damage:
Vitamin C can help enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen. It works by neutralising free radicals that are generated by UV radiation. When used in conjunction with sunscreen, it can provide an extra layer of protection against skin damage.
How can you incorporate Vitamin C into your skincare routine?
One of the most popular ways is to use a Vitamin C serum.
Serums are lightweight and can be easily absorbed into the skin. Apply few drops of serum to your face after cleansing and toning, and before moisturising. Preferably in the morning.
You can also find Vitamin C in other skincare products such as moisturisers, masks, and eye creams. When using multiple Vitamin C products, be sure to layer them in order of thinnest to thickest consistency.
There are several different forms of Vitamin C that are commonly used in cosmetics:
Here are some of the most popular forms and the differences between them:
L-ASCORBIC ACID: This is the most potent and effective form of Vitamin C. It is the form of Vitamin C that is naturally found in the body and is the most biologically active. It can help boost collagen production, brighten skin tone, and protect against environmental damage. However, it is also the least stable form of Vitamin C and can be prone to oxidation, meaning it can lose its effectiveness over time. To ensure stability, L-ascorbic acid products should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within a few months of opening. It might cause irritation in some individuals.
ASCORBIC ACID: This is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C that is similar to L-ascorbic acid in terms of benefits. However, it is less stable than L-ascorbic acid and may not be as effective at penetrating the skin. It is also more likely to cause irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.
Most Stable Vitamin C forms:
MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE: It’s a stable, water soluble derivative of Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic acid mono-dihydrogen phosphate magnesium salt). Unlike L-Ascorbic Acid, it does not readily degrade in formulas containing water. It is considered light-stable and oxygen-stable. MAP appears to have the same potential to boost skin collagen synthesis as does Ascorbic Acid, but at lower concentrations. Suitable for sensitive skin.
3-O ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID: is a stable derivative of Vitamin C that is becoming increasingly popular in skincare products. It is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C that is derived from L-ascorbic acid. One of the benefits of 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is its stability. It is less likely to degrade and loose effectiveness over time, even when exposed to light and air. This means that skincare products containing 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid can have a longer shelf life than those containing L-ascorbic acid.
ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE: It’s the newest form of Vitamin C, it’s made by mixing Vitamin C with Isopalmitic Acid. What makes it different is its ability to penetrate the skin faster than any other form of Vitamin C out there and it’s very well tolerated by sensitive skin.
This is why at Unica Green we selected the best Vitamin C Serums based on stability, effectiveness and tolerability. These serums are from Trivellato Dermocosmetics, an Italian cosmeceutical brand of high-end beauty products.
How to choose the right Vitamin C serum
When choosing a Vitamin C product, it’s important to consider the form of Vitamin C used and its stability, as well as your individual skin type and concerns.
In conclusion, Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient that can provide numerous benefits for the skin. It can help brighten skin tone, boost collagen production, protect against environmental damage, soothe irritated skin, and enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen.
By incorporating a Vitamin C serum or other Vitamin C products into your skincare routine, you can enjoy these benefits and maintain healthy, glowing skin.