VITAMIN C
Ingredient Spotlight
The skincare industry is guilty of bombarding us with new discoveries,
complex promises and mind-boggling jargon on what seems like a daily
basis so to clear up the confusion, we are putting some of the most
well-known ingredients under the microscope to reveal their true skin
benefits. First up, we turn our attention to Vitamin C…
C is for… Combating Free Radicals
Above anything else, Vitamin C is an amazing antioxidant. Basically, it’s a black belt in neutralising
the effects of free radicals before they can damage the skin. When the free radical molecule comes
into contact with proteins like collagen, they steal one of their electrons to try and make themselves
stronger which creates a gap in the strand of collagen, making it weaker. Vitamin C is what is
known as an ‘electron donor’ so it replaces these gaps before the skin can start to wrinkle and
sag, essentially keeping your complexion smooth and plump for longer.
C is for… Correction
In the same way that Vitamin C gives you a much-needed energy boost on a grey Monday morning,
its revitalising benefits also apply to the skin. To combat dullness and uneven tone, Vitamin C
inhibits the overproduction of the enzyme Tyrosinase (a key player in melanin production) which
not only prevents new dark spots from forming but also corrects the appearance of existing
blotchiness and discolouration over time.
C is for… Collagen-Boosting
Sources: HowStuffWorks
To become the protein we all know and love, collagen has to go through a lengthy formation
process which cannot take place without the presence of Vitamin C. However, as the body can’t
produce or store its own Vitamin C, it has to be applied topically and ingested regularly for collagen production to continue at a healthy rate, so reach for serums and supplements daily to keep
fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
C is for… Care and Attention
Due to its many skin-perfecting powers, Vitamin C is not the easiest ingredient to keep active in
topical formulations. It is often combined with other antioxidants (such as Vitamin E and Ferulic
Acid) to keep it stable and has to be stored in a bottle that blocks out sunlight, as the sun’s rays
can degrade Vitamin C and render it useless. For the best results, look for L-Ascorbic Acid in
the ingredients list of any serum or gel before investing, as this is the purest and most potent
form available.
ISSUE #01 | SUMMER 2016 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 23