Vitamin C is one of the most popular skin care ingredients. While it is important to consume this vitamin through your diet for its many health benefits, it can also be a superstar for your skin when its topical form is incorporated into your skin care routine.
Vitamin C not only creates the perfect cellular environment, it fights free radical damage that contributes to premature aging. So, it promotes cell turnover and regeneration while repairing sun damage.
It also inhibits melanin formation, which is helpful for improving dark spots, melasma, and other forms of hyperpigmentation. And while it's not quite a full-proof SPF, it does absorb small amounts of UV light to help protect skin from the sun.
Vitamin C also stimulates collagen production, which helps firm the skin and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. It also stabilizes Vitamin E. When Vitamin C and E are used together in the morning, it gives the skin a nice, juicy, and youthful appearance throughout the day.
Lastly, Vitamin C has high anti-inflammatory function, which helps promote wound healing.
There are three main forms of topical Vitamin C:
L-ascorbic acid: This is the most commonly used form of Vitamin C. It is the strongest and most stable form. It helps strengthen collagen fibers and has skin-lightening properties. However, it is extremely unstable. Air and light exposure can cause oxidation of this product, which can cause irritation to the skin. Always check the expiration date of your product, and if you notice discoloration of the product, do not use it.
L-ascorbyl palmitate: A derivative of L-ascorbic acid, this form is more stable with a preserving agent but is less potent. However, its delivery system is much more effective than L-ascorbic acid.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate: This is the most potent and stable form of Vitamin C.
Apply Vitamin C serum in the morning after cleansing and before applying moisturizer and sunscreen. And just remember that it may take a little time before you notice significant changes. It can take up to six to eight weeks before you see all of its amazing skin benefits.