You might think of vitamin C as a good ol' citrusy immunity booster, shelved in your medicine cabinet for when you need to kick a cold. But when applied topically, it's a powerful addition to an anti-aging skin-care regimen. "Vitamin C is essential in collagen synthesis," says Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. How does the magic work? When applied to the skin directly, the antioxidant neutralizes free radicals (atoms or molecules with an unpaired electron) that age you. When a free radical steals an electron from one of the proteins in a strand of collagen, it creates a tiny break in the strand. The more breaks you retain, the more damage you'll see as skin begins to sag and wrinkle. Since vitamin C is an electron donor it helps reverse and prevent signs of aging. Use it to keep skin firm and youthful and protect yourself from UV rays.
Vitamin C for Anti-Aging & Brighter Skin
There are many forms of vitamin C and each one has potent antioxidant benefits that help to intercept problems before they can happen to your skin.
When added to your daily skincare routine, well-formulated products containing vitamin C can provide a range of benefits from helping to even your skin tone, revitalize skin’s surface, significantly improve hydration, and keep your skin looking younger, longer!
Ascorbic Acid is Vitamin C Royalty
Ascorbic acid—also known as L-ascorbic acid—has the most skin-related research of any form of vitamin C.
When properly formulated (this ingredient can be finicky), ascorbic acid helps create younger-looking, firmer-feeling skin while signs of uneven skin tone seem to disappear. Ascorbic acid also helps skin’s surface rebuff external stressors and exposure to the elements.
There’s more: Ascorbic acid is also a powerhouse when mixed with other antioxidants. One ingredient, no matter how amazing, is never enough to take the best care of your skin.
Higher Concentrations of Vitamin C Can Do Wonders
Wildleaf Vitamin C Serum has a concentration of 18% for faster result and combined with other powerful antioxidants: Vitamin B3 to improve skin's elasticity, 2% of Hyaluronic acid to create fullness and retains moisture and fruit acids to stimulate both elastin and collagen production. In order to really be effective as an anti aging product, a serum should contain between 15% and 20% of L ascorbic acid. Most people with sensitive skin start at 5%. The acidity can cause irritation in sensitive skin types, but this is rare. These serums can also cause your skin to peel, which can actually be a good thing because it’s an effective way to reduce wrinkles and discoloration. Start using 3x a week (night time) and give your skin time to adjust and you can slowly go up to 2x a day. Apply topically after washing the face and wait for few minutes before applying moisturizer.
What does the serum do?
- Acts as an antioxidant – The process of oxidation damages the skin cells. Vitamin C serums are rich in anti-oxidants that repair and renew the cells and give the skin a healthier look.
- Helps produce collagen – Collagen binds the cells of our body. Vitamin C serum stimulates the synthesis of collagen in the skin which will give you a tighter, firmer and less sagged feel. It is a good first-step solution to treat the onset of wrinkles.
- Restores and regenerates – Vitamin C attacks the free radicals in your body and does some hardcore damage management. If you have any acne scars left from your previous breakout, you’ll find them fading with regular application.
- Protects you from the sun – Getting overexposed to the sun can cause hyper-pigmentation and sun spotting. A vitamin C serum will counteract any harmful effect of the sun and also decrease the chances of skin cancer by thickening the dermis layer. But it is important to note that a vitamin c serum cannot replace your sunscreen. A sunscreen provides the much needed SPF protection by shielding the outer layer of the skin while the vitamin c serum acts as a sun barrier from within the skin. You should apply the sunscreen as well as the vitamin C serum before going outside for prolonged periods of time.
How to apply it.
After you’ve chosen a vitamin C serum, it is important that you use it right. Correct method of application will definitely increase the effectiveness of the cream.
- Dampen your face with water and start by applying the serum to your face and neck.
- Let it dry for some time and then apply a moisturizer, if possible use one with a sunscreen in it. It is important that you use the serum before moisturizing and not after. This is because the serum is easily absorbed into the skin, while moisturizers work on the surface. If you use the moisturizer first, your skin will not be able to absorb the vitamin c serum.
- Vitamin C serums are oil free preparations that are perfect for balancing oily skin by exfoliating naturally. Because of its exfoliating properties, it is a good idea to follow up a vitamin c serum application with a moisturizer, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Lastly, after purchasing the serum, it’s a good idea to keep it refrigerated. This will keep the serum from oxidizing too quickly, and will give you a better result for the price.
Lastly, after purchasing the serum, it’s a good idea to keep it refrigerated. This will keep the serum from oxidizing too quickly, and will give you a better result for the price.
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