Can My Skin Benefit From Vitamin C?

One of our wonderful customers sent us a message the other day saying that she had acne when she was a teenager and that she is still recovering from it in her adult life. Therefore, she wanted to know what we recommend for brown spots (also known as pigmentation), acne scars and uneven skin. This question made us realize that this is a good time to talk about vitamin C and why our Antioxidant Skin Boost (which is loaded with vitamin C) comes in a powder format and not in a serum as you will find from many companies.

First of all, Ascorbic Acid, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is the most popular form of vitamin C because it has the most skin-related research. There are other types of vitamin C, which we will discuss in a separate blog but for now, Ascorbic Acid is the type of vitamin C we will feature in this post because research shows that it can:

Brighten up the skin. The brightening effects can be attributed to the fact that vitamin C inhibits tyrosinase, which is a key enzyme in producing pigment in our skin. By inhibiting this enzyme, vitamin C helps to lighten any discoloration from sun spots, age spots, or acne scars.

Repair free-radical damage from external factors such as pollution, cigarette smoke, oxidation, etc. Just as many potent antioxidants, vitamin C donates an electron, neutralizing the free radical and by doing so it remains stable even with the loss of an electron.

Promotes collagen production. Collagen is key to firm, soft, and supple skin. Without collagen, our skin loses its elasticity, which in turn leads to wrinkles and fine lines. Our bodies naturally create it, but as we age, our bodies break down the collagen and our ability to produce more diminishes. Luckily, when topically applied, Vitamin C has been proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen.

Reduces inflammation. Research shows that Vitamin C protects against harmful substances that contribute to disease. Because of this, studies suggest that it has some anti-inflammatory benefits.

But does any Vitamin C, especially Ascorbic Acid, do the trick?

The answer is NO with capital letters. Chances are that many of the vitamin C serums and lotions you see out there no longer have an effective vitamin C in them. Vitamin C is a very finicky ingredient, and it is prone to breaking down, starting from the moment that it is dissolved in water. To avoid that and make sure the vitamin C stays effective, we made our Antioxidant Skin Boost in a powder format.

Another important factor to consider is that, while Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it is more beneficial when formulated with other antioxidant and cell-communicating ingredients. This is why we combine in our Antioxidant Skin Boost L-ascorbic acid with Organic Pomegranate Extract, Allantoin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Resveratrol for a product that repairs and protects.

Going back to our customer's question: Who can benefit from vitamin C and how do you properly use it?

Well, since vitamin C promotes collagen production, repairs free-radical damage, brightens up the skin, and has anti-inflammatory properties, it's hard to find any skin, at any age, that wouldn't benefit from vitamin C. If you are recovering from acne scars or pigmentation, you can benefit from it. If you are stressed and exposed to many free-radicals, you can benefit from it. If your skin is showing signs of aging, you can benefit from it. This is why so many people rave about vitamin C.  It is, in fact, a very versatile and beneficial ingredient.

Now, if you chose our Antioxidant Skin Boost as your vitamin C product, this is how we recommend that you use it. Every night put your favorite serum or moisturizer in the palm of your hand, mix it with a scoop of the Antioxidant Skin Boost (by the way, this product comes with a little spoon) and apply it on your face. You can also use this product with your favorite mask. Sally B's Skin Yummies has a great mask called B Green Mud Mask, if you are looking for one. No matter how you mix it, if you use it every day for a couple of weeks, it will give your complexion a healthy glow, while slowing down the aging process!

If vitamin C is already part of your routine or if you try our Antioxidant Skin Boost after reading this blog, we would love to know how it is working out for you. Leave us a comment on our social media platforms or send us an e-mail to info@sallybskinyummies.com.