The benefits of Vitamin C are limitless; whether you're looking for an anti-aging product or acne solution. This multi-tasking compound has the ability to target many concerns all at once. It is no wonder why this product is found in the majority of skincare products due to its amazing abilities.
Your body can't create this vitamin on its own nor does one consume enough to reap the benefits. Incorporating a supplement or topical treatment can transform your skin drastically.
Here are the top reasons why you should be be using Vitamin C as part of your regime.
Reduce Wrinkles
As we age, the building blocks of firm skin see a reduction in production. Collagen and Elastin are the core elements that help keep skin smooth and firm. Couple that with facial expressions that leave fine lines around the mouth and eyes. Essentially this vitamin nature's glue that keeps your skin from dropping down. While Vitamin A has retinol boosting properties, Vitamin C works deeper to boost and support collagen production. With this uptick of collagen and elastin production, skin begins to look and feel firmer.
Sun Protection
While we all love to bask in the sun, UV rays are one of nature's quickest aging agents. When skin is left unprotected, these rays penetrate deeply to burn skin layers, leaving behind scarring. This scarring ages skin from the deepest layers which are near impossible to reverse. However when you couple sunscreen with Vitamin C, you create the greatest defense to harmful UVA/UVB rays. Vitamin C works to neutralize and shield skin from these rays by reflecting them back rather than absorbing them.
Brightens Skin
Vitamin C is one of the most effective bleaching agents that nature has to offer. The citric acid found helps to lessen the production of melanin causing enzymes. Melanin is the enzyme that gives your hair and skin pigment, a reduction would cause brightening of skin. Vitamin C serums work to reduce the appearance of dark circles and discoloration associated with aging. Vitamin C also works to help increase skin cell turnover which helps to reveal glowing skin. When dead skin cells build up, skin takes on a dull, sallow looking complexion.
Free Radicals
What is a free radical? Free radicals are “unstable and highly reactive molecules” found in the environment. In terms of chemistry, electrons need to be paired up with fellow electrons to “reach a positive charge”. These unstable atoms then steal electrons from cells within skin to reach this positive charge. This oxidation process over time then leads to aging. Free radicals can stem from pollution, smoking and even alcohol. Vitamin C works to neutralize these free radicals by creating a defense mechanism. The antioxidants found in Vitamin C halt free radicals from latching onto electrons needed in skin cells. This automatic defense is done swiftly and prevents damage from occurring.
Fade Acne Marks
While not every type of acne leaves scarring behind, the more intense types can leave behind “crater-like” scarring. These grooves are deeply embedded into the surface of skin and makeup can only cover so much. Rather than using a temporary fix, Vitamin C can actually fade these marks to near invisible. Much like hyper pigmentation, scarring leaves discoloration behind. Vitamin C works to minimize the appearance of acne scars by generating skin healing cells and collagen to promote skin turnover. The bleaching like properties also work to alter the color of the mark.