The benefits of Vitamin C for our skin
One of my favourite tipples for the skin is vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid. It is a powerful antioxidant that offers numerous benefits when applied topically to the skin, usually in the form of a serum which aids better absorption into the skin. Here are some of the key advantages when using Vitamin C in your skin care routine.
Antioxidant protection: Vitamin C helps neutralise free radicals and unstable molecules that can damage skin cells and accelerate ageing. By scavenging these free radicals, vitamin C helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation.
Collagen production: One of the most significant benefits of vitamin C is its role in collagen production. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. As we age, collagen production decreases (bad news), leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis, helping to maintain skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (good news).
Brightening effect: Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, the pigment responsible for dark spots and hyperpigmentation. By slowing down melanin production, vitamin C can help fade dark spots, brighten the complexion, and even out skin tone, resulting in a more radiant and uniform complexion. I always recommend patients who have scarring that has pigmentation surrounding the scar from irritation to use vitamin C once they have eliminated what is causing the irritation. This will gradually help to lighten the area.
Sun protection (not to be used alone!!!!): While vitamin C is not a substitute for sunscreen, it can complement sun protection measures. Studies have shown that vitamin C can help enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen in protecting the skin from UV damage. Additionally, its antioxidant properties can help mitigate some of the harmful effects of UV radiation.
Hydration and moisturise: Vitamin C helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function, improving its ability to retain moisture. This can result in softer, smoother, and more hydrated skin.
Reduced inflammation: Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and calm conditions like acne and rosacea.
In summary, incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine can help protect against environmental damage, promote collagen production, brighten the skin, improve hydration, and reduce inflammation, ultimately contributing to healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Donna Groom is a qualified medical micro-pigmentation specialist.
