The power of vitamin C

The power of C: is your skin missing out on vitamin C?

Are you looking for a skincare gamechanger? Serums and other skincare products that contain vitamin C could be just what you need says Shobhana.

Scientific studies have shown that vitamin C can:

• Improve the appearance and texture of your skin.
• Slow the early signs of aging and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Reduce the appearance of dark spots.
• Help prevent sun damage when used with sunscreen.
• Alleviate acne.
• Hydrate your skin.
• Boost collagen production for more youthful skin.

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is another term for ascorbic acid explains Shobhana

“It’s an antioxidant which means it can fight skin-damaging toxins (those harmful ‘free radicals that we hear so much about). These toxins are produced naturally by our bodies and also come from outside sources such as air pollution.”

Which vitamin C products are best?

Clinical trials show that it’s best to look out for skincare products that contain an active form of vitamin C such as ‘L-ascorbic acid’. The strength should be 10-20% and the product should have a pH lower than 3.5.

Products that combine vitamin C with tyrosine and zinc have also been shown to be highly effective, while some vitamin C skincare products include ingredients that help to combat oily skin and acne breakouts.

This all sounds a bit technical and the sheer amount of vitamin C products out there can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry: we can help you decide which is right for you. Give us a call now to ask about our range of skincare products: +1 925-236-2680.

Safety first: always do a patch test

Vitamin C products are generally safe to use but any skincare product can cause a reaction.

Shobhana says, “I strongly advise you to test out a product on a small area of skin such as your forearm before using it on your face or neck. Wait for 24 hours to see if you have any signs of a rash, redness, or other serious irritation.”

Check the use-by date

It’s particularly important to check the use-by date of products that contain vitamin C explains Shobhana.

This is because vitamin C can oxidize causing it to darken or change color. The product won’t be unsafe to use – but it certainly won’t benefit your skin in the same way.

How to use vitamin C skincare

The beauty of vitamin C is that it’s easy to use as part of your daily skincare routine. For example, simply apply a few drops of your preferred vitamin C skin care product after cleansing and before applying moisturizer and sunscreen. It may be two or three months before you see any noticeable improvements, so commitment is key!

“My advice is to use it every other day at first,” says Shobhana. This is because vitamin C products can cause some mild tingling, so you may want to get used to it before using it daily. And remember: stop using the product if it causes any serious irritation or discomfort.”

Eat well too: natural sources of vitamin C

Although serums are the best way to get vitamin C directly onto your skin, you should also make sure you’re getting a good supply of vitamin C by eating a healthy diet that includes:

• Citrus fruit such as oranges and grapefruit.
• Kiwi fruit, mango, watermelon, pineapple, strawberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries.
• Broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes, and peppers.

The body doesn’t store vitamin C – so make it a part of your daily diet adds [add your therapist’s name].

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