Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is known for its many benefits.
vitamin c serum
In a recent podcast, Brett Kotlus, "a New York City oculofacial plastic surgeon who specializes in both non-surgical and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the eyes and face" discussed a number of ways to improve the health of our skin. One simple option that stood out to me was using a Vitamin C serum in the morning. Research shows, man or woman, 18 or 80 years old….Vitamin C might be worth checking into!!
benefits of vitamin c serum
Since Vitamin C is an antioxidant, it naturally helps to strengthen our skin and repel things that could damage it. This antioxidant-rich vitamin C also helps boost collagen production, which fills in fine lines and wrinkles. For those of us that suffer from skin redness or other discoloration of the skin, a quality Vitamin C serum may also be able to help us achieve a more uniform skin tone and better complexion.
In addition to its anti-aging benefits, topical Vitamin C is great for reversing (unclear as to whether it prevents) some of the sun damage we get from UVA and UVB rays. Studies have also found that high levels of topical Vitamin C can help significantly to speed up the body's natural healing processes; making it ideal for small cuts, acne scars, and other blemishes. Of all the effects of Vitamin C on skin health, its beneficial effect on wound healing is the most dramatic and reproducible. Finally, dry itchy skin is greatly improved too.
How to choose a vitamin c serum
According to Debra Jaliman, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, when choosing a serum it is about finding a compromise between a high level of vitamin C to boost the production of collagen, but not too much that it brings on redness and irritation. There are so many different derivatives of vitamin C, because they’ve been produced to make it more stable and less likely to irritate the skin. Common forms to look for in the first three ingredients include absorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. Ascorbic acid is the form of vitamin C thought to be the most effective, but is more expensive and its strength can be more than what some can handle. Studies have demonstrated that 23.8% of absorbic acid evens out skin tone, improves fine lines and surface roughness significantly without side effects, while Jaliman, would be more conservative, suggesting we use serums with 10-15% concentrations of Vitamin C.
Photo by Amanda Dalbjörn on Unsplash
In addition to Vitamin C, ferulic acid is a good ingredient to look for, because its a potent antioxidant, contains some impressive anti-aging properties, and can help to stabilize the vitamin C. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid found in some brands are known to moisturize, while aloe soothes the skin. Glycolic acid is known to gently exfoliate, in order to prevent dead skin cells from accumulating. Finally, Vitamin E containing serums will increase the antioxidant bang!
Prices range from $20 to $200. I am trying the brand TruSkin Naturals for about $20. This brand has almost 10,000 Amazon reviews with 4.5/5 star rating. I figured it was a good starting point, because in addition to Vitamin C it contains Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E (and yet is free of synthetic color additives, fragrance, and stabilizers). It also came with a 90-Day manufacturer guarantee. TruSkin contains 20% sodium ascorbyl phosphate, which is on the short list of recommended forms, but is not as powerful as absorbic acid…thus the savings!
tips for using vitamin c serum
Use sparingly….it is potent. Just a few drops for each application!
Apply right after cleansing and once dry follow with moisturizer.
Topical vitamin C should not be considered an alternative to wearing sunscreen, so finish by applying a quality sunscreen like EltaMD.
let’s get the party started!
A few years ago, I was so happy to get rid of adult cystic acne (one of the many ways my body celebrated saying good bye to gluten/wheat!!), but then I turned around and welcomed skin challenges ranging from melasma to basal cell skin cancer. I can’t undo choices of my teen years (baby oil and blond hair, blue eyes and freckles don’t mix!), but I am motivated to protect my skin with quality sunscreen, eat foods that improve my overall health, and find ways to take care of my skin without breaking the bank. I might be late to the party, but I’m thinking Vitamin C serum seems like a smart next step!!
Associate Amazon Link for TruSkin Naturals here and EltaMD here.
Wendy Dellis is a certified wellness coach. She joins years of training and work in the area of behavior change, experience as a fitness instructor and run club coordinator with a passion for adventure and people. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Jay, and two sons.
The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical or healthcare advice, but only topics for discussion. No physician-patient relationship exists; please consult your physician before making changes in diet or lifestyle.