By Kelsie Matthews, L.E.
Usually the first thing people think of when they hear “vitamin C” is fruit and orange juice. But what about skincare? Vitamin C is so important for skin health. There are many ways you can incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine. The benefits of this necessary antioxidant are endless, and it can be used by almost anyone.
What is it?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant found in many citrus fruits, berries, and some vegetables that can help protect the skin against harmful environmental factors, as well as correct different issues in the skin that have already appeared. It is necessary for healthy skin and collagen production. Vitamin C can be found in many different forms such as L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and several others. The best form of vitamin C that you can use on your skin is L-ascorbic acid because this is the most active and purest form of the ingredient.
What are the benefits?
- Brightens skin tone
- Helps reduce UV damage
- Boosts collagen
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Diminish scars in the skin
- Promotes healing
Wh
o can use it?
Vitamin C can be used by all skin types. However, people who are more acne prone might have some irritation from a product containing more than 10-20% vitamin C. It also can cause irritation if it is combined with products containing retinol, so some people prefer to alternate days when using both in their skincare routine in order to avoid this.
Where can you find it?
Some of my favorite products that contain vitamin C here at our MedSpa are SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum, Skinbetter Science Alpharet Overnight Cream (low concentration of vitamin C), and ZO Skin Health 10% Vitamin C Serum. Any of these products are available in our office, and can be incorporated into your daily skin care routine for brighter, healthier, firmer skin.