Written by: Kelsie Matthews, L.E
As most people know, when you start to feel sick, vitamin C is often a way to boost your immune system. Typically we start drinking our orange juice and “Emergen-C”. But what else is vitamin C good for besides fighting off the common cold? In addition to wellness and immunity, it also works wonders for our skin! Although most people get enough vitamin C in their diet and by taking supplements, that typically doesn’t make it to the skin.
Since vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it helps fight off extrinsic aging factors such as pollutants and damage from the sun. When the skin is exposed to the environment without proper protection, it is more likely for free radicals to occur in the body. Free radicals are basically unstable molecules that destroy o
ur health and speed up the aging process. These molecules lead to increased fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, dull, and sagging skin. Vitamin C works by neutralizing free radicals, which lowers the damage that occurs in our cells that is caused by the environment.
Another great benefit that some people don’t know, is that it also is great for evening out the skin tone and preventing hyperpigmentation from forming. Vitamin C helps lighten and brighten the skin, as well as reduce and calm redness. Due to the lightening properties in vitamin C, it has been proven to fade pigmentation and slow down melanin production. This is perfect for those of us in Texas who love spending time outside.
The best thing about vitamin C is that it’s safe for almost every skin type. Whether you have dry skin, oily skin, dark skin, or light skin, vitamin C is something everyone should have in their skin care routine. It is great to start when you’re young to help prevent damage from occurring in the skin, but it is never too late to add to your routine for correction and further damage from forming. Vitamin C can be incorporated into any one’s skin care routine, however it shouldn’t be combined with any products containing niacinamide due to decreased efficacy. If you currently are using both of the
My favorite vitamin
C product is the Alto Defense Serum from SkinBetter Science. This product is a powerful antioxidant serum with one of the most potent forms of vitamin C used in skin care today. It not only helps even your skin tone, it also provides protection against UV damage and infrared rays. This one specifically is my favorite because it has 19 antioxidants including the vitamin C. This potent formula allows it to protect your skin from free radicals caused by things like cigarette smoke and pollution. Alto Defense Serum also provides blue light protection which is incredibly important right now while so many of us are working from home on computers and using technology all day long or in front of a screen at the office. Some other benefits of it are that it is antiinflammatory, and also provides anti-cancer properties.
Here at L Aesthetics & Longevity, we strive to provide our patients with the very best skin care. If you have any questions on which vitamin C is best for you, or how to incorporate it into your regimen, our Estheticians would love to help you keep your skin healthy.