Minerals and vitamins are among the least alluring substances in the world. Most people don’t immediately picture tamper-proof green and yellow bottles with foul-smelling tablets inside when they think of looking young and attractive. Yet, the skin care sector is actively promoting vitamin-C serums as an anti-aging moisturiser. And it appears to be effective.
Industry executives appear to be aware of something that is frequently in short supply in their market among the revenues, advertising campaigns, and viral success stories: actual science supporting them. Yet, there are restrictions on what the topical nutrition may accomplish, as well as numerous warnings.
Why does vitamin C make skin better?
The body uses vitamin C, a crucial ingredient, to create collagen, blood vessels, cartilage, and other connective tissues. It is typically present in a variety of foods and is also available as a tablet or multivitamin supplement. Moreover, vitamin C can be given externally; often, this is done with a cream, moisturiser, or serum.
“Topical vitamin C is a science-backed, dermatologist-favorite substance that may help reduce early skin ageing, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne,” according to Harvard Health Publications, the media arm of Harvard Medical School. Vitamin C also has renewing and boosting properties because it is an antioxidant that fights toxins on the skin that are brought on by air pollution and other contaminants.
Vitamin C offers numerous other supportive roles for one’s skin in addition to possibly enhancing beauty, claims Kate Zeratsky, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. They “include enhancing antioxidant defence against UV-induced photodamage (sunlight) and promoting collagen production and wound healing.”
What effects does vitamin C have on the face?
Notwithstanding these advantages, it is important to use topical vitamin C cream with caution, especially on the face. According to José Ordovás, PhD, a senior scientist with the Nutrition and Genomics Team at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, “As with any skincare product, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and precautions to ensure safe and effective use.” One reason is because vitamin C is very acidic and has been known to irritate certain users’ skin. Hence, before using any vitamin-C cream or serum on one’s face, it is recommended to test a little area of it on one’s arm.
Are some serums containing vitamin C superior than others?
There are several vitamin-C serum options available, and the skin-care industry is extremely crowded. Even though they all tout the same advantages, some products are specially developed to offer higher amounts of UV or toxin protection or to perform better on skin types that are oily, hyperpigmented, or acne-prone.
Customers of vitamin-C-serum should select the L-ascorbic acid form of the product, and in concentration levels between 10% and 20%, in addition to the previously specified dark, sealed containers.
How much vitamin C can I use on my skin without risking harm?
Those with sensitive skin or allergies should take extra care while using vitamin-C serums on their faces, according to Ordovás, who also advises exercising prudence. He cautions that utilising products with high concentrations of vitamin C could cause stinging, itching, or redness in some people. He advises starting with a lower concentration serum, “between 5% and 10%,” to ensure there is no reaction before purchasing greater concentrated amounts in order to reduce danger.
The serum or cream can be safely administered up to twice daily, often in the morning and evening after washing and toning, once allergies and sensitives have been ruled out. But there are still a few restrictions: The intrinsic volatility of vitamin C serums presents another difficulty, according to Ordovás. The vitamin can oxidise under the influence of heat, light, and air, which could make it less useful and even dangerous for the skin. He advises selecting serums that are stored in opaque, airtight containers and keeping them in a cool, dark location to prevent this.
Regardless of the brand, it might be a good idea to think about how to utilise the serum in conjunction with other topical products. While vitamin C is typically regarded as being safe for the majority of skin types, Ordovás warns that combining it with other active substances may increase the risk of irritation or decrease its efficacy. Consider mixing vitamin C with other strong skincare components and giving your skin time to react and benefit from each product to avoid problems.