Topical Vitamin C is one of the oldest and most well-researched anti-aging ingredients. It is an all-around skincare powerhouse – and is especially good for summer skincare.
We love soaking up the summer sun - safely. And this is when Vitamin C serum becomes a go-to in your summer skincare regimen, as it helps protect skin from damaging UV rays. Research from Duke University has shown that wearing a lotion or serum with Vitamins C + E everyday under your sunscreen provides four times the sun protection of sunscreen alone. Other studies also suggest that topical Vitamin C can reduce your risk of UV-induced skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays can stress out skin, but Vitamin C can help neutralize this reaction - reducing skin irritation, irregular pigmentation, collagen breakdown and photoaging that results from sun damage.
So, when is the best time for Vitamin C? Right now!
Vitamin C is best known for its anti-aging properties and is considered one of the jewels in the crown of skincare. This anti-inflammatory antioxidant helps reduce dark spots, improves skin tone, and helps hydrate the skin - all assists you need for summer skin protection. Here are some Vitamin C’s benefits:
1. PROMOTES COLLAGEN: Vitamin C is important for promoting collagen production in your body. Collagen is known to be the building block of muscles, tendons, hair, and skin; it is what keeps your skin looking smooth and youthful. As people age, the production of collagen slows down, eventually contributing to sagging skin. Applying a Vitamin C serum topically can help accelerate elastin and collagen production, which are both essential in keeping the skin firm and plump.
2. BRIGHTENS DARK SPOTS: Hyperpigmentation is a condition where dark spots develop on the skin, mainly caused by extreme exposure to environmental stresses and the sun’s UV rays. One study discovered that the antioxidant properties present in Vitamin C help brighten the skin, while fending off signs of aging caused by UV damage. It helps prevent melanin production by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that helps promote the production of melanin, which causes uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Consistent use of a quality Vitamin C serum helps lighten and brighten the skin (and is safe to use during pregnancy, when melasma can be a problem.)
Note: Vitamin C doesn’t affect skin with normal coloration, meaning that it won’t reduce any normal dark pigmentation – only those with abnormal deposits of melanin due to sun damage.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Vitamin C also helps in protecting your skin against the environment. Extreme exposure to oxidant stress through pollutants or ultraviolet rays is often linked with low Vitamin C levels in the skin. Vitamin C is also found to be lower in photodamaged or aged skin.
Vitamin C’s antioxidants help protect your skin from free radicals. These free radicals are the molecules that usually cause sun damage because they are atoms that are missing an electron. The antioxidants in Vitamin C maintain healthy skin by offering an electron to these free radicals, making them harmless.
4. HELPS HEAL BREAKOUTS: Vitamin C’s anti-inflammatory properties help significantly diminish the skin’s redness and inflammatory conditions. It reduces the swelling and redness that often accompany problem skin (breakouts, acne). Vitamin C also treats acne scars by ramping up collagen synthesis – a protein that is responsible for rebuilding healthy skin structure. As a result, using Vitamin C serum and moisturizer may help accelerate wound healing and reduce the appearance of acne scarring.
Contact the Spa Desk to order or book your appointment for a Vitamin C facial!