February 27, 2020
There are few skin-care ingredients that dermatologists agree on, but high on the list is vitamin C. “Its benefits are multiple,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Marcie Ulmer, who practises at Pacific Derm in Vancouver. “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals. It helps reduce unwanted pigmentation, and helps preserve and stimulate collagen. This means less damage from ultraviolet light, improvement in uneven skin tone, improved skin texture, and enhanced skin radiance.”
Eating foods rich in vitamin C like açaí berries or oranges is good for the body, but for those seeking to use vitamin C to improve skin health, it’s best to apply it topically, too.
The best time to use a vitamin C product is in the morning because of its protective powers against UV light and pollution. However, Ulmer emphasizes that it’s not a replacement for sunscreen. “It works best when layered under a sunscreen to reduce the damage caused by ultraviolet light. I think of it as a sunscreen booster,” she says.
Ulmer likes serums because of their ease of absorption, and says that these tend to be fairly well tolerated by most people. “If a patient has quite sensitive skin, I will recommend applying it a few times weekly to start, working up to each morning. Patients with very sensitive skin may experience a mild stinging or tingling sensation.”
Just as it takes care of you, you should look after your product. Especially when it comes to vitamin C. L-ascorbic acid, the most commonly used form of vitamin C, oxidizes with exposure to light and air, after which it’s no longer effective. “Once a product changes colour from pale and transparent to a darker orange or brown, it no longer possesses the same powerful antioxidant properties and should be replaced. It’s not a product you want to save, because if you keep it too long, it loses its beneficial effects,” says Ulmer.
Consistent use of a good vitamin C product can lead to brighter, smoother, and more even skin.
Click here to read the full article on the NUVO Magazine website.
