Vitamin C for Skin Aging:
We’ve all heard how wonderful it is. But how come we never see any dramatic improvements?
I’ll show you what type of vitamin C skin care products really do work.
Check out my before and after pictures too!
If vitamin C is so good for your skin, why don’t we experience all those wonderful anti-aging, skin lightening benefits we read about?
Why, after the vitamin C cream or serum bottle is empty, are we still disappointed with the appearance of our skin?
I did some investigating to see what the deal is with topical vitamin C for skin health and anti-aging, and here is what I found:
- FRESHNESS. How long has your vitamin C cream/serum been sitting around in a warehouse? How do you know it hasn’t lost potency or, worse, oxidized?
- POTENCY. Most studies on the benefits of topical vitamin C for skin aging used a 10% or higher concentration of vitamin C. If it’s less than 10%…don’t even bother!
- TYPE. Many studies show that L-ascorbic acid is the best type of vitamin C because of its ability to penetrate skin cells.
- EXFOLIATION. To help vitamin C penetrate better (and for faster results), exfoliate your face a few times a week to speed up cell turn over and get rid of those brown spots.
Once I found a product that met all these points…
I saw those wonderful benefits I’ve been reading about, especially on my face and neck.
Type of vitamin C I use for best results?
The product I use contains a 16% concentration of L-ascorbic vitamin C.
It is mixed with vitamin-enriched cocktail serum (that’s pH balanced and 70% organic) and each bottle lasts about 30–40 days.
So it’s fresh when you apply it. Unlike vitamin C products that have been premixed and sitting on the shelves for months, maybe years.
NOTE: It’s important to exfoliate a few times a week to speed up cell turnover and help remove the brown dead skin cells.
Additional Products:
For my results above, I also exfoliated 3 times a week using the Cleansing Scrub. Then I use a Botanical Masque with organic apple cider vinegar on the other days.
UPDATE:
I no longer pour the entire vitamin C container directly into the moisturizing serum bottle.
Instead, I sprinkle a small amount of vitamin C powder directly into the palm of my hand, add a drop of serum, mix it, and apply that directly to my face.
As soon as ascorbic acid is exposed to liquid, oil, heat, light or air it begins to break down, oxidize and loses potency.
So to get the freshest possible vitamin C into my skin, I mix a small amount of vitamin C before each use.
Watch this video to see how Carolyn mixes a fresh application of vitamin C serum.
Perfect for any skin type, especially dry, mature, wrinkled. And works very well to lighten dark or brown spots.
It does not get any better than that!
Best Vitamin C for Collagen Building?
Research shows, and skin experts agree, that topical L-ascorbic acid is one of the most stable forms of vitamin C and is very effective at penetrating and rejuvenating the skin.
When you apply this form of vitamin C directly to the skin, it can provide concentrations of up to 200 times more within the skin tissues compared to taking vitamin C orally.
Does vitamin C serum bleach skin
No, it won’t bleach skin tone or cause weird white spots, which can happen with chemical skin lighteners.
But, with regular use, a fresh, potent vitamin C serum can help lighten brown spots, sun spots and age spots.
How does its lightning ability match vitamin B3 – niacinamide?
Vitamin C is more potent, but can be more irritating if you have sensitive skin.
How does vitamin C compare to vitamin B3 niacinamide to brighten skin?
Both vitamin C and niacinamide are known for their ability to address skin discoloration and even out skin tone, but they work in different ways and have unique strengths.
Comparing the two, while both vitamin C and niacinamide have skin-lightening properties, but they target different steps in the melanin production process.
See how niacinamide works to brighten skin, is the effect permanent, how long does it take, and how much to use.
Vitamin C: helps inhibit melanin production and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Niacinamide: works by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to the upper cell layers, the part of the skin you can see. This reduces the accumulation of pigmented cells and therefore reduces dark spots.
Some studies suggest that vitamin C may be more effective in reducing melanin production, making it potentially more potent in lightening the skin.
But, others suggest that using both can bring about even better results.
WHY USE FRESH VITAMIN C SERUMS?
Most experienced skin experts agree that, when applied topically, the right type and potency of C can help:
- reduce sun damage like age spots or hyperpigmentation
- reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- improve firmness and tone
- increase skin brightness
- reverse age-related skin damage from bad habits, UV damage and pollutants
And because this vitamin can help stimulate collagen production and increase skin repair rate, you may see healthier, smoother skin faster.
You can actually reverse age and environmental damage within a few months.
But to get significant results and anti-aging benefits, you need to apply your C cream or serum within a short time after it’s been opened or premix the vitamin C powder in your hand with your favorite moisturizer.
Don’t mix it with face oils, as the vitamin C needs a water-based moisturizer to fully dissolve.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN YOUR VITAMIN C CREAM
If you’re interested in trying vitamin C for skin related issues like age spots, sagging, or fine lines.
It’s worth taking the time to investigate the product fully before making a purchase and make sure:
- it contains the most highly absorbable form called L-ascorbic acid
- it contains at least 10% concentration or higher
- it is pH balanced for sensitive skin
- it is packed in airtight AND dark containers to preserve it; or
- it can be mixed up fresh before each use
Remember: Light and oxygen will cause it to oxidize and lose potency quickly. That means you’re not getting all the benefits for skin aging.
It also helps if it’s mixed with other antioxidants and vitamins, which not only benefits the skin further – but helps keep the vitamin C fresher longer.
Vitamin C Products – Serums and Creams
If you’re looking for the freshest topical vitamin C serum, then your best bet is to purchase it dry and mix right before using, like the one I use.
WHERE DO YOU GET FRESHEST VITAMIN C FOR SKIN CARE?
1. At this time, we only know of one supplier who offers small containers of fresh dry-packed
L-ascorbic acid along with a bottle of vitamin rich hydrating serum that’s 70%
organic.
2. Another alternative is to use pure L-ascorbic acid booster in liquid form and mix it with your favorite cream or moisturizer just before applying to your face.
The benefit of this product is that it also contains niacin for anti-aging and extra skin lightening benefits.
3. You can also find L-Ascorbic powder online and try mixing that with your own creams. But, I can’t give you the exact measurements because it all depends on the concentration of the vitamin powder you purchase.
If you try that, make a small batch (as it degrade quickly) and try it on a small area of your skin to ensure it won’t irritate it.
Have you tried skin or makeup products containing
vitamin C? Which ones and what did you think? Leave a comment here and share your thoughts.
References:
Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018 May 29;11:253-263. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S161352. eCollection 201
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