The Scar-fading and skin brightening magic you’ve been waiting on...
Hello everybody! Welcome back to SpecsandBlazers! Vitamin C has been a hot topic lately but there is so much information out there that it can get quite confusing and intimidating. So, today I decided to clear a few things up about our favorite new ingredient. Let’s dive in:
"Vitamin C aids in promoting the synthesis of collagen. Collagen, in turn, is what keeps our skin looking youthful and glowing."
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C in its purest form is also known as Ascorbic Acid. It is a naturally occurring nutrient in our bodies. Vitamin C is imperative for our health in so many ways including keeping our skin beautiful. Vitamin C aids in promoting the synthesis of collagen. Collagen, in turn, is what keeps our skin looking youthful and glowing. Normally, we get our daily dose of Vitamin C through food, particularly citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and much more. You can also get Vitamin C from Brussel sprout, bell peppers (any color), and much more.
"Vitamin C quickly became a favorite because when applied topically, it has a unique ability to brighten the skin tone, even out skin texture, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles."
What Does it do in Skincare?
Vitamin C has truly made a name for itself in the skincare world and has slowly become a cult favorite for good reasons. Vitamin C quickly became a favorite because when applied topically, it has a unique ability to brighten the skin tone, even out skin texture, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. It is also the perfect antioxidant which means it protects the skin against free radicals and sun damage.
More importantly, Vitamin C helps in producing collagen which is known for maintaining bouncy, soft, and youthful-looking skin.
"Vitamin C interacts with amino acids within the collagen cells and adds hydrogen to boost collagen production."
How does it work?
Collagen acts as the glue that binds our cells together. Vitamin C interacts with amino acids within the collagen cells and adds hydrogen to boost collagen production. Vitamin C comes in a pure and derivative form. The purest form is quite concentrated and potent which means you’ll get the benefits right away. The Derivative form is what we usually see in our serums or oils from our favorite skincare brands. The derivative form is certainly safer for people with sensitive skin like me. The two Vitamin C I’m using right now is the Avon Vitamin C peel which is perfect for exfoliating your skin while delivering a warming sensation (when activated with water!) to open pores and remove impurities. This to me is the perfect one for people with oily skin like myself. It’s also quite affordable. Also, the Truth Serum by Ole Henriksen which is a potent form of vitamin C that you simply add a tiny bit to any serum of your choice. I use this one to fight my hyperpigmentation. I am a black lady which means I am blessed with melanin. However, with that comes dark spots easily. So, this serum is perfect for evening out my skin tone.
When to use Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is not as intimidating as its counterpart like Retinol. You do not have to be a certain age or have a specific type to use it. It is truly beneficial to everyone. Vitamin C is beneficial to use during the day along with your serum because of its availability to fight sun damage and UV rays. It’s the perfect armor for your skin during the day. Apply along with your serum and finish off with your moisturizer.
Cons?
Is Vitamin C perfect? Close, but not quite. Vitamin C can sometimes get a bad rep because of its unstable nature. It is quite sensitive and can change VERY easily depending on temperature, LIGHT, and the environment. Pretty much means, Vitamin C goes bad rather quickly. So, It’s best to keep your Vitamin C in the darkest storage you can find. Thus, it is very hard to use. Also, do start with a low percentage and work your way up, because like a chemical peel, Vitamin C can be irritating to the skin.
In conclusion, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is the necessary tool for brightening skin. It is a perfect all-rounder. Till next time from your favorite #skinfluencer and as always, thank you for reading.
