Science & Skincare

Vitamin C, also called L-Ascorbic Acid, is best known for its antioxidant properties. It’s actually present in the skin already, but that hasn’t stopped it’s popularity in skincare grow.

There has actually been a fair few studies on its benefits. A lot of them have found it helps protect skin from environmental damage.

That’s not its only benefit however. It’s commonly use to treat photo aged skin for numerous reasons. It helps with; hyperpigmentation (of a certain kind), skin texture and even collagen synthesis.

Why do we use vitamin C in skincare?

You might be wondering why we even bother using vitamin c in skincare when it’s already in our skin.

Well, topically vitamin c has it’s benefits too! Think of it like taking a supplement. Sure, we get a lot of nutrients from food but we don’t always have the same level of essential nutrients in our system.

They come and go, we may not always be consuming the right food. Taking a supplement is they easiest way to keep those essential nutrients in our bodies. It’s the same with vitamin c, because it has so many useful properties, applying it in the form of skincare is very useful.

What are its benefits?

Topically applied antioxidants exert their benefits by offering protection from damaging free radicals produced when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light or allowed to age naturally. Vitamin c is one of those benefits.

The reason why this is so important? The damage that free radicals can cause are widely accepted as one of the most quickening vectors to aged skin.

Free radicals is an umbrella term for highly reactive molecules, with an unpaired electron. They directly damage cells.

The thing you many not know, is that free radical aren’t just caused by the sun. The production of free radicals increases with age, while the endogenous defense mechanisms that counter them decrease. 

This means it’s hard to prevent skin damage on a cellular level, even if you were sunscreen. This is why vitamin c is such a useful product.

It has six pretty standard benefits:

1. It firms the skin.
2. Minimises hyperpigmentation and age spots.
3. Reduces skin redness.
4. Protects from environmental damage.
5. Hydrates the skin.
6. Consolidates your skin’s natural defence.

Product recommendations

C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum Sunday Riley

• alcohol-free
• silicon-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe
• fungal-acne safe

C-Firma Day Serum Drunk Elephant

• alcohol-free
• silicon-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe

Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm Glow Recipe

• alcohol-free
• silicon-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe
• fungal-acne safe

Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil Biossance

• alcohol-free
• silicon-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• oil-free
• reef-safe
• fungal-acne safe

Jet Lag Mask Summer Fridays

• silicon-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe

References

Jaishree Sharad, Cosmeceuticals, Advances in Integrative Dermatology, 10.1002/9781119476009, (393-411), (2019). Wiley Online Library

Antioxidants Used in Skin Care Formulations I. Bogdan Allemann, MD, L. Baumann, MD
Skin Therapy Letter. 2008;13(7):5-8

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