The Almighty Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants in skin care. Needed for the synthesis of collagen. An anti-inflammatory and powerful healer for acne skins, to even preventing pigmentation. The almighty Vitamin C is like our skins little “life line”.Vitamin C comes under many names, with the most common being “ascorbic acid”. However all forms of Vitamin C are used for the purpose of delivering ascorbic acid into the cells. Vitamin C has a very short active period and oxidizes easily; it must be replenished daily both topically and nutritionally.The key things to look for when purchasing a product:

  • Choose a serum over a cream (for better delivery)
  • Vitamin C should be stored in a dark, air tight container (pump bottles are great)
  • Clear in colour (yellow in colour can mean the product has oxidized)

Most vitamin C products on the market range from 5% (considered fairly weak) to 20%. The pH of a vitamin C product will also determine its effectiveness. Vitamin C has to be formulated around a pH of 3 for it to be able to pass through your skin barrier and be used by your skin.

Don’t forget to top up your vitamin C from foods such as these which contain the most: Capsicum, Papaya, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts and Pineapple.

Please note, some people may find vitamin C slightly irritating, especially the form Ascorbic acid. Other forms listed below may be more suited for reactive/compromised skin:

  • Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
  • Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate)

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