This free-radical-fighting energy is not simply essential for serving to to maintain indicators of untimely ageing at bay. In neutralizing these free radicals, vitamin C may additionally assist shield pores and skin from precancerous modifications brought on by UV publicity, Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in New York Metropolis, previously told Allure.
How else does vitamin C profit the pores and skin?
Amazingly, vitamin C’s skin-saving advantages aren’t solely attributed to its antioxidant properties. It has loads of different skin-healing properties that make it a wonderful alternative for anybody in pursuit of blissful, wholesome pores and skin. For one, studies have shown that when vitamin C is used topically, it might probably assist speed up the pores and skin’s manufacturing of collagen and elastin. Keep in mind: Collagen and elastin are each naturally occurring protein fibers that assist maintain pores and skin plump and agency. So, in serving to to advertise collagen manufacturing, topical vitamin C may also help forestall indicators ageing of the pores and skin, together with high quality strains and lack of elasticity.
One other cool factor concerning the ingredient: As Attract has previously reported, It inhibits the motion of the enzyme tyrosinase — the principle enzyme answerable for the conversion of tyrosine into melanin — and subsequently decreases melanin formation. And it is melanin formation that causes pores and skin discoloration like dark spots and hyperpigmentation, Dr. Wexler explains. With continued topical use, vitamin C may also help forestall darkish spots from forming within the first place—and may reactively deal with those you may have already got acquired.
How will you add vitamin C to your every day skin-care routine?
“The secret’s not the automobile that vitamin C is available in, however the type of vitamin C that’s being utilized,” explains Kristina Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in New York Metropolis. The time period to search for is ascorbic acid (also called L-ascorbic acid), which is essentially the most steady and efficient type of vitamin C in skincare.
That stated, all three dermatologists agree that one of the best sort of vitamin C skin-care product to make use of is serum, as a result of “serums are more practical than lotions or toners” because the thinner texture penetrates the pores and skin extra simply, says Dr. Wexler. (That stated, there are a number of the market which are extra lotion-like and may very well be a good selection for these with drier pores and skin sorts.) Furthermore, including vitamin E into the combo is sort of a one-two punch of skin-saving goodness.
“Pure ascorbic acid has constantly been confirmed to be the best at penetrating the pores and skin barrier,” Dr. Wexler says. “Vitamin C effectiveness [also] will increase when mixed with different antioxidants, corresponding to vitamin E. Collectively, they will double safety in opposition to free-radical harm.”
