This free radical-fighting power is not only important for preventing the signs of premature aging; Vitamin C, which neutralizes these free radicals, may also help protect skin from precancerous changes caused by UV exposure, says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. The doctor said earlier. allure.
How else does vitamin C benefit your skin?
Surprisingly, vitamin C’s skin-protecting effects aren’t just due to its antioxidant properties. It also has many other skin-healing benefits, making it a great option for those looking for happy, healthy skin. As an example, studies have shown that topical use of vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Remember: Collagen and elastin are both naturally occurring protein fibers that help keep your skin plump and firm. Therefore, topical vitamin C can help prevent signs of skin aging, such as fine lines and lack of elasticity, by promoting collagen production.
Another great thing about ingredients: allure previously reported that it inhibits the action of the enzyme tyrosinase (the main enzyme involved in the conversion of tyrosine to melanin) and thus reduces melanin production. And it’s the formation of melanin that causes skin discoloration, such as age spots and hyperpigmentation, Dr. Wexler explains. With continued topical use, vitamin C can help prevent dark spots from forming in the first place, and can also reactively treat dark spots that have already formed.
How can you add vitamin C to your daily skin care routine?
“It’s not the vehicle in which vitamin C is taken that matters, but the form of vitamin C that is applied,” explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Christina Goldenberg, MD. A notable term is ascorbic acid (also known as L-ascorbic acid). Ascorbic acid is the most stable and effective form of vitamin C in skin care.
That being said, all three dermatologists agree that the best vitamin C skin care product to use is a serum. That’s because “serums are more effective than creams or toners,” says Dr. Wechsler, because the thinner the texture, the easier it is to penetrate the skin. (That said, there are also more lotion-like options on the market, which can be a good option for those with dry skin types.) Plus, adding vitamin E to the mix can provide a one-two skin-protecting effect. It’s like what you get with a punch. .
“Pure ascorbic acid has consistently been shown to be the most effective at penetrating the skin barrier,” says Dr. Wexler. “Efficacy of vitamin C” [also] Increased when combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin E. Together, they provide double protection against free radical damage. ”
