Skin Care With Vitamin C

nnVitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is tremendously effective against preventing and treating aging signs such as wrinkles, fine lines and sun damage. In fact, L-ascorbic acid, a popular form of Vitamin C stimulates collagen production within the skin cells, corrects pigmentation issues and reduces the damage caused by free radicals.nnAdvantages of Vitamin CnnThere is perhaps no one skin care ingredient that provides so many advantages as does Vitamin C. It not only prevents skin damage but also helps reverse the damage in some cases. Here are some of its prime advantages.nnProduction of CollagennnVitamin C has the intrinsic ability to stimulate collagen production within the skin cells. Collagen renders firmness and tautness to the skin and as its levels begin to deplete, the skin starts developing wrinkles and fine lines. By stimulating the production of collagen, Vitamin C also helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and also enhances the overall quality of the skin. Moreover, it increases the hydration levels and prevents skin dryness.nnImprovement in PigmentationnnAnother very important benefit of Vitamin C is that it treats photo damage, damage caused to the skin by excessive sun exposure. This will help even out skin tone.nnDefense against Free RadicalsnnFree radicals are formed as a result of the accumulation of pollutants, exposure to sunlight, stress, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Once formed, these free radicals can damage the healthy skin cells and break down the collagen fibers. This accelerates premature aging of the skin and may even have severe consequences like skin cancer. Vitamin C fights against the free radicals and prevents any damage caused by them.nnHowever, as ironic as it may sound, Vitamin C can also produce free radicals. When Vitamin C based skin care products come in contact with heat or sunlight, the consistency of the product changes and can lead to the formation of free radicals. This is why Vitamin C is often combined with other antioxidants like vitamin E to negate this effect..nnDifferent Forms of Vitamin CnnVitamin C is available in different forms. Here are some of the most popular ones.nnL-Ascorbic AcidnnIt is perhaps the most active form of Vitamin C. L-ascorbic acid is water soluble and is highly unstable in topical skin care products. However, there are a variety of skin care formulations that use its stabilized form.nnThis is a fat soluble form of Vitamin C that is much more stable that the former. In fact, it is also less irritating and thus better for the skin. Because it is fat soluble, it protects the skin better against free radicals and stimulates the renewal of Vitamin E.nnSources of Vitamin CnnVitamin C can be taken orally as well as applied topically. However, oral intake of Vitamin C is eventually flushed out by the body. So, it is important you apply it topically as well.nnOral SourcesnnVitamin C can be taken as oral supplements. Moreover, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, broccoli, tomatoes, berries etc are very rich sources of it.nnTopical SourcesnnThere are a variety of skin care products available in the market that contain Vitamin C. However, be careful while making a purchase. Here are some tips.nnBuy skin care products that have more than 10 per cent concentration of Vitamin C. Look for ingredients like L-ascorbic acid and Ascorbyl palmitate.nCheck the expiration date and packaging details. The product should come in an air tight brown glass jar or metal tube.nStore the product in a cool dark place and replace the lid or cap tightly after use.nDispose the product if it becomes yellow or brown in color.nnProduct Suggestions:nniS Clinical Pro-Heal SerumnnIt is a revolutionary skin care formulation comprises of 15% Vitamin C, 1% Vitamin E and 1% retinol combined with powerful antioxidants and olive leaf extracts. It heals the skin and improves skin integrity in addition to enhancing skin texture and prevents damage by the ultraviolet radiations of sunlight. It has 0.5% of kojic acid that evens out skin pigmentation and prevents the occurrence of acne. And the zinc sulfate helps reduce inflammation.nnObagi Professional C Serum 10 PercentnnThis is an amazing serum that contains 10 per cent Vitamin C contents that neutralizes the effect of free radicals and hence prevents any skin damage. The absolute strength of Vitamin C lends superior protection to your skin and the 10% concentration caters to dry and sensitive skin types.nn