Benefits of Vitamin C for your skin
As we age, our skin undergoes many changes. Some of these changes are due to the natural ageing process, while others are caused by sun exposure, diet, and other lifestyle factors. One of the most common signs of ageing is a loss of collagen and elastin in the skin. This can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and other blemishes. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help maintain your skin's youthful appearance. One such step is incorporating quality vitamin C skincare products into your at-home routine.
Let's take a look at how and when to use vitamin C in your skincare and the benefits it can bring.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C, also commonly known as ascorbic acid, is a vitamin that is quite important for the health of your skin. Unfortunately, us humans can’t create vitamin C on our own and therefore have to look to other sources to get an adequate amount of this essential nutrient.
Now, it’s likely that you’re familiar with vitamin C, and probably have a memory or two of being given vitamin C tablets every time you got a cold as a child. That’s because vitamin C is a great nutrient for helping protect against infection and inflammation by boosting the immune system and promoting overall wellness.
But what you might not know, is that vitamin C actually plays a critical role in numerous bodily processes. First and foremost, it is responsible for producing collagen, a protein that is crucial to the health of skin.
But the goodness doesn’t stop there – it also plays an important role in repairing damaged tissue, promoting healthy digestion and growth, and supporting healthy brain function. So whilst vitamin C is working hard to give you healthy, glowing skin, it’s also doing your overall wellness a world of good.
Why is vitamin C important for healthy skin?
If you were to take a stroll down the supplement section of your local chemist or supermarket, you’ll see an array of vitamin C products to choose from. But you might’ve also noticed that vitamin C isn’t just found in tablets and capsules – it’s also found in many skincare products.
Vitamin C plays a key role in promoting healthy skin by providing antioxidants that reduce free radical damage, helping to keep the skin healthy and youthful. It also helps reduce signs of premature ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally, vitamin C has been shown to have many benefits for the skin when used in skincare products. It can renew damaged cells and improve overall tone and texture by promoting collagen production. It’s also been known to help lighten dark spots and correct hyperpigmentation, combatting the effects of sun exposure and ageing.
With all that goodness, the verdict is in – vitamin C is a must-have ingredient in any skincare routine. So be sure to look for products that contain vitamin C if you want healthy, beautiful skin!
Where can we get vitamin C from?
Whilst we love the benefits of adding vitamin C into our skincare products, your skin can also benefit from including more vitamin C rich foods into your diet. The great news is, there’s plenty of options to choose from.
Some of the best dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits – oranges, grapefruits, lemons & limes (did someone say margaritas!?!). Other sources include strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, tomatoes and the ever-polarising brussel sprout. Supplementation is also an option, which can be helpful for people who have trouble absorbing the nutrient from food.
Types of vitamin C
As we’ve explored, vitamin C is a powerful nutrient that offers a wide range of benefits for the skin. While you can find vitamin C in many skincare products, not all forms are created equal.
One of the most popular forms of vitamin C in skincare is L-ascorbic acid, which can be quite unstable. This form of vitamin C is water soluble and therefore has difficulty absorbing through the layers of the skin. It’s therefore important to choose quality vitamin C skincare products that are fat (or lipid) soluble. This will mean that you require less vitamin C in the product, it will have a longer shelf-life (i.e. the ingredients will remain active for longer) and it is likely to be less irritating on your skin.
The ultimate gold standard of vitamin C in skincare products is BV-OSC – which has been tested for a variety of skincare claims, including it’s anti-ageing effect, powerful antioxidant protection and brightening of the skin.
Best vitamin C products to use for your skin
If you're looking to reap the full benefits of vitamin C in your skincare routine, there are a number of great products that you can try. The right product for you will depend on your individual skin type and any conditions you are experiencing. That’s why it’s always important to consult with a qualified aesthetician, who can help determine the best vitamin c skincare products for you.
Vitamin C Serums
Serums typically contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients. So when it comes to delivering an optimal amount of vitamin C to your skin, including a serum in your skincare routine is a great way to see the maximum benefits. Our Lira Clinical Bio Hydra C Serum contains 20% vitamin C – and includes 4 varieties – delivering an ample dose of antioxidants to the skin, to help brighten, hydrate and protect the skin. This is a great product for those with dry, sensitive, oily or pigmented skin and can be useful for those suffering from acne or rosacea.
Vitamin C Crèmes
The Lira Clinical Pro Retinol Crème contains vitamin C:BV-OSC, which is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C that’s been shown to reduce pigmentation, repair damage caused by sun-exposure and increase collagen production, giving you brighter, more toned and even looking skin. This product combines the power of vitamin C with retinol, and plant extracts, making a great solution for those with acne, oily skin or pigmentation.
When it comes to skincare, vitamin C is one of the most important ingredients for promoting healthy and youthful skin. Not only does this nutrient help to keep your skin moisturised and prevent signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines, but it can also boost collagen production, enhance UV protection, and even fight off harmful free radicals. With all these skincare benefits, it's no wonder that so many skincare products these days include Vitamin C as one of their star ingredients.