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One of the darlings of any anti-aging skin care regimen, Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) can now be found in creams, serums, powders and even eye and lip treatments. What’s good to know is that Vitamin C is an effective ingredient and delivers many benefits to skin.There is considerable evidence to support Vitamin C’s effectiveness on skin, which includes:
New Apothekari Antioxidant C + E contains ferulic acid as well. These ingredients work synergistically to provide additional protection to skin cells, fight free radical damage more effectively and enhance the stability of Vitamin C. It is truly one of the most effective Vitamin C products available today.
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Concentrations over 10%, but not greater than 20%, offer the most benefit. Though well tolerated by most skin types, sensitivity is reduced by sticking to lower concentrations, between 10 and 15%. One of the main drawbacks of Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is that it is quite unstable. When exposed to air, Vitamin C preparations that are not formulated correctly will oxidize (break down) and become ineffective as well as potentially harmful. This is because oxidized Vitamin C may increase the formation of free radicals which lead to skin damage. Oxidized Vitamin C will take on a yellowish tinge so look for clear solutions or white creams and powders, a good indication that your formulation is stable and therefore, effective and safe. Look for products from reputable manufacturers ensuring that your formulation is safe and effective.
Incorporating Vitamin C into your skin care regimen
Like any skin care product, one containing Vitamin C will not necessarily benefit everyone. And though studies have shown Vitamin C to be well tolerated, some skin types may not take to it very well.
However, if you are concerned about uneven skin tone, sun damaged skin, wrinkles and even hyperpigmented areas, you may wish to try Vitamin C. Vitamin C at lower concentrations will perform antioxidant activity, but concentrations of at least 5% are required to increase collagen synthesis (and thereby have any effect on wrinkles or fine lines) or to assist with hyperpigmentation. As with any new skin product, a skin patch test is always recommended.
Depending on your skin type, a Vitamin C preparation may be added instead of a moisturizer or in addition to your moisturizer. You may want to consider the following:
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La Roche Posay Active C – 5% Vitamin C This 5% concentration of stable L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) has been shown to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles in studies. Two formulations – dry and normal/combination skin. |
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La Roche Posay Redermic – 5% Vitamin C, madecassoside Formulated for women with deeper lines and wrinkles, like Active C, Redermic contains 5% stable L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) with the added benefit of madecassoside and hyaluronic acid. Madecassoside is a botanical that has been shown to increase collagen synthesis; hyaluronic acid helps the skin to retain moisture, helping to smooth fine lines. Two formulations – dry and normal/combination skin. |
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Neostrata Total Radiance Concentrate 10% stable Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) delivered in single dose capsules to boost skin’s radiance and collagen production. |
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One of the highest concentrations of Vitamin C – 20% – Skin Brightener is formulated in a unique base to retain stability. Though marketed to improve skin radiance by decreasing discolorations, Vitamin C at this concentration will also help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen sythesis. |
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