et Skin Series: Vitamin C

CAIRO - 26 January 2018: Vitamin C is a hallowed ingredient of skincare, and has been for decades. We’re all used to taking vitamin C internally to boost our immune system, and to get over flus and colds. Typically, Vitamin C is known to protect against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, eye disease, and stroke, among many other health issues. It can even help with stress, as vitamin C is one of the first nutrients to deplete in the body with stress, so taking a supplement of it can help your overall health. High concentrations of vitamin C in the blood are associated with lower risks of stroke.

Deficiency of vitamin C is relatively rare, and usually seen in malnourished adults. In extreme cases, it can lead to scurvy, which is characterized by weakness, anemia, bruising, bleeding, and loss of teeth. But topically, the ingredient is just as effective for a different set of concerns.


Oranges, a potent source of vitamin C - CC/Pixabay
Vitamin C is also known as an excellent skincare ingredient. It’s a fantastic anti-aging ingredient, a collagen-booster and a glow enhancer. It’s also an anti-oxidant, which means it prevents free radical damage in your skin caused by environmental stress factors, thereby preventing signs of aging and sunspots. This is done by a process of vitamin C donating electrons to neutralize free radicals created by oxidation. Vitamin C can aid the skin’s ability to heal itself, meaning it can help reduce red and brown spots. It can help reduce inflammation and even out your skin tone.


Lemons, a potent source of vitamin C - CC/Pixabay
Vitamin C comes in many forms in skincare: pure L-asorbic acid, which is the most potent form, and the most researched form, and also many derivatives such as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ester-C, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate and retinyl ascorbate. All forms have the same benefits to varying degrees, and to know which one to use, it’s best to consult your dermatologist.