Most of us are very familiar with Vitamin C. You know it’s also known as Ascorbic Acid or L-Ascorbic Acid. You know it’s in foods like oranges. You know it’s supposed to help lessen the severity of colds. And you’ve probably got a container of orange flavoured tablets containing it sitting in your cupboard. But, did you know it’s the primary antioxidant for collagen production in your skin? Let’s take a closer look at this super antioxidant and why your skin needs its own source of it.
What does Vitamin C have to do with collagen in the skin?
Vitamin C is far more than just a supplement. It’s actually responsible for hundreds of different processes in your body.
There are three which are of most interest to us here. First is that it regulates the synthesis of collagen, which is what helps to give structure to our skin. Second is that it is a natural photo-protectant and shields the skin against the oxidative stress and free radical damage which occur after UV exposure, and contribute to collagen breaking down in your skin. And the third is that it inhibits the formation of melanin in the skin.
However, Vitamin C in our skin is rapidly lost through exposure to UV rays which it’s trying to help protect us against. We’re sure you’re doing the math here, right?
So how to do I get Vitamin C to my skin?
Ok. Put down the bottle of tablets you’re about to pour into a mortar and pestle and start rubbing into your skin. The thing with Vitamin C is that there are different types of it and it’s quite acidic by nature. You want to be sure you’re getting this right and not accidentally causing any damage.
Of course, you could argue that simply taking Vitamin C tablets should help, right? Well, to an extent, maybe. But when you remember that Vitamin C is responsible for hundreds of processes in the body, and that the body has a tendency to rank your skin as a far less important than your other organs, it’s pretty reasonable to assume that it’s not going to be sending heaps of it to your skin. Think you could just supersize your dose so there’s plenty of it for all your organs and skin? The side effects of having too much Vitamin C in your system include diarrhea, nausea and insomnia. Fun!
Instead, you’re far better off to give your skin its own direct source of Vitamin C through topical application of a product which delivers it in a stable formulation (and won’t have you running for the bathroom).
Wait, Vitamin C can be unstable?
Yep. As it’s an acid, in its purest form Vitamin C can be quite unstable, and the presence of water will immediately begin to oxidise it. Once this starts, the effectiveness of your Vitamin C will begin to decline.
This has always presented challenges for formulators. One way to address this has been to formulate using a Vitamin C Ester such as Ethyl Ascorbic Acid which the skin is then able to convert a percentage of into L-Ascorbic Acid.
However, in order to deliver pure L-Ascorbic Acid directly to the skin to maximise its benefits and bioavailability, we have created a genius new waterless formulation.
Meet Vitamin C Paste with 10% L-Ascorbic Acid
Silky soft and completely waterless, Vitamin C Paste with 10% Ascorbic Acid creates a weightless, elastic lattice over your skin and drip-feeds it pure and stable Vitamin C, thus enhancing your skin’s contact time with the active ingredient and ensuring maximum penetration into your skin.
It also features Shea Butter which helps to buffer the acidity of the L-Ascorbic Acid and boost your skin’s barrier function to make sure it is better able to take on the Vitamin C.
This transformative paste is particularly ideal for mature skins which are beginning to lose collagen and elastin. It can also prove beneficial for skins with pigmentation.
And, if that’s not enough, it’s also an amazing primer for under your makeup.
Vitamin C + SPF = BFFs
A quick word of warning; while Vitamin C does provide our skin with oxidative protection, it is definitely NOT a replacement for SPF. However, what we do advocate is the use of these two together. Apply your Vitamin C first, then layer your SPF over the top for the ultimate protection against extrinsic ageing.
Which of your Vitamin C products is best for my skin?
Our new Vitamin C Paste with 10% L-Ascorbic Acid is a potent treatment which is better suited to normal to dry more mature skins which need to take the next step in their skincare arsenal. On the other hand, our Vitamin C Serum with Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is excellent for those who are seeking a more gentle, entry-level approach to vitamin supplementation for your skin, and for skins where L-Ascorbic Acid may be too stimulating, such as those with rosacea and/or active breakouts.
If you’re unsure which product will be best suited to your skin’s unique needs, we’re here to help! Request a live online skin consultation and one of our highly trained therapists will assist you in making the right choice for you.