Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a Natural Antioxidant
Scientific Name: {Ascorbic acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate}
Common Name: {Vitamin C}
Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants used in skincare products. It is also the most available in many forms. In addition, it neutralizes age-promoting free radicals caused by oxidative stress and inhibits inflammation.
The power of vitamin C was first discovered by sailors on the ocean for weeks without fruit. But, even if they had all the necessary nutrients, they became very sick, even developing bleeding disorders and ulcers on the skin.
Researchers discovered that fruit was essential to the human diet and must contain some substance that our bodies find vitally important. Later, researchers found that this substance is vitamin C.
Though we rarely suffer from such an extreme lack of vitamin C in modern times, our bodies may fail to utilize it properly.
Using a product that contains vitamin C is hugely beneficial. It acts as one of the world's most potent natural antioxidants. Still, it is also naturally anti-bacterial, aids in collagen production, and helps to build the proteins that the skin needs to regenerate, and stimulates blood flow.
So few other ingredients can boast such a wide array of benefits.
Benefits of Topical Vitamin C
- Inhibits Inflammation
- Brightening
- Supports Collagen and Improves Thin Skin
- Evens Skin-Tone and Reduces Spots
- Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Premature aging can start when our skin is over-exposed to UVA and UVB rays from the sun. As a result, free radicals begin careening through the cells. This, in turn, produces more unhealthy cells.
If left unchecked, they could cause cancer. When vitamin C is applied to the skin, it gathers up and neutralizes these cells, eliminating their ability to wreak havoc on our skin.
This is one of the most vital processes of this ingredient, as it can reduce both the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging caused by photodamage.
Vitamin C in Skin Care
The high concentration of antioxidants diminishes the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, this paired with its ability to boost collagen production, really helps firm and plump skin from inside your body.
Vitamin C is a natural skin lightener that makes skin look both better and helps it appear brighter naturally.
As a natural anti-bacterial ingredient, vitamin C helps to combat blemishes. In addition, it helps improve the skin's ability to get rid of a pimple or expel the impurities that cause discolorations.
Most acne is caused by bacteria combined with our body's natural oils, which are trapped in a pore. Therefore, there is less chance that acne will develop by killing off this bacteria.
Vitamin C improves blood flow. As a result, the dermis can better fight off and protect your complexion. Further, this influx of blood renews a healthy face. In addition, this ensures that it is less susceptible to impurities.
Using a topical stable form of Vitamin C is especially best. If you have seen a serum that contains ascorbic acid or another unstable state, it may have been dark orange or brown. This means that it has oxidized and no longer works. MAP or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a stable form.
Healthy Diets and Antioxidants
Furthermore, incorporating Vitamin C into your diet can benefit the whole family. Adults get the antioxidant protection they need, and kids get more muscular bodies and respiratory systems.
One downside is that it is not stored in our bodies. Therefore, it is necessary to consume foods high in vitamin C every day. In fact, this naturally occurring nutrient is easily obtained from dark leafy greens, the pulp of fruits, and everyday herbs.
Sources of Vitamin C:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Herbs
In fact, here are just a few examples of where you can find this amazing antioxidant naturally:
Fruits:
- oranges
- plums
- pears
- apricots
- strawberries
- cherries
- raspberries
- guava
- black currant
- apples
- bananas
- blueberries
- grapefruit
- pineapple
- kiwi
- mango
- cantaloupe
- lemons
- limes
- tomatoes
- papaya
- watermelon
Vegetables:
- chili peppers
- red and green bell peppers
- kale
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- celery
- cucumber
- cabbage
- bok choy
- parsley
- turnip greens
- beets
- leeks
- mustard greens
- collard greens
- Swiss chard
- romaine lettuce
- onions
- spinach
- asparagus
- potatoes
- sweet potato
- winter squash
- green peas
- green beans
- summer squash
- carrots
Herbs:
- basil
- chives
- parsley
- fennel
- thyme
- peppermint
- dill