You probably know that Vitamin C is good for your immune system, but do you know it’s also food for your skin?
Vitamin C is a powerful, naturally occurring antioxidant. It’s used externally to alleviate a variety of skin conditions such as:
- Creating the appearance of a brighter, even complexion
- Promoting an even skin tone
- Brightening your look
- Minimizing the appearance of wrinkles
- Lessens the appearance of temporary redness
- Reducing the appearance of dullness
- Reducing the appearance of aging
- Protecting skin from environmental stressors
NATURAL VITAMINS
These come from fruits, plants, and other natural sources. They’re found in peppers, berries, citrus fruits, and other natural foods.
SYNTHETIC VITAMINS
These are made in the lab, usually from ingredients like acetone and corn syrup. They are blended with other artificial ingredients to promote absorption.
WHY DO BEAUTY COMPANIES USE SYNTHETIC VITAMIN C?
- The synthetic versions are more stable and last longer than natural vitamins.
- Synthetic vitamin C is a cheaper way to include the nutrient in product formulations.
- Natural vitamin C is sensitive to high temperatures. Synthetic vitamin C, however, can survive pasteurization. That’s why ascorbic acid is a common ingredient in things like orange juice.
You’re likely to find artificial vitamin C listed in products as one of these:
- Ascorbic acid
- L-ascorbic acid
- Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
- Ascorbyl palmitate
- Ascorbic acid polypeptide
- Ascorbyl glucosamine
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate
- Ascorbyl glucoside
- Ester-C
- Sodium ascorbyl palmitate
Applying topical vitamin C
When applying topical vitamin C, make sure your skin is clean. Always pat serums into your face (don’t rub), so you don’t break down the ingredients.
