There is a reason why skincare experts rave about Vitamin C – this powerful antioxidant is the key to a smooth, even, glowing complexion.
Sun damage got you in a spin? Bothered by blemishes? Or maybe it’s lines and a loss of firmness? We’ve got two words for you: Vitamin C. Put this powerhouse antioxidant on active duty and your skin will love you for it.
For noticeable results, choose a Vitamin C-based serum, scientifically formulated to penetrate the deeper layers to energise skin at a cellular level. (Just to be clear, a glass of freshly squeezed OJ each morning won’t do the same job.)
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C (or ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant that works to protect skin cells from air pollution, sun damage and other factors that can prematurely age skin. Our bodies need Vitamin C to form muscle and collagen, which assists in wound healing and keeping skin looking plump and firm.
The catch is, Vitamin C is water soluble, which means it cannot be stored in the body for any length of time. So, even if you eat a Vitamin C-rich diet, there is no guarantee it will reach the skin.
Using a topically applied serum is the most effective way to capitalise on the skin-boosting benefits of Vitamin C.
How does Vitamin C benefit skin?
As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C protects skin from free radicals, the unstable oxygen molecules that break down skin cells and cause premature ageing.
When we are young, Vitamin C levels in skin’s upper layers are naturally high, and gradually decline with age. Exposure to the sun and pollution can speed up this process, leaving skin looking and feeling dull, uneven and less firm. The good news is, using Vitamin C in your skincare can help prevent and even reverse damage, so skin looks and feels healthier. It does this by:
Decreasing transepidermal water loss, so skin retains more moisture;
- Reducing inflammation to combat redness;
- Controlling melanin production to fade sunspots, age spots and melasma (an overproduction of melanin);
- Reducing the appearance of under-eye circles by plumping and hydrating the under-eye area;
- Increasing collagen production to boost skin elasticity;
- Protecting against future sun damage. Research shows that when used over time, topical Vitamin C builds up in skin to boost UV protection.
Are some Vitamin C products better than others?
In a word – yes. Vitamin C is a highly unstable molecule that is notoriously difficult to formulate. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for when buying skincare. The source of the Vitamin C a product uses, its concentration and its delivery system will dictate how effective that product is.
Mx Cosmeceutical Serum Vitamin C+ is formulated using a lipid-soluble compound that allows ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) to easily enter the cell membrane. Once inside the skin cell, ascorbic acid boosts collagen and elastin production, and controls melanin production, to improve the look and feel of skin.
Once ascorbic acid is applied to skin, it is immediately absorbed, cannot be washed off, and stays on the skin for up to 72 hours – so it will also give your sunscreen a boost.
How should I use Vitamin C in my skincare?
In the morning, after washing your face, apply Vitamin C as your first layer of sun defence, and to fight the free radicals during the day. Once the serum has soaked in, layer on moisturiser, eye cream and, finally, sunscreen.
Vitamin C is suitable for all skin types and making it part of your daily skincare regime will reap visible rewards. Rest assured that Vitamin C is safe to use with other active ingredients, such as retinols (Vitamin A), alpha hydroxy acids, and sunscreen. Vitamin C can also be applied at night, to aid in skin repair.
Are you ready to see a real difference in your skin? Make the change with Mx Skincare Cosmeceutical Serum Vitamin C+.