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The fact that vitamin C contributes to youthful skin is evidenced by the real boom in cosmetics with ascorbic acid that has occurred in the beauty industry. A good reason to understand the beneficial properties of this substance, as well as to study the range of the best, according to the editors of Healthy-Food, vitamin C products.
How does vitamin C work on the skin?
The main function of vitamin C is to fight the oxidative process: under the action of oxygen (its free radicals), cells are destroyed, which leads, among other things, to premature skin aging. Dermatologists call ascorbic acid one of the main antioxidants and recommend cosmetics containing it even for young people.
Check if your skin is in danger of premature loss of elasticity.
Benefits of vitamin C for skin
Participates in the formation of four types of collagen fibers.
It slows down the aging process by reducing the production of metalloproteinases in the skin – enzymes that accelerate the destruction of collagen fibers.
It has a brightening effect, as it activates microcirculation.
Strengthens the protective functions of the skin, helping to restore the lipid barrier (stimulates the synthesis of ceramides).
Prevents the appearance of pigmentation.
Accelerates the renewal of skin cells and restores the production of its own hyaluronic acid.
Vitamin C can do everything: brighten the skin, prevent wrinkles, give radiance.
What beauty products are used
Various forms of vitamin C are used in cosmetics. The most popular is ascorbic or L-ascorbic acid. Usually its concentration is 5-10%. Cosmetic brands include vitamin C in the formulas of creams, masks and serums. As for tonics, here its use is controversial.
The most popular and most optimal format is powders, which are added in portions to cosmetics immediately before use.
Vitamin C is an ingredient in anti-aging and brightening products.
How to choose the right cosmetics with vitamin C
It is important to consider that vitamin C is inherently unstable. Like most antioxidants, it is very susceptible to exposure to air and sunlight, that is, it is destroyed upon contact with them. That is why vitamin C needs specific packaging.
Ideally, a vitamin C product should be packaged in an airtight, opaque container. The best option is a dark glass bottle with a pipette or a pump bottle.
The choice of products with vitamin C depends on the degree of skin sensitivity. If you have a food intolerance to citrus fruits, and your skin reacts with irritation, itching and redness to cosmetics with orange or lemon essential oils, vitamin C may not be for you.
Vitamin C cosmetics should be packed in dark vitamin C bottles.
A negative reaction may not appear immediately. It happens that after a month of using a new serum, the skin becomes covered with small rashes. However, allergic reactions are often caused not by vitamin C itself, but by its derivatives, so choose products with pure L-ascorbic acid.
We recommend starting with the lowest concentrations, do not immediately buy homemade peels with 20% ascorbic acid.
Cosmetics with vitamin C
For our review, we chose only three vitamin C products – the best, according to the editors of the Healthy-Food portal.
Antioxidant youth concentrate LiftActiv, Vichy
Vitamin C is found here at a high concentration of 15%, and is supported by vitamin E and maritime pine polyphenol. Together, they form a powerful antioxidant complex that fights oxidative processes and allows the skin to stay younger for longer.
Filler cream for filling wrinkles for normal and combination skin Vitamin C, La Roche-Posay
The product is packaged in a metal tube with a narrow dispenser nozzle, which means that vitamin C remains as stable as possible. Despite its decent concentration (5%), the serum is suitable for sensitive skin. As a powerful antioxidant, it strengthens the protective functions of the epidermis, evens out the tone of the face and moisturizes thanks to the hyaluronic acid included in the composition.
Intensive anti-wrinkle concentrate Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, Kiehl’s
And another concentrate (this is the form in which vitamin C works best). In addition to vitamin C itself, it contains two kinds of hygroscopic agents: glycerin and propylene glycol to intensively moisturize the skin.