Vitamin C: What Is It, Benefits, Side Effects, and What To Mix
When talking about vitamin C, the first thing that always comes first in my mind is orange or lemon. They are rich in vitamin C and its benefits. However, if you want to reap similar benefits topically, vitamin C skincare products are going to be your favorites. Let’s get to know vitamin C better here.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin essential for human health functions. While it has a huge role in our health system, it also has emerged as an important player in our skin health and appearance. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C that you should get is 75–120 milligrams for adults. You can reap its benefits from the inside, from the food or supplements that you take, and topically from the outside.
How does vitamin C benefit us?
- Vitamin C fights free radicals
Your skin is constantly exposed to highly reactive molecules that steal electrons called free radicals. These free radicals can also steal the essential electrons contained in your skin. This can accelerate the signs of aging and loss of elasticity.
This is where vitamin C comes to help you. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant by ‘donating’ electrons and neutralizing those free radicals. To put it simply, more antioxidants = less free radicals = less skin cell damage.
- Vitamin C improves collagen production
Collagen is the foundation of your skin’s elasticity. As we age, the collagen production in our skin decreases, contributing to the appearance of wrinkles and saggy skin. Vitamin C helps in boosting collagen in your skin. Vitamin C which neutralizes free radicals also indirectly protects collagen from oxidative damage.
- Vitamin C helps in skin brightening
Melanin is a pigment responsible for giving your skin color. Hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tones are the results of uneven melanin distribution. Vitamin C works by preventing the activity of an enzyme that plays a big role in melanin production called tyrosinase. Slowing down tyrosinase’s activity can result in a more even and brighter skin tone.
What works best with vitamin C for optimum results
Taking vitamin C orally will benefit your health and also your skin as well. However, you can focus on treating your skin by applying it topically, whether in the form of toner, serum, or anything else. Gain the most optimum results by combining vitamin C with other ingredients.
Can I use vitamin C together with niacinamide?
Yes! Both vitamin C and niacinamide help you to reduce uneven skin tone and dark spot appearances. Layering them together will give you faster results in brightening.
Is it safe to layer vitamin C with hyaluronic acid?
Absolutely. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C complement each other. Hyaluronic acid works by retaining moisture in your skin, whereas vitamin C can sometimes cause skin irritation and dryness.
Can I mix vitamin C with vitamin E?
Of course! Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals. They will help your skin to fight different types of UV rays. By combining them together, you will get powerful protection from UV rays damage, reducing the risk of skin problems.
Should I use sunscreen after vitamin C?
Yes! In general, using any product under sunlight will require you to apply sunscreen or any SPF protection. Vitamin C which fights off free radicals will be a perfect partner for sunscreen that protects your skin from UV damage.
Can I use vitamin C with retinol?
It is not recommended to layer vitamin C with retinol. Retinol itself is a magical ingredient that will leave your skin plump and glowing by promoting skin cell turnover. Using retinol together with vitamin C can result in a higher risk of unbearable side effects.
