Vitamin C: role and benefits on general health and skin
Posted by Ivatherm
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the body fight against harmful free radicals. Vitamin C offers multiple benefits for body health and is a favorite ingredient among dermatologists because it can contribute, among other things, to slowing down the skin aging process and improving the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.
Regardless of whether your skin is normal, sensitive, dry, oily, or combination, vitamin C is beneficial for skin health, helping it look and feel healthier and younger for a longer period. There are two ways to get the necessary vitamin C for skin care: nutritional intake and topical application.
In this article, we will explore what vitamin C is, its role in the body, its health and beauty benefits, and how it can be correctly integrated into a skincare routine.
Table of Contents
Vitamin C: what it is and its role in the body
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, and L-ascorbate, is considered one of the most effective nutrients or active cosmetic ingredients. Since the human body does not produce vitamin C, it must be assimilated from other sources, such as diet or food supplements.
Vitamin C is essential for:
Growth, development, and repair of all body tissues
Iron absorption
Collagen formation
Optimal functioning of the immune system
Maintaining the health of blood vessels, cartilage, bones, and teeth
Wound healing
Another important role of vitamin C in the body is that it protects against damage caused by free radicals and toxic substances, due to its antioxidant properties.
Dietary sources of vitamin C and deficiency symptoms
L-ascorbic acid is a soluble vitamin and is mainly found in fruits and vegetables. Among the foods richest in vitamin C are:
Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
Strawberries
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Parsley
Spinach
Vitamin C deficiency is quite rare in developed countries. In extreme cases, a lack of vitamin C in the body can lead to scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include:
Appearance of spots on the skin (especially on thighs and calves)
Inflamed gums
Joint pain
Slow wound healing
Benefits of vitamin C for body health
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the body, playing an important role in numerous physiological processes. Research conducted over the years has shown that vitamin C offers numerous benefits:
Supporting the immune system
Preventing iron deficiency
Reducing the risk of developing heart conditions
Improving brain function
Protecting memory and cognitive ability
Slowing down the skin aging process
Benefits of vitamin C for the skin
Vitamin C is considered one of the best anti-aging ingredients and the key to maintaining smooth, even, and radiant skin. Although the necessary vitamin C can be obtained from daily diet, this does not guarantee maximum effectiveness for skin health. Therefore, using serums and other topical products is the most direct way to achieve the best results.
Helps fade hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C can fade hyperpigmentation because it inhibits the production of melanin. Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin is produced in excess in certain areas of the skin. When the spots are large and confluent, it is called melasma.
Ivatherm products from the Ivawhite range for sensitive skin depigment, even out, and improve facial radiance. Both the cream and the serum smooth the appearance of skin with hyperpigmentation spots and prevent their reappearance.
Reduces the appearance of dark circles under the eyes
Vitamin C serums can help smooth fine wrinkles by hydrating the under-eye area, reducing puffiness, and increasing skin firmness.
Supports collagen production
Collagen is a protein naturally present in the body. The amount of collagen in the body decreases with age. Among the properties of vitamin C is the increase in collagen production. In fact, collagen synthesis cannot occur without vitamin C.
This is because vitamin C is one of the essential factors for the presence of the two enzymes necessary for collagen synthesis:
Prolyl hydroxylase – stabilizes the collagen molecule
Lysyl hydroxylase – provides structural strength
Can maintain skin elasticity
Collagen production maintains skin elasticity and firmness. When collagen levels begin to drop, the skin may start to sag and become less firm. Applying a vitamin C serum can increase collagen production.
Protects against sun damage
Excessive exposure to oxidative stress through pollutants or UV radiation can lead to a decrease in vitamin C levels in the skin. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, which protect healthy skin cells by "donating" an electron to free radicals and rendering them harmless.
The antioxidants in vitamin C can help defend against damage that sun rays can cause. This does not mean that using a vitamin C serum can replace sun protection.
May help soothe sunburn
In addition to minimizing skin redness, vitamin C accelerates cellular healing and reduces inflammation. Topical application of vitamin C, in combination with vitamin E, helps reduce lesions caused by sunburn.
Stimulates wound healing
Vitamin C can accelerate general wound healing and reduce inflammation. The necessary intake for wound healing can be obtained from diet, food supplements, or by applying products containing it topically. Wound healing is associated with collagen formation, and vitamin C stimulates the production of this protein.
Gives skin radiance
Vitamin C can help fade pigmentation and smooth the skin's surface. Topical application of vitamin C prevents melanin production, giving the skin a youthful glow.
Reduces redness and evens skin tone
Vitamin C acts as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its antioxidant capacity, meaning it helps soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness, ensuring a clear and smooth skin tone.
Helps smooth wrinkles
Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient used in many anti-aging products. Some studies show that it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles when vitamin C-based products are used for at least 12 weeks.
How to use vitamin C
L-ascorbic acid is the natural form of vitamin C and, when not mixed with other ingredients, is best absorbed by the skin, acting immediately. Various vitamin C derivatives are used in cosmetic products, among the most common being magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbic glucoside (vitamin Cg).
Et-VC™ is a stable derivative of Vitamin C, which inhibits tyrosinases, enzymes involved in melanin production (TYR, TRP2), promoting skin radiance. It is a depigmenting agent with anti-aging effects as potent as Vitamin C, but with much better physicochemical stability.
Vitamin C serums
Vitamin C serums are among the best skincare products because they are absorbed by the skin more quickly and effectively. They are applied morning and/or evening, after cleansing and toning the skin and before applying moisturizer and sun protection.
How long does it take for results to appear?
Most skincare products need time to produce visible effects, and vitamin C products need more time, even if used daily. The first significant changes in the skin appear after six to eight weeks.
What concentration is ideal?
The concentration of vitamin C in serums and creams is between 10% and 15%.
Below 10%: weak effects
Above 15%: increased risk of skin irritation
Product testing and possible adverse reactions
Although topical vitamin C is generally well tolerated, many skin products have the potential to cause irritation. Therefore, a patch test should always be performed to assess the risk of an allergic reaction. Apply the product to a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to observe the body's reaction. It is advisable to discontinue use if you experience a skin rash, redness, or hives.
Using with other active ingredients
Particular attention should be paid to combinations of active ingredients. For example, vitamin C plus retinol. Together, these can irritate the skin, because retinol has a high allergenic potential. Therefore, it is recommended to use them on alternate days.
Proper storage of vitamin C products
Vitamin C products should be stored away from light and air to prevent vitamin C destabilization.
The cap must be tightly sealed after use
The product should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place
It is recommended that cosmetic products containing vitamin C have dark packaging
In conclusion, vitamin C is one of the most effective and studied ingredients for skin care. The levels of this powerful antioxidant in the skin are highest in adolescence and early adulthood, but naturally decrease with age. Cosmetic products containing vitamin C, such as serums and moisturizers, are used for rejuvenation, firmer, brighter, and healthier skin.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Vitamin C: role and benefits on general health and skin
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the body fight against harmful free radicals. Vitamin C offers multiple benefits for body health and is a favorite ingredient among dermatologists because it can contribute, among other things, to slowing down the skin aging process and improving the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots.
Regardless of whether your skin is normal, sensitive, dry, oily, or combination, vitamin C is beneficial for skin health, helping it look and feel healthier and younger for a longer period. There are two ways to get the necessary vitamin C for skin care: nutritional intake and topical application.
In this article, we will explore what vitamin C is, its role in the body, its health and beauty benefits, and how it can be correctly integrated into a skincare routine.
Table of Contents
Vitamin C: what it is and its role in the body
Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid, and L-ascorbate, is considered one of the most effective nutrients or active cosmetic ingredients. Since the human body does not produce vitamin C, it must be assimilated from other sources, such as diet or food supplements.
Vitamin C is essential for:
Another important role of vitamin C in the body is that it protects against damage caused by free radicals and toxic substances, due to its antioxidant properties.
Dietary sources of vitamin C and deficiency symptoms
L-ascorbic acid is a soluble vitamin and is mainly found in fruits and vegetables. Among the foods richest in vitamin C are:
Vitamin C deficiency is quite rare in developed countries. In extreme cases, a lack of vitamin C in the body can lead to scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include:
Benefits of vitamin C for body health
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the body, playing an important role in numerous physiological processes. Research conducted over the years has shown that vitamin C offers numerous benefits:
Benefits of vitamin C for the skin
Vitamin C is considered one of the best anti-aging ingredients and the key to maintaining smooth, even, and radiant skin. Although the necessary vitamin C can be obtained from daily diet, this does not guarantee maximum effectiveness for skin health. Therefore, using serums and other topical products is the most direct way to achieve the best results.
Helps fade hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C can fade hyperpigmentation because it inhibits the production of melanin. Hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin is produced in excess in certain areas of the skin. When the spots are large and confluent, it is called melasma.
Reduces the appearance of dark circles under the eyes
Vitamin C serums can help smooth fine wrinkles by hydrating the under-eye area, reducing puffiness, and increasing skin firmness.
Supports collagen production
Collagen is a protein naturally present in the body. The amount of collagen in the body decreases with age. Among the properties of vitamin C is the increase in collagen production. In fact, collagen synthesis cannot occur without vitamin C.
This is because vitamin C is one of the essential factors for the presence of the two enzymes necessary for collagen synthesis:
Can maintain skin elasticity
Collagen production maintains skin elasticity and firmness. When collagen levels begin to drop, the skin may start to sag and become less firm. Applying a vitamin C serum can increase collagen production.
Protects against sun damage
Excessive exposure to oxidative stress through pollutants or UV radiation can lead to a decrease in vitamin C levels in the skin. Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants, which protect healthy skin cells by "donating" an electron to free radicals and rendering them harmless.
The antioxidants in vitamin C can help defend against damage that sun rays can cause. This does not mean that using a vitamin C serum can replace sun protection.
May help soothe sunburn
In addition to minimizing skin redness, vitamin C accelerates cellular healing and reduces inflammation. Topical application of vitamin C, in combination with vitamin E, helps reduce lesions caused by sunburn.
Stimulates wound healing
Vitamin C can accelerate general wound healing and reduce inflammation. The necessary intake for wound healing can be obtained from diet, food supplements, or by applying products containing it topically. Wound healing is associated with collagen formation, and vitamin C stimulates the production of this protein.
Gives skin radiance
Vitamin C can help fade pigmentation and smooth the skin's surface. Topical application of vitamin C prevents melanin production, giving the skin a youthful glow.
Reduces redness and evens skin tone
Vitamin C acts as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its antioxidant capacity, meaning it helps soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness, ensuring a clear and smooth skin tone.
Helps smooth wrinkles
Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient used in many anti-aging products. Some studies show that it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles when vitamin C-based products are used for at least 12 weeks.
How to use vitamin C
L-ascorbic acid is the natural form of vitamin C and, when not mixed with other ingredients, is best absorbed by the skin, acting immediately. Various vitamin C derivatives are used in cosmetic products, among the most common being magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbic glucoside (vitamin Cg).
Vitamin C serums
Vitamin C serums are among the best skincare products because they are absorbed by the skin more quickly and effectively. They are applied morning and/or evening, after cleansing and toning the skin and before applying moisturizer and sun protection.
How long does it take for results to appear?
Most skincare products need time to produce visible effects, and vitamin C products need more time, even if used daily. The first significant changes in the skin appear after six to eight weeks.
What concentration is ideal?
The concentration of vitamin C in serums and creams is between 10% and 15%.
Product testing and possible adverse reactions
Although topical vitamin C is generally well tolerated, many skin products have the potential to cause irritation. Therefore, a patch test should always be performed to assess the risk of an allergic reaction. Apply the product to a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to observe the body's reaction. It is advisable to discontinue use if you experience a skin rash, redness, or hives.
Using with other active ingredients
Particular attention should be paid to combinations of active ingredients. For example, vitamin C plus retinol. Together, these can irritate the skin, because retinol has a high allergenic potential. Therefore, it is recommended to use them on alternate days.
Proper storage of vitamin C products
Vitamin C products should be stored away from light and air to prevent vitamin C destabilization.
In conclusion, vitamin C is one of the most effective and studied ingredients for skin care. The levels of this powerful antioxidant in the skin are highest in adolescence and early adulthood, but naturally decrease with age. Cosmetic products containing vitamin C, such as serums and moisturizers, are used for rejuvenation, firmer, brighter, and healthier skin.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.