If you’re remotely invested in skincare, you’ve likely heard topical Vitamin C talked about extensively. Found in skincare in the absorbable form of ascorbic acid, this antioxidant powerhouse promises brighter and bouncier skin, more even complexion, and improved texture and hydration. And you know what? It delivers.
With consistent use, you can expect:
- Lightening of dark spots, and more even skin tone
- Improved skin resilience through collagen production
- Reduction in signs of oxidative damage, like wrinkles and thinness
- Repairs to the skin’s lipid barrier, improving skin hydration and reducing TEWL
Let’s #ClntheSlate on how
Promotes Even Skin Tone
People with discoloration due to acne scarring or sun damage turn to Vitamin C for it’s well-known skin brightening properties. It’s been shown to inhibit melanin production in the skin; to be clear, this does NOT make vitamin C a whitening agent. It does mean, however, that dark spots caused by overproduction of melanin – including trauma induced spots – will begin to lighten and fade.
Stabilizes Collagen Production and Skin Barrier Health
Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to stabilize collagen production, but even applied topically, a well absorbed Vitamin C helps to improve collagen synthesis and stability. Vitamin C also promotes barrier lipid production, which helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and in turn improve skin hydration and texture. Topical solutions need to be at least 8% concentration to produce results; effective products tend to fall within the 10-20% concentration range
Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants like Vitamin C are essential for fighting free-radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules – meaning they are missing an electron – that wreak havoc on the skin by bonding to other stable molecules. Their attempt to make themselves “whole” in this manner results in oxidative stress. When the system is overwhelmed by free radicals, the result is skin damage, which can present as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, and thinning or sagging. Antioxidants like Vitamin C stabilize free radicals by donating an electron, neutralizing them, and halting their capacity to inflict damage.
Right now, my two favorite topical Vitamin C products are The Vitamin C 23 Serum ($25 at COSRX.com) and Matter of Fact Brightening and Firming Serum ($92 at matteroffact.com). Check out my TikTok video where I explain why.
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