The ingredient
While you might usually associate Vitamin C with your morning glass of orange juice or daily supplement, it also has incredible benefits when applied topically as skincare. This potent ingredient has gained particular traction the past couple of years, with brands formulating everything from serums to masks with its youthful brightening potential.
The science
And it’s not all hype. Studies have shown that Vitamin C, in its purest form, is the only antioxidant to increase collagen synthesis. This is because it is an L-ascorbic acid, which helps form prolyl hydroxylase, an enzyme necessary for the creation of a stable collagen molecule. Not only this, but it’s also essential for the enzyme lysyl hydroxylase, which improves tissue strength by crosslinking collagen molecules together.
It’s important to note that these effects are only possible at certain concentrations (5% or more), as Vitamin C first has to penetrate the skin, and then remain stable for this biological impact to take place. It’s also worth remembering that not all Vitamin C products are created equal, and that certain formulations can fail to penetrate the cutaneous barrier and have no effect whatsoever.
For example, while L-ascorbic acid has proven anti-ageing benefits as a result of its role in collagen synthesis, there is minimal evidence regarding the effectiveness of the ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl palmitate, or calcium ascorbate forms.
Remember too to keep an eye out for tinted bottles, and to keep your Vitamin C in a dark cupboard or draw. This is because it oxidises and loses efficacy when exposed to light, heat and air. Alternatively, to avoid worrying about oxidation altogether, we would recommend booking in for an in-clinic treatment such as our Baby Face facial.
As a bespoke laser treatment, you have the option of adding our high strength Vitamin C serum (20 %) into tiny microchannels created by the LaseMD technology. This allows for deep penetration and youth-enhancing results in just 30 minutes, with zero downtime.
The benefits
Along with the anti-ageing benefits of collagen synthesis, which include a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, Vitamin C heals and hydrates the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
What’s more, the antioxidant qualities of Vitamin C support the neutralisation of oxidative stress. A cause of premature signs of ageing, Oxidative stress is caused by the environmental aggressors we’re exposed to in everyday life, such as pollution and sun radiation.
Other wonderful benefits of Vitamin C include an evening of skin tone, reduced pigmentation and an overall plumper complexion. Skin is firmer, glowing and visibly brighter, while the appearance of fine lines is diminished.
To harness the rejuvenating results of this beauty power player in your own skincare routine, book an appointment at KICHI Studio by messaging us here.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
