Skin benefits of vitamin C A few clinical studies have demonstrated that vitamin C can improve wrinkles. One study showed that daily use of a vitamin C formulation for at least three months improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles of the face and neck, as well as improved overall skin texture and appearance.
So, should I use vitamin C or retinol for wrinkles? Well, when it comes right down to it, the choice is really in what you're looking to do for your skin. While vitamin C is incredible for the skin because of its ability to help brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, the best active ingredient for wrinkles is retinol.
As you age, you lose collagen, which causes the skin to sink and create wrinkles. The decline of collagen also allows facial expressions and movements to leave marks on our faces. Vitamin C is known to give you younger and firmer skin because it increases and stimulates collagen production to avoid aging in your skin.
As a powerful anti-oxidant, Vitamin C neutralizes the free radicals that cause oxidative stress to skin and lead to premature skin aging. It is also essential to the production of collagen in skin cells, helping to support skin structure and delay signs of aging.
In addition to exercising caution when applying vitamin-C serums to one's face, Ordovás says anyone with sensitive skin or allergies should be especially careful. "Some individuals may experience redness, stinging or itching when using high-concentration vitamin C products," he warns.
Vitamin C: 3 weeks – 2 months
You should see noticeable improvements within 3 weeks. It can help significantly fade hyperpigmentation in about two months.
For adults age 50 and older, the recommended dietary intake of vitamin C is 90 mg / day for men and 75 mg / day for women, with an upper limit of 2,000 mg / day. This recommended intake generally does not increase as we get older.
Skin benefits of vitamin C
A few clinical studies have demonstrated that vitamin C can improve wrinkles. One study showed that daily use of a vitamin C formulation for at least three months improved the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles of the face and neck, as well as improved overall skin texture and appearance.
Dr. Chiu warns that because vitamin C is a skin-care “active”—meaning it's particularly potent—applying too much of it on your face can potentially lead to more breakouts or irritation. Keep it to a max of two applications a day when a formula that has no more than 10% vitamin C each time.
Vitamin E oil and capsules are hugely popular all over the world to tighten up skin. Vitamin E protect the skin from anti-ageing effects caused by sun by absorbing harmful UV light from the sun when applied topically. Sources of vitamin E: Spinach, almonds, sunflower oil, avocado, peanuts, broccoli, olive oil, etc.
Hyaluronic acid works to leave the skin looking plump and keeps it hydrated and moisturized over time, while vitamin C specifically works to protect the skin from sun damage and fades discoloration in the skin due to acne. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that is already present in the skin to draw in moisture.
One of the best forms of Vitamin C to use on skin is 100% Stabilized Vitamin C. At DERMA E, we use a form of stabilized Vitamin C called, sodium ascorbyl phosphate that works to brighten, tone and prevent premature signs of aging.
Retinol. "Also known as vitamin A, this is one of the most effective skin-transforming ingredients," Linkner says. Retinol is part of a larger group known as retinoids, of which there are many prescription and over-the-counter options, though to keep things simple, they all work essentially the same way.
Get moving
Staying active is helpful in maintaining a healthy weight, but did you know that it has been proven to also help you look younger? Research has shown that vigorous exercise, especially high intensity interval training (HIIT), can slow your aging at a cellular level by nearly 10 years.
However, the best way to know, according to Dr Kiran, is to notice the difference in your skin. “If you use the serum for a month and find your skin to be bright, clear, less sensitive to the sun, and you are feeling fresher, then vitamin C is definitely working,” she said.
You are NOT storing your Vitamin C serum properly.
An oxidized serum is no longer effective in fighting free radicals. The average life expectancy of vitamin C serums is about three months after opening. After this period, you can expect to see some browning in its color with less potency.
Vitamin C is best used in concentrations between 5% and 15% and should be applied once daily after cleansing in the morning or night. Keep in mind that vitamin C is highly acidic, which may lead to skin irritation. To avoid any irritations, test a small area of your skin before applying it to your face.
But overall, stick to using water-based products and serums together. AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
Safety and side effects
Taking too much vitamin C can cause side effects, including: Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Heartburn. Stomach cramps or bloating.
Dermatologists recommend you apply vitamin C serum before you apply moisturiser and sunscreen. The steps for application are: Use a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup or free radicals from your skin. Apply a few drops of vitamin C serum to your face and neck, and gently rub in.