Benefits of Vitamin C Serum

Table of Content

• Introduction

• What is Vitamin C Serum?

• The Benefits of Vitamin C Serum for Your Skin 

• What Can Vitamin C Do for Your Skin?

• Vitamin C Serum Side Effects

• Tips When Choosing Vitamin C Serum

• Take Home Points

• FAQ on Benefits of Vitamin C Serum

Introduction

Vitamin C serum can offer numerous health benefits for your skin, which include protection against Ultra Violet (UV) rays and promotes collagen production. However, vitamin C serum can trigger side effects in some people. Though topical application of vitamin C serum comes with benefits, not all serums are formulated equally. For instance, the concentration, type and other ingredients in the serum can influence the benefits for your skin. 

Fortunately, you can easily determine the type of vitamin C serum to choose. In this blog, we are going to highlight the vitamin C serum benefits and possible side effects. Read on to find more.

What is Vitamin C Serum?

Vitamin C serum refers to a skin care product that contains vitamin C. It comes in the form of a liquid or gel that is designed for topical application on the skin. These serums are commonly found in stores that deal with skin care products, such as beauty stores, certain drug stores and online stores. One of the important benefits of vitamin C is its antioxidant properties, which protects against free radicals responsible for breaking down elastin and collagen.

Let us now look at the benefits of vitamin C serum for your skin.

The Benefits of Vitamin C Serum for Your Skin 

• Boosts Collagen Production

Collagen is a natural protein found in the skin that depletes as we grow old. When collagen levels decline, it can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Fortunately, research demonstrates that vitamin C can boost production of this protein through a process of collagen synthesis. 

Surprisingly, collagen synthesis can occur without vitamin C. This is mainly because vitamin C is a cofactor for two enzymes necessary in the formation of collagen. Lysyl hydroxylase provides structural strength while prolyl hydroxylase stabilises collagen molecules.

• Hydrates the Skin

One of vitamin C serum benefits for your skin is its hydrating abilities. According to studies, most organs, including the skin, contain high levels of vitamin C. This may suggest that vitamin C builds up in the body through circulation. When vitamin C is topically applied in the form of ascorbic acid, it penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin.

One of vitamin C derivatives called magnesium ascorbyl phosphate which is used in skin care products has been shown to support hydration in the skin. It decreases water loss from the deeper layers and helps the skin to retain moisture.

• It is Suitable for most Skin Types

Vitamin C serum is safe for nearly every skin type. Most people who apply vitamin C serum for an extended period do not report any adverse reactions. However, vitamin C may cause minor skin irritation if concentrations are over 20%. This is why most skin care products have vitamin C concentrations of between 10% and 20%.

• Brightens the Skin

Vitamin C can help diminish skin pigmentation and makes the skin’s surface smoother to reduce dullness. The result is a youthful glow. 

Research demonstrates that the use of vitamin C may assist to impede the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives colour to your skin. By preventing the production of melanin, vitamin C can help to diminish the appearance of dark spots. It may also help to make your skin appear brighter.

• Diminishes Hyperpigmentation

By inhibiting the production of melanin, vitamin C can help to diminish the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which manifests as age spots, melasma and sunspots. These conditions appear when melanin is overproduced in specific areas of the skin. Hyperpigmentation can also occur in areas where acne has been healed. 

Since vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis by regulating the activity of an enzyme called tyrosinase, it is a common ingredient in dermatology to reduce pigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin. It is thus an essential addition to people with acne-prone skin type.

• Protects Against Sun damage

Extensive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and environmental stressors like pollutants has been associated with a depletion of vitamin C levels in the skin. A decline in vitamin C levels has also been witnessed in photodamaged or more mature skin. 

Sun damage is normally associated with molecules known as free radicals, which are atoms with a missing electron. Atoms with a missing electron search for other atoms where they can steal the electron and this can significantly lead to skin damage.

Vitamin C is packed with antioxidants which protect skin cells by offering free electrons to these free radicals and thus rendering them less harmful. 

• Anti-inflammatory Properties

Among the top benefits of vitamin C serum is its anti-inflammatory properties. According to research, vitamin C acts as an anti-inflammatory agent due to its antioxidant properties. This indicates it soothes the skin and promotes puffiness. Vitamin C anti-inflammatory abilities may help to neutralise free radicals responsible for oxidative damage and boost the immune function.

The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C serum can also help to prevent redness, which can cause uneven skin complexion. This combination in reduction of irritation, redness and dark spots can help to give an even and smooth skin tone.

• Diminishes the appearance of under-eye circles

Under-eye circles normally appear due to dehydration and a decline in collagen production. Vitamin C serums may help to smooth out these fine lines by hydrating and plumping the affected eye area. Whereas some people claim it can reduce redness, it has been demonstrated that vitamin C serum may alleviate discoloration caused by under-eye circles.

• May help Reduce Sagginess

Collagen production helps to improve skin’s elasticity and firmness. When collagen levels start to depreciate, your skin may also begin to sag. Topical application of vitamin C serum may boost collagen production, which in turn improves tightening of the skin. This has been demonstrated in studies related to sagging caused by extreme weight loss, ageing and oxidative stress. Vitamin C serum can thus help diminish the appearance of sagging skin and give you a firmer and more toned skin.

• Promotes Wound Healing

Studies demonstrate that vitamin C may accelerate cell turnover which is the process that replaces damaged cells with healthy new ones. When topically applied in combination with vitamin E and other compounds, vitamin C serum can promote wound healing and reduces the chances of infection, inflammation and scarring.

What Can Vitamin C Do for Your Skin?

It is now scientifically evident that vitamin C is a favourite ingredient that can slow premature skin ageing, protect against sun damage, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles . In addition, it may diminish dark spots resulting from sun damage and acne. 

As an antioxidant, vitamin C serum can help to fight free radicals  or toxins that come into contact with your skin from external sources such as air pollution, or from within your body due normal processes like metabolism.  Topical application of vitamin C serum may improve the overall appearance of your skin by combating free radicals.

Vitamin C Serum Side Effects

Although most people may not experience negative side effects from topical application of vitamin C serum, some rare cases have been reported. Some of vitamin C serum side effects that have been reported include:

• Itching

• Dryness

• Redness

If you have a sensitive skin, it is advisable to start with a low concentration of vitamin C just to ensure that you are on the safer side.

Tips When Choosing Vitamin C Serum

There are numerous skin care products in the market today that contain vitamin C and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. There are certain things you should closely look for which include:

• Concentration: Look for a serum that is neither weak nor too strong. A serum that is under 10% ascorbic acid may not yield the desired results. However, any product above 20% can be risky if you have sensitive skin.

• The correct ingredients: You won’t find the products labeled “vitamin C.” Look for vitamin C synonyms like ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid with a formulation that suits your skin.

• Avoid products in clear bottles: Vitamin C is sensitive to heat, light and sun. This means you should choose vitamin C serum products that are packed in tinted or dark bottles.

Take Home Points

Vitamin C serum comes with a host of benefits for nearly every skin type. Studies demonstrate that it may slow early skin aging, protect against sun damage and improve the overall appearance of your skin. The antioxidant properties that come with vitamin C serum can help in the fight against free radicals from both internal and external sources.

Though rarely, vitamin C serum can trigger side effects in some people when in high concentrations. You may experience irritation, redness and itching if you have sensitive skin.