What you never knew about VITAMIN C.
In this article, you will find information about Vitamin C Skin Care Benefits, topical use of vitamin c for skin and how to make vitamin c face cream at home.
Vitamin C And Skin Care Study
As per one study conducted by Patricia K. Farris, M.D, at Tulane University School of Medicine, it was concluded that Vitamin C:
(i) Evens out the skin and helps in reducing skin damage;
(ii) Promotes collage synthesis;
(iii) Helps in photo-protection from ultraviolet A & B rays;
(iv) Is effective in lightening hyperpigmentation.
(v) Plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your skin.
(vi) Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid that stimulates production of collagen, a protein that helps in the development of cells and blood vessels and, so provides skin its firmness and strength.
(vii) Vitamin C for skin care also aids to produce scar tissues and ligaments, with the result it helps to repair skin.
(viii) Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage — free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. New research shows that ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, not only neutralise free radicals, but also reverses DNA damage [source: University of Leicester]
(ix) Research suggests that vitamin C may also reduce sunburn caused by exposure to ultraviolet B radiation and prevent the consequences of long-term sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancer [sources: University of Maryland Medical Center, Bouchez]. This doesn’t mean you can take vitamins or apply topical vitamin C and then bake safely in the sun, but you can help keep your skin healthy and supple by making sure you get enough of this antioxidant vitamin [source: Bouchez].
Vitamin C And Skin Care
You must have learnt by now how essential is to incorporate the foods in your diet that are rich source of vitamin C to ensure that you get the vitamin C your body needs.
Few Natural Beauty Tips About Vitamin C In Skin Care And General Immune System
(i) Vitamin C can improve your skin, strengthen your immune system, protect against cardiovascular disease and reduce your risk of stroke, and doctors say it’s one of the safest and most effective nutrients [source: Zelman].
(ii) Vitamin C is water-soluble, which means it’s easily absorbed through the water in your body. Your body doesn’t store vitamin C, so you must replace your supply every day — excess amounts are flushed out through your kidneys [source: U.S. Food and Drugs Administration].
Include In Your Diet Foods Rich In Vitamin C For Skin Care
(i) There are plenty of foods that can help you boost your consumption of vitamin C. If you get the recommended nine daily servings of fruits and vegetables, you’re probably meeting the minimum daily recommendations for vitamin C — in addition to many other vitamins and minerals [source: Zelman].
(ii) To ensure your diet includes plenty of vitamin C, eat citrus fruits and vegetables such as bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, collard greens and tomatoes [source: Bouchez].
(iii) Although opinions differ on how much vitamin C your body needs, many doctors suggest taking 500 milligrams a day, which can often be found in daily multi vitamins or vitamin C supplements. However, don’t exceed more than 2,000 milligrams per day — too much vitamin C may cause stomach irritation [source: Zelman].
Topical Vitamin C For Skin And Face
You can also apply topical vitamin C to your skin to encourage collagen production and fight free radicals. Look for a facial cleanser or moisturizer that contains the L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C to ensure the vitamin penetrates your skin layers [source:Bouchez].
Homemade Vitamin C Creams In Skin Care
Remember that Vitamin C creams have a short shelf life. Once Vitamin C is dissolved in liquids, it quickly degrades and becomes ineffective. So make Vitamin C cream for face in small batches, in order to keep them fresh and effective.
(i) Simplest Homemade Vitamin C Cream: Mix thoroughly 1/2 tea spoon of powdered L-ascorbic acid (relatively a stable form of vitamin C) with 1/4 cup of store-bought cream of your choice or a homemade cream.
(ii) Natural Homemade Vitamin C Cream: Whisk together thoroughly 3 table spoons of aloe-vera gel, 1/2 table spoon of vegetable glycerin, 1 tea spoon of vitamin E oil and 1/2 tea spoon of powdered vitamin B3.
Tips:
(i) If desired, you may add a preservative, like potassium sorbate or grapefruit seed extract to your home made cream. Follow the preservative manufacturer’s directions to ascertain the right amount to be added to your face cream.
(ii) Put the homemade Vitamin C cream into a dark glass container to safeguard it from light, in order to keep it protected from getting degraded and ineffective.
(iii) Keep the cream container in your refrigerator.
(iv) Topical Vitamin C For Skin And Face Application: Put on a thin layer of the cream on your face after cleansing, but before applying sunscreen and makeup. If you are new to using vitamin C products, start with once a day and then increase it to twice a day after a couple of weeks, if desired.
(v) Vitamin E and B3 enhance the effectiveness of Vitamin C cream for face. Vitamin C also decreases UV damage, and vitamin B3 diminishes skin discoloration.
Cautions:
(i) Discard the vitamin c cream after 10 days, or earlier if the cream turns yellow. On oxidization the Vitamin C turns yellowish in colour, which would mean it’s no longer effective.
(ii) You may feel a little stinging sensation for a few minutes after you apply Vitamin C face cream. In case the stinging sensation is severe or does not go away after a few minutes then wash off the cream. Reduce the frequency of topical application or discontinue its use, if you feel your skin is getting dry or irritated.
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