Discover vitamin C and all its benefits for your skin

Did you know that vitamin C is the most searched cosmetic ingredient on Google? It is a crucial element in preventing and slowing down skin ageing.

When you read this article where we tell you all its benefits, you will understand why “vitamin C skin benefits” is a star entry in the search engines and a real luxury for the health of your skin.

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient essential for our body:

• Many enzymatic processes and chemical reactions are necessary to maintain our health.
• It strengthens the immune system by protecting the body from the aggressions of various pathogens.
• Contributes to the absorption and storage of iron in plant foods.
• It is a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from the destructive action of free radicals.
• It is necessary for the production of collagen. Vitamin C and silica, the trace element that allows collagen fibres to settle in the dermis, are responsible for activating the enzyme synthesising this protein molecule.

The body does not produce vitamin C and cannot store it either, as it is water-soluble, and the part that cannot be absorbed is eliminated. For this reason, it must be supplied to the body through the diet and topical products rich in this vitamin.

How to give our skin enough vitamin C?

In addition to food, an excellent way to give our skin the amount of vitamin C it needs is by applying creams and serums formulated with this ingredient.

An increasing number of cosmetic skin care products include its multiple benefits. Depending on the product, vitamin C is available in its purest and most active form (L-ascorbic acid) and in the form of a derivative, which is more suitable for sensitive and reactive skin.

Depending on the derivative, the product is more beneficial in one way or another. For example, the derivative Ascorbyl glucoside has greater antioxidant potency and less anti-stain effect.

Ascorbyl palmitate is tolerated by all skin types but does not contribute to activating collagen production, so it loses its repairing and anti-ageing effect while maintaining its other effects.

It should be noted that smoking, using some contraceptives, pollution, medicines, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure destroy a significant part of the vitamin C we have in our skin.

Benefits of vitamin C for the skin

Antioxidant action. As indicated in the first point, vitamin C has the capacity to block the effect of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules because some atoms have lost an electron.

Unpaired electrons try to regain balance by “stealing” electrons from other molecules and causing them to become new free radicals, initiating chain reactions that affect the structure of cells that cannot perform their functions properly. The result is an increase in inflammation and an increase in the ageing process of our skin.

The chemical structure of antioxidants allows them to give up hydrogen electrons to balance free radicals. Our body produces its own antioxidants, although, due to the constant exposure of our skin to aggressions that favour harmful chemical changes in our organism (abuse of sun exposure, tobacco, alcohol,…), we need an extra supply of antioxidants.

Repairing and anti-ageing action. We have also mentioned this before. Vitamin C is one of the key elements in stimulating the production of collagen, an essential protein for repairing tissues and providing support, firmness and elasticity to our skin.

With age, collagen production decreases and sagging and wrinkles appear.

The other key element is silicon, a trace element essential for collagen synthesis. The amount of silicon in the body decreases rapidly after the age of 35/40 due to a decrease in intestinal absorption, and as the diet is insufficient due to the low supply of this mineral through food, it is advisable to provide an extra with a natural product of recognised quality such as Living Silica Collagen Booster, the silica supplement with the highest absorption rate on the market. This product increases collagen production.

The combined action of silica and vitamin C is key to preventing ageing, not only of our skin but also of our bones and joints. We recommend G7 Activ+, a product designed to strengthen the bone and joint system. Its formulation with silica, vitamin C and magnesium promotes collagen production and regenerates and strengthens connective tissue.

Helps to keep skin hydrated. Vitamin C boosts the production of ceramides, a family of lipids naturally present in the skin’s composition that keep its moisture levels high, giving it a supple and juicy appearance.

It has an anti-spot action. Vitamin C reduces melanin synthesis, facilitating a much more homogeneous and uniform tone, controlling the appearance of skin blemishes and helping to reduce existing ones. The result is a much softer, smoother and more luminous skin.

It is anti-inflammatory. It helps to inhibit the inflammatory response in sensitive skin, reducing redness and irritation. For this reason, it can relieve symptoms of inflammation and swelling caused by skin conditions such as rosacea or acne.

As you can see, vitamin C is an essential ingredient for maintaining youthful, smooth and glowing skin.

Other recommendations for use:

If you decide to use this cosmetic ingredient, you should pay attention to the concentration of the product. Below 8%, the effects are minor, whereas, above a concentration of more than 20%, it exceeds the skin’s absorption capacity, and intolerance may occur.

You can apply it in the morning and at night. If you apply it in the morning, use sunscreen afterwards. In addition to preventing sun damage, you will avoid radiation from deactivating the antioxidant effect of vitamin C.

Now you know the benefits of vitamin C for your skin. If you decide to integrate it into your beauty and skincare routine, choose the concentration and formulation best suited to your skin and, if in doubt, get advice from skincare experts.