Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid is a water-soluble nutrient that is naturally present in many foods, particularly fruit and vegetables and also as a dietary supplement. In the body, Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, an essential component of connective tissues such as the skin, gut, blood vessels, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C is also essential for the production of L-carnitine, a nutrient that plays an important role in the production of energy, and certain neurotransmitters. It is also an important physiological antioxidant and has been shown to play an important role in wound healing and immune function.
As a potent, topical antioxidant Vitamin C’s forms include L-Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. While it’s best known for its brightening effects, it has many skin boosting benefits; it is involved in collagen formation and intercepts free radicals that can damage the cells of your skin, rendering them harmless by means of an antioxidant effect. Vitamin C also inhibits the activation of pro-inflammatory Cytokines, and therefore is often used in treatment of skin dysfunctions such as acne vulgaris and rosacea. It has also been shown to promote wound healing and prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation.
The stability of Vitamin C in topical solutions is a concern. As a water-based form, it can be particularly unstable and light sensitive, whilst oil-soluble forms, such as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) are highly stable and can be easily absorbed by the skin barrier. Look for it in a serum formulation such as Nude’s 20% Vitamin C Serum for maximum absorption and efficiency.
Topical Vitamin C can assist in diminishing the look of sun damage such as dark spots or discoloration (Vitamin C stops an enzyme called Tyrosinase from forming the melanin that produces pigmentation). It also helps to smooth out fine lines by boosting Hyaluronic Acid synthesis and collagen production - the formation of collagen is a complex process in which amino acids, the basic building blocks of protein, are linked together in different metabolic pathways. Vitamin C is needed so that these amino acids react with or adhere to each other. And as an antioxidant, Vitamin C can protect your skin from free radicals.
Regular application of Vitamin C therefore results in firmer, younger and healthier-looking skin.