Why is Topical Vitamin C Important for Skin Health?
KR Snyman (BPharm; MSc Pharmaceutics)
If you have your head in the skin care game – you have likely heard of the anti-aging powerhouse which is Vitamin C. Vitamin C is touted as one of the best ingredients on the market for pro-aging support — and the key to maintaining a smooth, even, and glowy complexion. Using topical Vitamin C is the most direct way to reap the benefits. Topical vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a popular vitamin added to skin care products.
Vitamin C works in epidermis (outermost layer) as well as the dermis (intermediate layer) of the skin as seen in Figure 1. Vitamin C is renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin C protects the skin against free radicals, such as those resulting from exposure to the sun as well as pollution. Free radicals cause oxidative stress, which in turn causes damage to the skin over time. Vitamin C binds to these free radicals in the cell membrane.
Vitamin C aids to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of pigmentation spots (hyperpigmentation) – making it a key ingredient in anti-aging treatments and skin-lightening products.
Vitamin C is an essential component in the production of collagen, which contributes to the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Vitamin C is able to bind to the collagen precursors such as prolal and lysyl-hydroxylase which aid in the maturation process to synthesize collagens. In the deeper layers of the skin, vitamin C binds to keratinocytes (to stabilise them) as well as fibroblast cells which are essential for the collagen network.
Figure 1 Structure of the Skin.
It is thus very important to pick a Vitamin C that is stable and not too oily for your skin so you can use it on a daily basis.
The dermaV DAILY CARE RANGE DAILY POWER VITAMIN C Moisturiser Gel-Cream is formulated as a lightweight, easy wearing gel-cream– unlike any other Vitamin C moisturiser on the market. This non-greasy gel-cream is perfect for everyday use as it creates a velvety finish to the surface of the skin – the ideal “primer” for make-up application.
Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and assists in anti-oxidant protections against UV-induced photodamage, helps nourish and protect the skin from free radical damage making this the ultimate everyday Vitamin C moisturiser on the market.
dermaV Pharmaceuticals did not stop there – The INTENSE HYDRATING SERUM boasts a High concentration of Vitamin C and Jojoba oil. The oil-based serum is not only an antioxidant but is able to brighten the complexion, acts as a superior moisturiser, is able to balance the natural oil production of the skin, is anti-inflammatory as well as anti-bacterial and non-comedogenic. The serum provides a rich, luxurious feel when applied and leaves one feeling like you just stepped out after an incredible facial. The skin drinks in the nutrients and oils – leaving you with a radiant complexion. The serum, with a higher concentration of Vitamin C, incorporated into one’s night-time routine allows the skin to heal and regenerate while you sleep – especially in the chillier months.
References available on request.