Ascorbic acid, better known as Vitamin C, can easily be found in our daily diet. Fruits, vegetables, fortified foods and nutritional supplements are all quick ways to get your daily dose of Vitamin C. Some of the best benefits of Vitamin C, however, are acquired by applying it topically to your skin.

Benefits of Topical Vitamin C:

1. Anti-aging. Exposure to sunlight and pollution over time will cause changes in the skin, such as the formation wrinkles, telangiectasias (tiny blood vessels on skin surface) and abnormal skin tone. Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant that “neutralizes” free-radicals that contribute to these undesirable changes.
2. Collagen development. Collagen is the structural protein found in our body that provides firmness, strength and elasticity to skin. The breakdown of collagen leads to wrinkles and fine lines. Topical Vitamin C assists in synthesizing collagen to decrease appearance of wrinkles.
3. Depigmentation. Many things, like sun exposure, birth control pills and pregnancy, can lead to skin pigment changes. Vitamin C works to inhibit melanin formation, thus decreasing hyperpigmentation. Additionally it works as an anti-inflammatory agent and decreases hyperpigmentation that can occur from inflammation after certain dermatological conditions. Hello, bright complexion!

In other words if you love the sun, like myself, Vitamin C serums can help correct some of the problems related to photoaging. While Vitamin C is wonderful for our skin in many ways, always remember the basics when outside:   sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. 

The skin benefits of Vitamin C cannot be achieved by taking it by mouth, rather must be from applying it directly to the skin. There are many different serums containing Vitamin C (labeled ascorbic acid on the ingredient list), but some serums are better than others. Some important notes:

• Packaging matters. Because Vitamin C will oxidize when exposed to light, look for packaging that completely eliminates light or stores the serum in dark glass bottles. At home, store the serum in a drawer or cabinet away from light.
• The efficacy of Vitamin C correlates with the concentration, up to 20%. The label usually reveals ascorbic acid concentrations in the 10-20% range.
• Vitamin C is chemically “unstable” by itself. Vitamin C works best when paired with other ingredients, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (MAP) or tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Ferulic acid, as it can be unstable and ineffective without these ingredients. You may also see it written as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an ingredient similar to Vitamin C.
• Vitamin C is acidic. A true Vitamin C serum has a pH of 3.5 or lower. Apply as directed. If over-applied it can cause irritation or actually worsen skin. Overall though, it is very safe.
• It is expensive. Often the serums run over $80 (gasp!). I have tried some of the knock-offs or cheap serums without success or results, and only to now realize the ingredients or storage containers were not reliable.
• There are several DIY Vitamin C serums, but keep in mind that Vitamin C needs special preparation and ingredients in order to be effective. Of the DIY serums I have researched, this tutorial seems best. This can be a little costly, as well. I love DIY challenges, but when it comes to my face I prefer to spend a little more for something that has been tested, safe and proven effective.

While there are many Vitamin C serums on the market, here are a few recommended serums, in no particular order:

1. Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester
2. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic – my personal favorite!
3. ARCONA Youth
4. Cosmetic Skin Solutions Vitamin C + E
5. Obagi Professional-C (comes in multiple concentrations)

Have you tried a Vitamin C serum you recommend? If so please let me know! Please don’t forget to follow on instagram for updates on future posts.

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Ashley Aylsworth, editor of Joyfully So, is a licensed Physician Assistant. Please consult your medical provider or skin specialist before starting a new product.