Vitamin C is an antioxidant that traps free radicals in the body and renders them harmless. When looking for reaction partners, free radicals destroy lipids, proteins and cell membranes, so that they contribute to skin aging. The free radicals also include environmental influences such as UV radiation, smoke and fine dust. Vitamin C, whose effect in skin care has already been scientifically proven, is suitable for caring for the skin and preventing damage.
Table of Contents
1. Vitamin C prevents premature skin aging
When used regularly, vitamin C as a serum or cream can help to reduce free radicals in the body. Premature wrinkle formation is prevented and the skin retains its elasticity and resilience for longer. Vitamin C serums in particular provide the skin with intensive moisture, which helps the skin to store moisture for longer.
2. Pigment and age spots are lightened
The vitamin inhibits the formation of melanin in the skin so that there is no hyperpigmentation. This reduces annoying age and pigment spots, while the complexion becomes brighter and more even. In addition, vitamin C reduces swollen eyes and bags under the eyes as well as dark circles under the eyes.
3. Collagen formation is stimulated
Vitamin C stimulates collagen formation and prevents collagen from being broken down excessively. This protein is the basic structure of firm skin. Vitamin C prevents the formation of wrinkles.
4. Blemishes are reduced
Against pimples, eating and impure and greasy skin, vitamin C not only has an antioxidant effect, but also has an anti-inflammatory effect. It shrinks the pores, which improves the complexion. In addition, it supports wound healing so that pimples and skin impurities heal faster. At the same time, the vitamin prevents new pimples.
5. Sun protection is improved
Vitamin C increases the skin’s sun protection by protecting against UV radiation. Combined with a sun protection cream, it is particularly effective and prevents premature skin aging. The vitamin also helps with sunburn: applied thinly, it cools and provides quick relief.
Which Vitamin C is the Best?
Vitamin C is not just vitamin C. There are different forms of vitamin C for different cosmetic areas that are suitable for external use.
- Ascorbic acid (“pure vitamin C)
Pure vitamin C cannot be used for skin care in this form because it is too acidic and irritating for daily care. It is prone to oxidation, so it decomposes too quickly and loses its effect. - Ascorbyl glucoside (connection between ascorbic acid and dextrose)
This vitamin C is less effective than pure vitamin C. It has a softer effect, is compatible with water and allows for a pleasant serum texture. - Magnesium Ascorbyl Phophase or Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (salt-like ester form)
This type of vitamin C is particularly good for creams. In studies, it shows the best stability of all vitamin C forms. - Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (water soluble ester form)
This vitamin C is suitable for serums as well as for gels and creams. - Ascorbyl Palmitate oder Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (fettlösliche Ester-Form)
Vitamin C Serum – Tips for buying and using
A good vitamin C serum has an acidic pH and comes in an airtight pump dispenser. Too much air gets into the serum in pipette bottles, so that the vitamin C quickly loses its effect. Especially serums with pure vitamin C are affected. In general, concentrations of 7 to 15 percent are recommended. Important: the higher the concentration, the more irritating. However, serums with a concentration of more than 20 percent are not recommended, since the effect decreases with increasing concentration.
At the right concentration, a vitamin C serum can be used daily under the day or night cream.
Vitamin C cream – tips for purchase and application
With a vitamin C cream, the concentration of the vitamin should not exceed 25 percent. Too high a concentration may cause skin irritation, redness and burning after contact with water. The composition of the cream is important for the optimal effect. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin A, ceramides, Q10 and moisturizers optimize the result of vitamin C.
The cream, on the other hand, does not contain any mineral oils, silicones, fragrances or colorings.
These products are recommended
- Vegan vitamin C serum from All Natural Advice, 60 ml for around 20 euros
- Organic vitamin C serum with vitamins A, E and hyaluronic acid from SatinNaturel, 100 ml, for around 18 euros
- Hyaluronic acid serum with Q10 and vitamin C from Marie Jardin, 50 ml, for around 22 euros
- Vitamin C Performance Cream from Cosphera, 50 ml for around 30 euros
- Vitamin C moisturizing cream with hyaluronic acid and organic jojoba oil from InstaNatural, 100 ml, approx. 22 euros
