Vitamin C: why, when and how to use it?

Vitamin C has earned the title of one of the most important ingredients in the skin care world. This powerful antioxidant has the incredible ability to not only protect the skin from the negative effects of the environment, but also to promote a healthy glow and youthfulness of the skin. Vitamin C is becoming an indispensable component for those who seek to reduce fine lines, fight pigment spots, graying of the skin or simply give the skin a healthy glow. But how exactly does this ingredient work and why is it beneficial? In this article, you will learn why this ingredient should become part of everyone's skin care routine.

How does vitamin C work in the skin?

1. Antioxidant protection

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that are caused by exposure to UV rays, pollution and stress. Free radicals damage skin cells, causing oxidative stress, which causes the skin to age faster, become dry and wrinkled. By neutralizing these free radicals, Vitamin C protects the skin from their damage and reduces inflammation, leaving the skin looking healthier and more resilient.

2. Promotion of collagen synthesis

Collagen is a protein that ensures good skin structure, firmness and elasticity. Vitamin C is essential in the collagen production process because it is involved in the two main amino acid hydrolysis reactions required for collagen formation. By increasing collagen synthesis, vitamin C helps maintain skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and maintain skin firmness.

3. Reduction of hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C inhibits the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for the synthesis of the pigment melanin in the skin. Melanin occurs as a result of UV rays, hormonal fluctuations or inflammatory processes in the skin. Vitamin C reduces the production of melanin, evens the skin tone and lightens the resulting hyperpigmentation, resulting in an even skin tone.

4. Strengthening the skin barrier

Vitamin C strengthens the skin's barrier, which helps retain moisture and protects against the negative effects of the environment. It also promotes cell renewal, thus helping the skin recover faster after various damages. This ingredient speeds up the skin's healing processes and reduces inflammation, making the skin stronger and less sensitive to environmental irritants.

Vitamin C concentrations

The concentration of vitamin C in cosmetics usually varies from 5 percent. up to 20 percent Higher concentrations, for example 20 percent. or more, can provide faster visible results, but can also cause skin irritation, especially if the skin is sensitive or has never "tasted" vitamin C.

• 5-10 percent. concentration - milder products suitable for beginners or owners of sensitive skin.

• 10-20 percent. concentration - means of medium strength, suitable for normal or problematic skin.

• 20 percent and more, high-concentration products for advanced users whose skin is already accustomed to vitamin C.

How to start using vitamin C?

If you have never used vitamin C - start with a low concentration - 5-10%. Use the product once a day, preferably in the morning. Monitor the skin: if after a few days of use it is not irritated or rashes appear and you see that the skin tolerates vitamin C, you can switch to products with a stronger concentration. It is important to acclimate the skin gradually, without shocking it, in order to avoid unwanted skin reactions.

What results can be expected with vitamin C?

With regular use of vitamin C, you can expect the following results:

1. Radiant skin;

2. Reduced pigmentation;

3. Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines;

4. Skin protection against free radicals;

5. Reduced inflammatory processes.

It is important to remember that you can visually see the effect after 4-6 weeks of regular use, so you need patience and consistency.

What ingredients can vitamin C be combined with to get the best results?

1. Vitamin E (tocopherol) is also a powerful antioxidant that perfectly complements the effects of vitamin C. Together, these vitamins create synergy by enhancing each other's antioxidant properties. Vitamin E acts on water-soluble free radicals, while vitamin E acts on fat-soluble free radicals. This combination protects the skin from environmental pollution, strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness and inflammation. When these two vitamins are combined, the effectiveness of vitamin C increases as much as 4 times.

2. Ferulic acid - it stabilizes vitamin C and E, so these ingredients remain active for longer. This combination helps prevent premature aging of the skin, pigmentation, and the appearance of wrinkles.

3. Peptides - small protein chains that stimulate collagen production. Since vitamin C also stimulates collagen synthesis, this combination provides an additional firming effect.

Corrections for Vitamin C Use:

1. Vitamin C is best used in the morning because it helps protect the skin from environmental stress.

2. When layering different ingredients, it is important to monitor your skin's reaction and, if necessary, use these products less often or at different times of the day.

Recommendations for selected products with Vitamin C:

• OBAGI C-Cleansing Gel - facial cleansing gel with vitamin C and oat amino acids. The cleanser contains L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and Aloe Vera for a wonderful soothing moisturization.

• OBAGI Professional-C®️ serum with vitamin C 10% is water-based for dry and sensitive skin.

• MEISANI Glowing Serum with Vitamin C - the product contains 10% pure vitamin C, 56% yuzu water, as well as Asian citrus fruits. All skin types and ages. Perfect for tired, dehydrated, hyperpigmented skin.

• ALUMIER serum "Ever Active C&E Peptide" is a powerful, clinically proven antioxidant-rich serum designed to reduce the signs of aging.

• GM COLLIN "Vital C15" - thanks to the 15% VITAL C complex in the composition, ensures skin tightening, lightening and brightening.

• GOLDHEIT rejuvenating and brightening serum with vitamin C - contains 10% ethyl ascorbic acid together with hyaluronic acid. Helps reduce signs of aging, brightens, revives tired and gray skin, reduces hyperpigmentation and intensively moisturizes.