What is ascorbic acid and what does it do?

 

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is key to radiant, healthy skin due to its powerful antioxidant content. With excellent lightening properties, this ingredient is suitable to leave all skin types soft and smooth. In conjunction with SkinCeuticals, here’s what you need to know about ascorbic acid.

Why is vitamin C important?

Pure vitamin C is beneficial in protecting the skin from external damage, as well as improving visible signs of ageing. Environmental assaults such as UVA/UVB rays and pollution can deplete skin’s antioxidant levels. Supplementing the skin with a topical vitamin C serum helps replenish the skin’s vitamin C supply, in turn enhancing its defences against these aggressors.

What are the benefits of vitamin C?

Recognised for its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin C contributes to:

• Immune system support
• Collagen production
• Tissue repair
• Neutralising free radical damage
• Promoting healthy skin cells

Is vitamin C good for ageing skin?

Visible signs of skin ageing manifest as fine lines, wrinkles , laxity, and loss of firmness. These are caused by internal factors such as the natural ageing process and external aggressors, such as UV rays, infrared radiation, pollution, and visible light.

Extensive studies show that properly formulated vitamin C antioxidants provide advanced environmental protection against free radical damage, which may contribute to signs of premature ageing. Vitamin C also helps correct visible signs of existing damage including fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, and loss of firmness.

When used alone, vitamin C is effective in correcting existing damage. However, studies have shown that its benefits are amplified when combined with other antioxidants, specifically vitamin E and ferulic acid ¹ . When effectively formulated, these combinations of antioxidants work together to enhance efficacy and provide superior results.

For optimal protection against skin damage and signs of skin ageing, it is best to use a topical vitamin C formulation in conjunction with sunscreen daily.

How can I use vitamin C?

When selecting a topical vitamin C, it is important to remember that not all vitamin C formulations are created equal. To ensure optimal absorption and efficacy, vitamin C antioxidants must be formulated with pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), in a high concentration (10-20%), and at an acidic pH (below 3.5 pH),

Our experienced Ozmedica clinicians can recommend the ideal vitamin C product and professional treatment for your specific skin needs.

Vitamin C serums are best applied in the morning to a dry, clean face using a light tapping motion and blending until absorbed.