Is Vitamin C good for your skin?

Some say it's the holy-grail of skincare and if you ask the professionals they can cite a long list of vitamin C benefits. No wonder it’s a rather legendary ingredient in skincare. Here's everything you need to know about the benefits of vitamin C for skin. Get ready to glow.

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a vitamin that isn't actually produced by the body. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it cannot be stored in the body. Instead, the only way to get it is through your diet or when it comes to your skin, vitamin C is applied topically. 

What are vitamin C's benefits for skin?

Plenty. For one, vitamin C promotes collagen production, which in turn helps diminish fine lines and is an essential building block for firm youthful-looking skin. On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it combats free radicals and protects skin from UV damage. Finally, it inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.

With all these benefits we understand there are few ingredients better for brightening skin, protecting it against aggressors, and addressing signs of aging. 

What are sources of vitamin C?

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, like oranges, lemon and grapefruit but also in sprouted grains and green leafy vegetables. And then there is camu camu; perhaps a lesser known ingredient but when it comes to vitamin C it is one the richest sources and contains about 100 times the amount of vitamin C per weight than oranges.  

How to process vitamin C?

Best way to process vitamin C is via cold pressing or freeze-drying. Cold pressing is a method used to extract the juice from fruit and vegetables without applying heat in order to get the highest nutrient content. In the case of vitamin C, it means its skin-benefiting properties are preserved and it maximizes its ability to protect and repair the skin. Because vitamin C is notoriously prone to oxidizing, you want to make sure it’s not exposed to light or air, i.e. airless pumps and opaque packaging.

Another method again aimed at preserving vitamin C’s super powers is freeze-drying. Researchers agree that the amount of nutrients lost from freeze-drying is miniscule. This process preserves the ingredient by removing 98 percent of its water content, which in turn prevents the ingredient from spoiling, while still maintaining most of its properties including its nutritional value.

How to incorporate vitamin C in your routine?

In general vitamin C products should be applied in the morning before heading out for the day, when UV radiation is at its highest. Try Abloom's Day Cream. It is loaded with vitamin C. In need of a vitamin C booster,? Try Abloom's berry-loaded Cell Recovery Mask.

Even-though these products are loaded with vitamin C, be patient! There is no such thing as an overnight miracle. Even with daily use, it will take some time for your skin to repair and restore its balance. But when it does, it will reward you with that youthful, healthy glow.