Vitamin C - the science behind the wonder antioxidant
Reduces collagen breakdown
By inhibiting the enzyme MMP-1 which is responsible for collagen destruction.
Remember collagen is a key structural protein for your skin.Less collagen: More laxity & more lines
Reduces Pigment formation
By inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase which is responsible for producing melanin (melanin is the pigment responsible for skin and hair colour)Reduces inflammation
By inhibiting a potent pro-inflammatory marker NFkB. Inflammation causes many conditions such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation.Increases collagen formation
By stimulating the fibroblast cell to make collagen. Vitamin C also helps to make collagen strong. When collagen is first made it is like spaghetti strings but to provide structure these strings of ‘spaghetti’ need to clump together. Vitamin C helps his process.Types of Vitamin C
Vitamin C in its active form L-Ascorbic Acid is notoriously unstable when exposed to sunlight or air, therefore it should always be contained in a dark brown or amber airtight bottle. The percentage of L-ascorbic acid is of the utmost importance also. The best formulations contain 10-20% L-ascorbic acid. Oily or sensitive skin types typically benefit from 10% while most other skin types will benefit from 15%.
Vitamin C is currently the only antioxidant proven to treat wrinkles, due to its effect on collagen production and quality.
No current studies have demonstrated that Vitamin C taken orally increases the level of Vitamin C in the skin, therefore topical application of Vitamin C is still the most effective with regard to skin health.
