5 SKIN BENEFITS OF VITAMIN C

You definitely don’t need to be a skin or health expert to have heard of the boosting benefits of Vitamin C. But what does Vitamin C really do for our skin? Will eating enough oranges suffice? Here we take a plunge into the top 5 skin benefits of Vitamin C and look at how it can be incorporated into our daily routine.

WHAT IS VITAMIN C?

Vitamin C is a fundamentally important nutrient required by us humans for the repair, strengthening and growth of tissues. As the body can’t create Vitamin C itself, it relies on absorption through nutritional intake and topical application (A.K.A your diet and skincare regime). Vitamin C is found naturally in many fruits and vegetables and due to it’s incredible results, the ingredient now features as a staple component in many skin care ranges; because it’s many anti-oxidising, rejuvenating and enriching properties.

Let’s take a look at the 5 key benefits of Vitamin C for enhancing, protecting and restoring your skin:

1) PROTECTS AGAINST POLLUTANTS AND STRESSORS

Free radicals are molecules created in the body from exposure to environmental stresses, such as particles in air, pollution, and cigarette smoke. Over time, daily exposure can start to take its toll and compromise healthy skin cells. Excessive molecular compromise leads to damage, and this can sometimes go as far as affecting important cellular components such as DNA. These damaging changes are not only associated with illness (in particular auto-immune diseases and skin cancers), but also contribute significantly to the skin’s ageing process. Once the damaging process starts, a cascade of deterioration to the skin’s moisture barrier, pigmentation and overall texture takes place. We call this oxidative stress – and there’s nothing nice about it.

But don’t fret! Vitamin C is fortunately a potent and powerful anti-oxidant, meaning it helps to neutralise free radicals. This means that Vitamin C supports the natural regeneration of skin cells that have been exposed to daily pollutants and helps to restore damage. In the same way antioxidant-rich super foods support your body systemically, topical application of Vitamin C aids your skin to fight back fast.

2) BOOSTS COLLAGEN PRODUCTION

Collagen is key! Collagen is a precious protein produced by our own bodies and is vital for skin’s health and appearance. It’s rate of production decreases with age, meaning our skin struggles to retain firmness and plumpness and wrinkles develop. Vitamin C is highly acidic and offers stabilisation to collagen molecules, therefore stimulating collagen synthesis. This means that Vitamin C is instrumental in helping to sculpt and support the skin throughout all stages of life and helps restore the skin’s own natural collagen production from within. Strong and sturdy on the inside equals gorgeous and glowing on the outside – what could be better than that?

3) DECREASES HYPERPIGMENTATION

Hyperpigmentation occurs due to an excessive production of melanin. Melanin is produced by skin cells and gives skin it’s colouring, however its production can be altered in different ways, including by hormonal changes, excessive sun exposure, and from injury. Hyperpigmentation reduces skin’s all-over radiance and brightness, and can lead to an uneven tone.

Amazingly, Vitamin C drastically decreases discolouration and hyperpigmentation by intercepting cellular pathways of pigment synthesis (phew!). Over-production of melanin is prevented, and with regular use, topical Vitamin C can actually prevent discolouration from developing in the first place! The real alchemy of Vitamin C lies in its ability to fade areas of hyperpigmentation and uneven tone without affecting normal pigmentation – it’s just magic!

4) LIMITS UV LIGHT DAMAGE

As much as we all may love basking in the sun’s rays, ultra violet (UV) radiation emitted from the sun is incredibly damaging to our skin. Even short, daily exposure can have negative effects over time if skin isn’t appropriately protected. And this protection can go further than just applying SPF.

Topical Vitamin C has been shown to act as a second line of defence for the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays. Vitamin C itself isn’t an SPF, but it helps amplify the skin’s natural anti-oxidising factors.  This means free radicals generated from UV damage are combatted and skin cells are nurtured to repair and replenish themselves. Prolonged UV exposure actually decreases Vitamin C content within the skin, so if you are a sun worshipper, adding Vitamin C to your skin care routine in addition to SPF is an absolute no-brainer.

5) REDUCES INFLAMMATION

Although all individually different, chronic skin conditions such as Acne, Rosacea and Eczema all have one thing in common: Inflammation. Whether your symptoms include dilated capillaries, spots, redness or excessive oil production, inflammation and immune triggers beneath the skin are responsible.

Thankfully, Vitamin C has powerful anti-inflammatory properties because it inhibits the activation of cytokines. Cytokines play a huge part in triggering cycles of inflammation, and research shows increased cytokine counts are present in many inflammatory skin conditions. As many Acne sufferers will be well aware, scarring and wounding are common. Ingenious Vitamin C is also integral to supporting healthy wound healing and in preventing raised scar tissue from forming. Good news all round.

HOW CAN I INCORPORATE VITAMIN C INTO MY ROUTINE?

It’s not all in the products when it comes to reaping the miraculous benefits of Vitamin C for your skin. A balanced diet rich in Vitamins and Minerals plays an intrinsic role in the functioning of all parts of our body, including our skin. That said, topical Vitamin C delivers its abundant benefits straight to the source. And when in combination with other natural antioxidants, topical Vitamin C delivers optimum protection against free radicals.

At Aurelia London, our precious and sustainably sourced botanicals are abundant in natural antioxidants and the purist Vitamin C extracts. Baobab is one example of our luxurious botanicals that features in our products. Typically known as a ‘superfruit’ used traditionally in African medicines, it contains 6 x more Vitamin C than an orange. It contains a multitude of other vitamins and fatty acids and has super-duper antioxidant power. Ideal for restructuring and regenerating skin organically.

TRY OUR REFINE & POLISH EXFOLIATION MASK

This revolutionary double-action enzyme balm works as an exfoliating mask to brighten the appearance of congested and lacklustre complexions. When you’re ready to remove, this mask-to-milk formula rinses off with ease. Result: Instantly softer, brighter-looking skin.

REFRESH YOUR ROUTINE WITH OUR VITAMIN C COLLECTION

Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and put together the perfect collection for optimum Vitamin C-rich skincare. Slot this trio into your daily routine and see the results for yourself.

VITAMIN C COLLECTION: THE BALANCE AND PURIFY CLEANSER

A cleanser is the staple to any enriching skincare routine. Our creamy Balance & Purify Citrus Cleanser lifts oil and dirt whilst nourishing and balancing the skin. Enriched with an array of moisturising, organic botanicals, our opulent, cold-pressed Baobab Oil provides a Vitamin C boost and refresh. In addition, citrus and plant acids provide a zesty scent while infusing further Vitamin C benefits.

If you feel your skin needs deeper exfoliation, try our Refine and Polish Exfoliation Mask. It gently buffs away dead skin cells and brightens congested, down-and-out skin. It also contains Baobab Oil amongst its many other organic, vitamin-packed botanicals.

VITAMIN C COLLECTION: THE BALANCE AND GLOW DAY OIL

Our Balance & Glow Day Oil is filled with an accord of divine oils including Jasmine, Plumeria, Tuberose and Mandarin. All are bursting with antioxidants, nutrients and fatty acids, and provide wholesome hydration perfection for all skins around the clock. This oil is ideal for daily use after applying our Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser that’s also teeming with Vitamin C goodness.

VITAMIN C COLLECTION: THE REVITALISE AND GLOW SERUM

This bestselling serum is formulated to transform dullness from stresses, pollution, and fatigue into luminous, glowing skin. Amongst its blend of beautiful organic oils, Baobab features here again and gives skin revitalising Vitamin C support. Its antioxidant-rich pallet means it’s armed to fight oxidative stress and can be used day or night for pure indulgence.

For the evening, why not try the serum under our Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser? It’s brimming with essential fatty acids and omegas and bursting with Vitamin C, offering deeply nourishing and natural care and repair while you snooze.

You can discover more about Aurelia London, our ingredients and product benefits over on Instagram @aurelialondon #aurelialondon

Disclaimer: If you have extra sensitive skin you may benefit from starting with low concentrations of Vitamin C. Always test patch your skin first, and seek medical advice if needed.

If you feel you may have a Vitamin C deficiency, please seek medical advice.

If your skin care products containing Vitamin C have turned dark yellow or brown in colour they may have oxidised. There is no evidence that this will harm your skin, but the Vitamin C components are less likely to penetrate the skin.