Fragrantly Beautiful

Vitamin C and Skin Care

By Suzanne Ryan


Vitamin C occurs naturally in the body and nature and is known as L-ascorbic acid. It is used in skin care because it is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect the skin from the damaging effects of sun, smoking, pollution and other things in our environment that cause the skin to age.
Have you ever applied lemon juice to a cut apple to prevent it from turning brown? The brown color in cut apples is from oxidation (much like aging skin) and the vitamin C in the lemon juice is what prevents it from oxidizing, or turning brown.

Vitamin C actually protects the skin from damage that is caused by exposure to the sun. It also helps to promote the formation of collagen, which provides support and strength to the skin. This causes a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles and can also improve the texture of the skin. Vitamin C can also help to lighten skin discolorations caused by sun damage. This is why some people use lemon juice or rub lemons on dark areas on the skin.

Not all Vitamin C products are created equal. Vitamin C is not very stable and is easily broken down by exposure to air and sunlight. Any container that exposes the product to air - like jars or clear containers - will quickly render your vitamin C worthless. To be effective, vitamin C should be packaged in tubes, capsules, pumps or powders that do not repeatedly expose the product to air and light. My favorite vitamin C product is a powder (in a dark bottle) that you mix in with other skin care items. Some products have "stabilized" vitamin C but these products tend to be much more expensive.

Vitamin C can protect the skin from UV damage caused by prolonged sun exposure; it does not block UV like sunscreen and should always be used along with a good sunscreen for maximum anti-aging benefits.

A Registered Nurse, Suzanne Ryan has a passion for helping women look and feel their best. Her interests include skin care and makeup that is good for the skin. More articles about the science of skin care can be found at her website, www.RN-Guide-to-Skin-Care.com. Information on the benefits of mineral makeup and reviews of the best selling brands can be seen at her website, www.Mineral-Makeup-Reviews.com.

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posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 5:50 AM