January 3rd, 2012 • Posted by Shana Irish • Permalink
You’ve probably heard that Vitamin C can significantly boost your immune system, and that it’s a good idea to increase your intake of the vitamin if you feel a cold coming on. But did you know that Vitamin C can also improve the appearance of your skin?
The primary culprit of skin aging and damage is free radicals, which break down skin in the same way that they break down cells throughout the body and cause damage. Antioxidants help the body fight the harmful effects of these atoms. Vitamin C, for instance, is a powerful antioxidant that can counter free radicals and help protect skin cells from breaking down. Vitamin C can help build up your skin’s defenses, making it a powerful preventative vitamin. In addition, a recent study performed by researchers at the University of Leicester and Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology in Portugal suggested that Vitamin C stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for skin generation. Not only did Vitamin C help promote the reproduction of these cells, but also their migration to areas of damage. This new study suggests not only the healing benefits of Vitamin C but its potential to help fight cancer, as well.
What does this mean for your skin care regimen? Well, one of the researchers in this study suggested that Vitamin C administered orally or topically may be effective in sustaining the firmness and clearness of skin. However, he noted that oral consumption would likely require a much higher concentration of Vitamin C. Topical Vitamin C can help reinforce the skin’s protective barrier against free radicals such as UV rays and air pollution. When selecting a topical Vitamin C, it needs to be stable and active in order to penetrate the skin’s layers, and you will need to be selective when choosing from the wide range of cosmetic Vitamin C skin care products that use Vitamin C.
While Vitamin C’s skin care potential is still being studied, it’s generally agreed that it’s a complimentary skin health aide, rather than an antioxidant to build an entire regimen around. A licensed professional at THE SKIN SPA can suggest a treatment strategy built around your unique skin type and the aesthetic goals you hope to accomplish, including the role Vitamin C might be able to play in those efforts. Contact us today to get your complementary consult set up!
