We all know Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants for the skin and we all know antioxidants are important in fighting free radicals.
What does this really mean and why is Vitamin C so great?
Let’s begin with Free Radicals…what are they?
To keep the Chemistry basic, all cells are made of molecules and molecules have protons and electrons which are normally balanced and this provides stability. When a molecule becomes unbalanced, where the protons and electrons don’t match up, it becomes unstable and is referred to as a Free Radical. Free radicals are highly reactive and will “attack” nearby molecules trying to “steal” electrons to become balanced and stable again. When the "attacked" molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, causing a chain reaction. Once the process is started, it can cascade, finally resulting in the disruption of a living cell.
Environmental factors such as pollution, radiation (UV, lights, cell phones, microwaves, TV, computers, etc.), cigarette smoke, poor quality food, alcohol, herbicides and numerous other toxins, etc. can also spawn free radicals.
Antioxidants are molecules with extra electrons, which are happily “given away” to these reactive free radicals, resulting in balancing all the charges and promoting stability and overall health!
So getting back to Vitamin C….it is considered to be one of the most effective antioxidants.
Generally, when antioxidants are combined they work synergistically to provide even more benefits together.
Vitamin C: The Extended Family
L-Ascorbic Acid - has the most research of all the forms of Vitamin C with respect to skin benefits. Therefore it is the most common form of Vitamin C used in skincare products.
Good news: There isn’t a single “best” form of Vitamin C, but there are only a handful that research has demonstrated are the most stable and effective. Other effective forms include:
sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, retinyl ascorbate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
These are all derivatives of Vitamin C, with less supporting research than ascorbic acid. Each of these forms of Vitamin C has a range of benefits that include repair and protection from free radical damage.
Again, when added to a blend with other proven antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients (such as green tea, ascorbic acid, retinol, niacinamide, ferulic acid, Astaxanthin, and many plant and seed extracts, such as cranberry seed and grape seed extract).
Note: All antioxidants, including Vitamin C, are vulnerable to destabilization and degradation when exposed to air and light, therefore only choose those that are packaged in opaque, air-restrictive bottles, tubes or pumps that help maintain ingredient stability and effectiveness!
The most effective topical Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) products for skin health must be:
- at a concentration level between 10-20% (below 10% is not effective and above 20% is irritating and can’t be absorbed fully into the skin)
- in a serum (for the best penetration)
- in a stable and pure form
- packaged in a dark/opaque container to protect from UV degradation
- in a blend of other antioxidants
Introducing DERMAMD’s NEW Vitamin C 21 Serum
- 20% Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid - antioxidant)
- 1% Vitamin E (Tocopherol Acetate – antioxidant)
- 0.02% Ferulic Acid (antioxidant)
Benefits include:
- excellent antioxidant benefits
- lightening & brightening of the skin
- gentle stimulation of the skin’s renewal cycle
- great anti-aging benefits, stimulating collagen synthesis
- gentle exfoliation for smoother, glowing skin
- reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- firming and toning
Use sparingly in the Morning on clean skin, (after cleansing) before any other products.
Always use SPF to protect against UV damage.
DERMAMD Vitamin C + Resveratrol – Collagen Booster
- 1% Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Palmitate – antioxidant - stimulates collagen synthesis)
- 1% Resveratrol (antioxidant found in red wine - stimulates collagen synthesis)
- 0.5% Pycnogenol (antioxidant from pine bark - strengthens collagen)
- Chondrus Crispus Extract (hydrates and softens skin)
Benefits include:
- excellent antioxidant benefits
- lightening & brightening of the skin
- gentle stimulation of the skin’s renewal cycle
- great anti-aging benefits, stimulating collagen synthesis
- gentle exfoliation for smoother, glowing skin
- reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- firming and toning
Use sparingly in the EVENING on clean skin, (after cleansing) before any other products.
Always use SPF (in the morning) to protect against UV damage.
DERMAMD Transforming C – Age Eraser
- Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate – oil soluble antioxidant)
- Vitamin C 15% (L-Ascorbic Acid – water soluble antioxidant)
- Retinyl Palmitate (multiple anti-aging benefits)
- Astaxanthin (potent anti-inflammatory antioxidant)
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol Acetate – antioxidant)
- Green Tea (antioxidant)
- Cranberry Seed (antioxidant)
- Grape Seed (antioxidant)
Benefits include:
- excellent antioxidant benefits
- lightening & brightening of the skin
- gentle stimulation of the skin’s renewal cycle
- super powerful combination of anti-aging benefits, stimulating collagen synthesis
- gentle exfoliation for smoother, glowing skin
- reduction of fine lines and wrinkles
- firming and toning
Use sparingly in the Morning on clean skin, (after cleansing) before any other products.
Always use SPF to protect against UV damage.
Glowingly yours,
Iris
Skincare Specialist
Derma MD Canada