Vitamin C

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an essential, water-soluble vitamin. It cannot be synthesized by our bodies and must be ingested regularly.

Vitamin C - Facts

• is essential for the formation of bone and the tissue that connects other tissues/organs - called connective tissue;
• is related to the absorption of iron by the body and the healing process;
• its deficiency causes scurvy;
• pregnancy, breastfeeding, surgery, smoking increase the body's requirements for vitamin C and represents the risk for a deficiency
• is known as a potent antioxidant - It prevents the oxidation of other compounds by being oxidized instead.

Vitamin C is used as an natural antioxidant, protecting cells against the action of the free radicals. Free radicals are reactive by-products of normal cell activity and in excess is related to illnesses as well as the aging process.

Natural Sources
The daily requirement for vitamin C is not much - just 60 mg - and its excess is eliminated by the body. Some fruits and vegetables are better sources of vitamin C than others. Known rich in Vitamin C are: acerola, rose hips, açaí, orange.

Topical Use
Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant that will protect the skin against free radicals and reverse signs of aging by promoting the skin collagen synthesis. It is very unstable once exposed to the air and it needs special care once use in formulations, such as having a very low pH and the association with other antioxidants. For these reasons, its formulations might not be suitable for sensitive skin.

Vitamin C Derivatives - Topical use
While the acidic form of Vitamin C formulations might not be be suitable for sensitive skin, Vitamin C Derivatives might have the same skin benefits of ascorbic acid without the downside. Ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are among the most used vitamin C derivatives in skin care. They are non-irritating and more stable than vitamin C. Unfortunately, it appears that in the concentration used in topical formulations, they do not promote collagen synthesis as much as vitamin C in the acidic form.

I am a super fan of the Vitamin C. I drink natural juices, take 100mg daily and use skin formulations with the original Vitamin C. I complement it with vitamin A, vitamin E - inside and out - and do microdermabrasion to make sure that I'm equally exfoliating the dead skin and showing the new healthy skin layer.

Be good and be healthy!

Vanessa