When it comes to preventing premature ageing, active ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid get a lot of airtime, but Vitamin C deserves to shine too. It’s one of the best antioxidants on the block and is a fantastic collagen booster.
Collagen is the “stretchy” protein that gives our skin its youthful-looking firmness. When we’re young, our bodies produce it in abundance. However, as we get older, our collagen factories – known as fibroblasts – slow down production. According to the scientists at Lamelle Research Laboratories, Vitamin C stimulates fibroblasts to create fresh collagen, while fending off the cell-damaging free radicals that can degrade your existing supply.
Another reason to include it in your daily skincare routine is that Vitamin C is a brilliant brightener. It helps to improve skin tone and radiance and can minimise hyperpigmentation by regulating tyrosinase, the chemical that makes melanin.
Know what you’re looking for
Not all forms of Vitamin C are created equal though. Ascorbic acid (sometimes listed as L-Ascorbic acid) is still the most proven and potent form and has the amazing ability to benefit skin of any age, even very mature skin. In fact, studies have shown that using ascorbic acid at concentrations above 15% can increase fibroblast proliferation in an elderly person to the point where they can develop just as many as those of a newborn child!
Interestingly, Vitamin C isn’t created by our bodies, so we need to consume it. You also can’t create “adult” collagen if you don’t have ascorbic acid available. While many think that taking an oral supplement is enough, the reality is that very little ends up reaching the skin – which is where well-formulated topical ascorbic acid products come in.
Reap the benefits
To ensure you get real and rapid results, look for products that combine ascorbic acid and Vitamin E, such as Lamelle Correctives Recharge CE. Studies show that when used together, these two antioxidants can enhance each other’s effects as well as offer broader protection from the damage caused by unprotected sun exposure.
If you’ve got sensitive skin, using high concentrations of ascorbic acid might result in redness and irritation. Rather opt for a lipid-soluble form of Vitamin C – like Lamelle Correctives Vita C 30 – that can penetrate deeper into your dermis without increasing dryness or causing irritation.
Information supplied by Lamelle Research Laboratories.
For details on their range of Vitamin C-rich products, visit www.lamelle.co.za.
