Vitamin C aka (L)ascorbic acid Anti-Aging Skincare for Mature Skin
Studies are showing that vitamin C, more specifically L-(ascorbic) acid, is extremely promising in what it can do for the skin. We know that the body needs and can absorb 100 ml of vitamin C a day, and you can get this quite easily through diet and supplementation. For the skin, vitamin C is critical in both collagen and elastin synthesis as well as combating free radicals that are generated by ultraviolet light, which can damage the DNA of our skin cells. This is what causes not only aging but can also lead to cancer. Vitamin C is the most efficient antioxidant that we generate in our body, because it functions both inside and outside of our cells, but ultraviolet light depletes out vitamin C levels as well as the transporters that get vitamin C into the appropriate compartments of the skin.
As I’ve mentioned, studies are showing that vitamin C is extremely promising in what it can do for the skin. When vitamin C was added to cells in a petri dish, it showed a boost in collagen production as well as cells were holding onto their vitamin C levels when exposed to ultraviolet light. The main consideration; however, is that there are factors that play a role in the efficacy of vitamin C and how the skin can absorb it.
These factors:
pH level: 2 -3.5 is the sweet spot of where it will be absorbed into the skin.
Concentration: 10-20%.
Helper antioxidants, vitamin E and ferulic acid, are added in a water-based serum, which not only helps to stabilize the vitamin C, but it also makes it 8 times more effective.
Vitamin C can come in water-based as well as non-water based serums. If the product is water-based, the container should block out the light and the product should be clear to a light yellow. It starts to oxidize when exposed to light and air, so the color can change from yellow to a deep orange, and you really don’t want to put it on your face. If the product is non-water based, then it will probably come in a lotion or cream base.
Angie from “Hot and Flashy” on youtube did this test on several vitamin C products. Some products tell you what the concentration is, but some don’t. She tested the pH levels on these products, and I am happy to say that the winners were the two vitamin C products I have used, so I feel comfortable suggesting these to you. Also, these options are far less expensive than some of the other vitamin C serums out there.
I do want to start off by saying, I have incorporated two other anti-oxidants, tretinoin and niacinamide, in my skincare routine that has solid research behind them and are excellent ingredients. I have added vitamin C to my routine, but it does not have the same standing for me as the other two. I also am not going to pay a lot for this ingredient that may or may not properly absorb into my skin. That being said, I am currently using the Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% by the Ordinary in a non-water based serum. This tells you right on the container what the concentration is. You will pay under $6 for 1 oz. I use this in the morning after I wash my face a couple of times a week. It has a creamy consistency, and it does feel a bit gritty. Vitamin C can be irritating, so you want to add this to your regime slowly to let your skin adjust. The Ordinary does offer several other Vitamin C options, but this is the one I have used.
The other product I have used is the Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum, which again tells you the concentration of vitamin C, as well as that the helper anti-oxidants are included, since this is in a water-based solution. You can get this for under $20 for 1 oz. This product has more of a watery consistency. Since it is in a water-based formula, you want to keep an eye on the color of the serum. When I bought this product, it came in a dark blue dropper bottle, so it was very easy to see the serum through the dropper. It was a cloudy white/clear color when I received it. I use it on my face, neck, chest and hands liberally. You want to be liberal with it, and use it on the areas that need anti-aging, because once it oxidizes, it is useless. Both of these are very good products, because they check off all the boxes making them effective, as well as they are affordable.
My strategy is to get my vitamin C from both my diet as well as topically and to protect my skin from UV light that can cause further damage by using sunscreen. Please check out my free downloadable morning and night routine of all the anti-aging skincare ingredients that I recommend on my home page.