Cosmetic Question: I know it’s expensive so before I try it, I’d like to know how Vitamin C serum improves aging skin?
Cosmetic Answer:
Great question. Vitamin C used in a serum on the skin has been shown to have a range of beneficial effects. It reduces fine lines. It improves the skin’s texture and strength. It evens the skin tone and decreases brown spots. It does this because it is an anti-oxidant that prevents skin damage. Vitamin C is a tyrosinase inhibitor. Tyrosinase is involved in producing color on the skin, contributing to hyperpigmentation. Therefore, if you block tyrosinase, you prevent hyperpigmentation from forming.
Vitamin C is expensive because it rapidly deteriorates. A glass of fresh orange juice loses half its vitamin C just sitting overnight. So, this means manufacturing of stable vitamin C skin serum products is expensive. It also means that inexpensive versions are unlikely to have much effect on your skin. We carry the Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% because of its proven Vitamin C activity.
The advantages of using Vitamin C serum on the skin are:
- It is easy to use and usually well-tolerated, except for some skin dryness. In comparison, topical Vitamin A which is the active ingredient in Retin- A or its generic formulation, tretinoin, is harsher and harder to use. Although, if tolerated, Retin-A’s effects can be dramatic.
- It is excellent for women with early changes who don’t want or need an aggressive skin regimen.
- It is less likely to trigger cold sore outbreaks, a common problem with Retin-A.
- It can be used with other products without blocking their benefits.
- It improves the results of skin treatments, such as microneedling.
- It protects the skin to some extent from sun damage.
If you want to protect your skin from the signs of aging or help reverse damage that has already occurred. Vitamin C is an excellent start.
Please give us a call if you are considering improving your skin and want to try Vitamin C.