Vitamin C is one of the naturally occurring antioxidants in the skin. Most plants and animals can synthesise Vitamin C, but humans can’t. Therefore we have to acquire it from food sources such as citrus, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, papaya and broccoli, to name but a few.
In the skin, Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant by neutralising free radicals. Vitamin C also directly activates collagen synthesis. It is clinically proven that Vitamin C increases collagen production in both young and aged human skin.
Vitamin C is also a depigmenting agent. It’s known as a tyrosinase inhibitor, thereby decreasing melanin (dark pigment) formation.
What to look out for when buying a Vitamin C serum?
1. Make sure it’s a concentration of 10% or higher (for maximum efficacy)
2. Vitamin C must be stored in a tinted glass bottle to keep the ingredients stable.
Personally, I like to use a Vitamin C serum in the morning on a clean dry skin, beneath my moisturiser and sunblock. – by Suzette la Grange
