If you’ve done any browsing at the beauty counters or on the beauty blogs, then you’ve undoubtedly seen a number of products featuring vitamin C as a main ingredient. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that has some incredible benefits for skin health. But in order to fully understand how it works, you have to understand what your skin is up against on a daily basis.
A little bit about free radicals
Our skin is under constant attack by free radicals. You’ve probably heard this before, but what exactly are they and how do they affect our skin? To be frank, free radicals are everywhere. Substances that generate them are found in fried and processed foods, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and alcohol. But our bodies generate them, too.
Free radicals are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. And because electrons like to be in pairs, those unstable molecules go in search of electrons to steal from other cells. In doing so, they don’t just damage cell function, but they also create another free radical. The resulting chain reaction causes direct damage to our skin’s DNA. A high concentration of free radicals in skin can result in:
- Pigmentation issues
- Premature wrinkles
- Dull, tired-looking skin
- Uneven skin tone
Cell damage by way of free radicals may even play a role in the development of cancer cells.
Enter antioxidants. They neutralize free radicals by donating an electron, which they can do without becoming unstable, thereby stopping that chain reaction and protecting the skin from free radical damage. And vitamin C is the best of the best when it comes to antioxidants in skincare.
The additional benefits of vitamin C in skincare products
Essentially, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your skin from damage by free radicals. But that’s not all it does. Take a look at these additional benefits of vitamin C in skincare products:
Treats fine lines and wrinkles
Topical vitamin C has been shown to reverse age-related structural changes in the skin. Because of its acidic properties, vitamin C triggers the skin to heal itself by producing more skin-plumping collagen. The result is fewer fine lines and wrinkles and overall skin tightening for a more youthful appearance.
Addresses hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase and reduces melanin, making it effective in the spot-treatment of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Brightens the complexion
The same properties that make vitamin C beneficial in the treatment of dark spots also make it an effective overall skin brightener.
Reduces redness
Vitamin C helps repair broken capillaries that cause skin redness, and its anti-inflammatory properties also help it to reduce redness caused by inflammation, resulting in a more even skin tone.
Protects against sun damage
Adding vitamin C to your skincare routine may even add an extra boost to the protective properties of your sunscreen. While vitamin C cannot replace your sunscreen, it can help provide additional protection against sun damage.
Natural ingredients for beautiful skin
At Décel, we’ve always believed in the power of natural ingredients to enhance skin health and promote radiant beauty. We’re proud to provide high quality skincare products made from the finest natural ingredients, such as vitamin C, ginseng, carrot oil, and natural plant extracts. The Décel skincare system features nutrient-rich products designed to cleanse, exfoliate, brighten, tighten and soften, helping you achieve optimum skin health and beautiful radiance—naturally.
