Vitamin C is renowned as a glow-giver while leaving skin with an even tone, smooth texture, and youthful vitality.
L-ascorbic acid is the purest form of vitamin C and the most abundant antioxidant in human skin. However, humans cannot produce vitamin C on their own because they do not have the specific enzyme – L-glucone-gamma lactone oxidase – which is required for its synthesis. So, vitamin C is considered an essential dietary component.
When it comes to skincare, there is no way to guarantee that dietary or oral vitamin C intake goes directly to your skin. Studies suggest that the skin receives the maximum benefits when applied topically. Therefore, experts believe using serums and other skincare products with vitamin C is the most straightforward way to reap its benefits.
Vitamin C & Its Derivatives
Vitamin C and L-ascorbic acid are synonymous in skincare. L-ascorbic acid is considered the gold standard of vitamin C because it is the most biologically active and science-backed form. Unfortunately, it quickly loses its natural properties, including antioxidant activity, due to its instability and reactivity when exposed to heat, light, and air. To improve the stability of the formulations, most skin care companies use different vitamin C derivatives. However, these vitamin C derivatives aren’t equally effective. Some do not penetrate the deeper layer of the skin (dermis) at an optimal level, while others do not convert to the biologically active form of vitamin C in the skin. For example, the magnesium salt of vitamin C – Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) – is the most stable derivative yet penetrates skin poorly. So, it is less effective than L-ascorbic acid. Another example is oil soluble vitamin C derivative Ascorbyl Palmitate, which currently has no data to show that it converts to ascorbic acid in the skin.
Although vitamin C has obstacles, few companies have developed powerful yet stable formulas with L-ascorbic acid that preserve its inherent complexion-enhancing properties. Our Daily Glow Vitamin C Serum, which contains 10% of pure form of vitamin C L-ascorbic acid, comes in bio-degradable capsules that ensure the vitamin C remains stable and potent.
Benefits of L-ascorbic acid in skincare
- Skin brightening & anti-pigmentation effect
Topically applied, L-ascorbic acid enhances brightness and helps fade dark spot pigmentation by inhibiting the action of the enzyme tyrosinase.
- A potent antioxidant
The antioxidant activity of L-ascorbic acid protects the skin from oxidative stress by successively donating electrons to neutralize the free radicals. This prevents free radicals harming the tissues and preserves the skin's natural glow and youthful vitality.
- Anti-aging effect
Collagen, which provides structural support in the skin, degrades as we age, resulting in wrinkling and other signs of skin aging. L-ascorbic acid promotes the biosynthesis of collagen quantitatively and qualitatively, which helps smooth wrinkles and defy aging.
In addition, L-ascorbic acid helps speed up wound healing and prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (e.g. acne scars). Moreover, L-ascorbic acid can provide photoprotection. However, sun protection is important regardless of your skincare routine. Therefore, it is highly recommended to slather on sunscreen of SPF 30+ after applying your vitamin C product for greater sun protection.
References:
