![]() ![]() $166, serious skin care splurge and viral favorite for correcting oxidation This means they must be converted to L-ascorbic before they’re of use to the skin. Other forms of topical vitamin C may be more stable, but they’re considered inactive. The caveat is that it can be unstable, so it can oxidize before it reaches your skin. Since L-ascorbic is naturally found in the skin, it’s bioavailable (aka it can be put to use immediately). L-ascorbic stands out from other forms of vitamin C because it’s considered active. It’s among the most trusted active ingredients in skin care products. L-ascorbic is a trustworthy source of vitamin C because it’s thoroughly researched. The epidermis contains especially high concentrations of the organic compound. It’s found in fruits, vegetables, and even in human skin. L-ascorbic is derived from natural sources. But L-ascorbic is given its name based on how it rotates when exposed to light.įorms of vitamin C break down into synthetic and natural versions. You may have heard of ascorbic acid - the form of vitamin C used in dietary supplements taken orally. The name “L-ascorbic” refers to the chemical structure of the type of vitamin C and how it reacts to light. It’s a natural organic compound found in topical vitamin C products, such as powders, oils, and serums. There are different forms of vitamin C in skin care, and L-ascorbic is just one type - but it’s one you want to look for. Why L-ascorbic Acid is important for brighter skin Prices run the gamut from $25 to more than $100. ![]() Price: Factors like concentration and formulation determine a vitamin C serum’s quality, not the price tag. If your serum starts out clear and turns yellow, that’s also a sign it’s oxidizing and will be less effective. Many serums are yellow, but if your product takes on a brown or dark orange hue, it’s time to toss because it’s gone bad. A thoughtful brand will include label instructions on how to store their serums. Some retailers suggest storing the product in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life. Look for a product that comes in a dark glass bottle featuring a medicine dropper delivery, rather than an air pump.Ī tube also works. Packaging: Exposure to air, light, and heat can degrade your serum. Then check for ferulic acid, which helps lower the pH level of vitamin C to below 3.5 percent so your skin can easily slurp up the cocktail. Another antioxidant called glutathione also is a good pal to vitamin C. Vitamin E stabilizes vitamin C for maximum skin protection. Think of these skin boosters as besties that do well together. Ingredient: Look for both vitamins C and E, or L-ascorbic acid and tocopherol respectively, on your ingredient list. As with any new product, try a patch test first before a full application. Vitamin C is mostly safe to use, but in rare instances, side effects may occur, like stinging, redness, dryness, or a yellowish discoloration. But going over 20 percent could lead to irritation and doesn’t increase its benefit. You definitely want a concentration that’s higher than 8 percent for maximum effectiveness. Make sure this good-guy ingredient is close to the top of the label, ideally as one of the first five ingredients.Ĭoncentration: The sweet spot for the concentration level is between 10 and 20 percent. An older study comparing common vitamin C derivatives with L-ascorbic acid didn’t show an increase in absorption. Always use SPF with vitamin CĪlthough vitamin C serum isn’t a substitute for sunscreen (in fact, sun sensitivity increases with use), the two together can work in tandem to boost the skin’s protection from damage.įorm: Vitamin C can appear on the ingredient label as several different names, but the one you want is L-ascorbic acid, which is the most effective. It’s been found that topical vitamin C is best applied after exposure to UV light and not prior. This can be achieved by applying every eight hours.Īlso, UV light lowers the skin’s vitamin C levels. Vitamin C’s protection and free radical-fighting prowess eventually wears off, but you can build up a reservoir for adequate photoprotection. Unlike sunscreen, moisturizers, or oils, vitamin C can’t be wiped or washed off that easily. Think car exhaust, cigarette smoke, certain chemicals, even booze and overprocessed foods.īut don’t worry if you skip an application. Vitamin C has photoprotective properties and staves off oxidative stress from the free radicals we meet throughout our day. One study even recommends applying a vitamin C serum every eight hours, or twice daily for the pinnacle of protection. ![]() If you’re wondering when to apply a vitamin C serum, the answer is both morning and night, after cleansing and toning.
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