Vitamin C is often called the vitamin of youth. This term is the quintessence of what role it plays for skin cells. It is actually the queen among vitamins that offer the skin ... turning back time. It is suitable for absolutely all skin types, and the older the skin, the more clearly it will see its effects.

The best treatment for all skin types

It is difficult to find another active substance with such a broad spectrum of activity. Sensitive, couperose, oily, problematic, dry, mature skin, losing firmness, with signs of aging? – vitamin C meets the needs of absolutely all skin types and at all ages. Without the side effects and limitations that e.g. the use of retinol brings. It can also be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The effects of using vitamin C on the skin

Various forms of vitamin C used in cosmetics may differ in their main areas of action. The queen of vitamins in cosmetics in oil form (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) works in many directions. Therefore, it is easy to notice its effect on improving the appearance of the skin after a few weeks of use. After about 6-10 weeks of regular use of higher concentrations, we can expect:

• regain skin smoothness
• firming, improving flexibility
• color uniformity
• brightening discolorations and regaining skin radiance
• shallowing of fine surface wrinkles
• reducing inflammation, minor imperfections
• improving the condition and health of skin cells (which is not always visible to the naked eye, but significantly affects the appearance of the skin in the future)

How does vitamin C in cosmetics work? – a powerful antioxidant and protector of collagen

First of all, it is one of the strongest antioxidants - i.e. substances that (simplifying their mechanism of action a bit) - slow down the aging processes taking place in cells and cell destruction. More precisely: the antioxidant deactivates the action of free radicals, i.e. reactive oxygen species that ravage the body and can lead to serious changes within the cell, and even to its death. Free radicals appear massively as a result of air pollution, sun exposure, and stress… - sound familiar? It's hard to find someone to who these terms don't apply. And here our vitamin plays the role of a guardian and rescuer in one. By deactivating free radicals, it protects cells, "rejuvenates" them, and takes care of their health. The visible effects of such action are a luminous and younger appearance of the skin, and restoration of smoothness and uniformity.

Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen and elastin are called skin support proteins, so the quantity and quality of collagen fibers affect the appearance, smoothness, and firmness of the skin. With age and as a result of the action of enzymes, collagen is degraded and its production decreases. Our heroine plays the role of stimulating production, and at the same time inhibits the activity of enzymes that destroy collagen and elastin. Thanks to collagen, the skin is "supported" or "filled" from the inside - its appearance improves. The visible effect is smoothing the skin, improving elasticity, and reducing surface wrinkles.

Effect of vitamin C in cosmetics - brightened, luminous complexion

The queen of vitamins reverses damage to the skin caused by UVA and UVB radiation (greater damage is caused by UVB radiation - which we actually do not feel, we are not aware of and it does not cause tan on our skin - the skin absorbs it practically all year round - that's why it ages the fastest on exposed areas regions most of the time). The effects of radiation on the skin include a decrease in skin resistance, DNA damage, thickening of the epidermis, the appearance of discolorations and spots over time, and skin fissures. The effects of radiation are a bit like collecting penalty points for road violations - we expose our skin to radiation for years, but we do not see side effects or a small part of them temporarily. However, they accumulate in our skin to make themselves known after a long time - sometimes it is even 10-20 years. Vitamin C "subtracts" these penalty points from us. Independently supports protection against UV radiation.

Its use has a significant impact on the uniformity of skin tone - it brightens existing discolorations and prevents the formation of new ones, brightens the skin, and reduces redness. This is due to its effect on inhibiting the production of melanin and sealing blood vessels.

Its anti-acne, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are particularly important for oily and problematic skin.

Strengthens blood vessels. This is important not only for people with couperose skin but also for mature skin - because with age, the fragility of blood vessels is often increased and they become more sensitive.

In the diet or in the cosmetics?

Our diet has a big impact on our health and skin condition – it goes without saying. However, the skin, although it is the largest organ of our body, is supplied with nutrients by our body last. Internal organs always have priority. What does this mean in practice? That we are unable to provide the right amount of vitamin C to our skin through proper nutrition alone. Her demand is greater. The good news is that it can (and should!) be effectively supplemented with the skin from the outside in the form of cosmetic preparations.

Good face serum with vitamin C

The effectiveness of cosmetics with their content should be considered on the basis of the effects we see on the skin within a few weeks. It is its prolonged and regular use that brings very good results. Let's treat it as the most valuable supplement for the skin - and, just like dietary supplements, let's deliver it regularly - using cosmetics with its content once or twice a day. What to consider when choosing a good cosmetic with vitamin C can be read in the article on our blog "How to choose a good and effective cosmetic with Vitamin C?".

Vitamin C works synergistically with plant vitamin E. It is an unparalleled duo rejuvenating and conditioning our skin, which is found in BIOUP serums: