Vitamin C as an Acne Therapeutic
L-ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant that has a range of benefits for acne prone skin types.
Inflammation in the skin underlies a number of debilitating conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and acne, with symptoms including pain, dryness and itching. The pathology underlying these conditions is complex and involves activation of auto-immune or allergic inflammation with associated generation of cytokines and cellular dysfunction, and consequent breakdown of the skin epidermal lipid barrier. Treatments are therefore targeted at both the underlying inflammation and the repair and maintenance of the epidermal structures. Nutrition plays an integral part in both these aspects and numerous studies have investigated the impact of dietary manipulation for alleviation of acute and chronic skin pathologies. Treatments involving supplementation with essential omega-fatty acids, lipid-soluble vitamins E and A are often employed in an attempt to assist the generation of the lipid barriers and to retain moisture in the skin. Vitamin C is often used in anti-inflammatory formulations or as a component of nutrition studies.
Vitamin C status has been reported to be compromised in individuals with skin inflammation, with lower levels measured compared with unaffected individuals. This may reflect increased turnover of the redox-labile vitamin C, as is seen in many inflammatory conditions, and decreased vitamin C status could be expected to impact the numerous essential functions for which it is essential. Recent studies have begun to provide more detailed information as to specific functional implications for suboptimal vitamin C status in inflamed skin lesions. Hence the potential impact of vitamin C extends far beyond its capacity as an inflammatory antioxidant in a pathological setting.
Top Benefits for Acne prone skin:
Antioxidant protection: L-ascorbic acid can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can lead to premature aging, inflammation, and other skin concerns. C21 Youth Glow Serum features a trio of Vitamin C including THD Ascorbate, L-Ascorbic Acid and Kakadu Plum extract.
Brightening: L-ascorbic acid can help brighten the skin by reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. We use this version in Conditioning Hydra-Mist to quickly penetrate skin before moisturizer, serums or sunscreen are applied.
Collagen production: L-ascorbic acid stimulates collagen production, which can improve skin firmness and elasticity, a benchmark of healthy firm skin.
Anti-inflammatory: Specifically formulated into Light Magic+ SPF30 for its calming and environmental defense properties. L-ascorbic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness and irritation associated with acne-prone skin.
Microbiome-friendly: When formulated properly, L-ascorbic acid can be microbiome-friendly, meaning it won't disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria on the skin.
Less is more - While many clients believe "more is better" the effectiveness of Vitamin C can be realized at concentrations up to 20%, when this amount is exceeded, it can cause irritation to the skin. While brands have popularized powdered versions of Vitamin C, the exact amount applied is usually in excess of what is required for healthy skin leading to unnecessary inflammation.
L-Ascorbic Acid is Infused in: C21 Youth Glow Serum, Light Magic+, and Conditioning Hydra-Mist