Snow White's Secrets: Vitamin C for Lightening Skin

About vitamin C

Once hidden in “brightening serums” and “day creams”.
It has taken center stage in the skin care world, and for good reason. According to our clinical director and cosmetologist Dr. Shestakov Yu. I. Vitamin C is one of the three most important antioxidants. Others are vitamin A and vitamin B. Which have proven direct and indirect effects on improving skin color. The catch is that you only get the benefits of vitamin C when it is in a stable formulation and is properly absorbed by the skin. Here's how vitamin C works, and how you can incorporate it into your skin care routine to get the most benefits.

Rating of the best vitamins for age spots

What does vitamin C do in skin care?

This incredibly little vitamin is a multi-purpose molecule with several benefits. It significantly improves skin cells as an antioxidant, collagen synthesizer and natural skin brightener.

Vitamin C, which you consume through food, acts as an antioxidant because it reduces free radical damage to your body's tissue cells. When applied topically, it can do the same to your skin, thereby reducing some of the signs of aging.

It also helps reduce signs of aging by helping your cells synthesize collagen. The skin is made up of a collagen matrix, and each collagen fiber is made up of cells with amino acids. Vitamin C interacts with amino acids internally. Collagen cells, so they can succeed in rebuilding collagen fibers. Stronger collagen fibers mean less wrinkling and sagging in your youthful, beautiful skin. The most important antioxidants

It also helps with hydration as it promotes the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin. As a natural skin brightener, vitamin C helps inhibit pigment-producing enzymes. This results in a more even skin tone. This is a bonus for those of you who are prone to sun-induced pigmentation. People who regularly consume vitamin C also tend to get a brighter and more radiant complexion. Because their natural pigments are better regulated.

The great thing about vitamin C is that it is one of the few active ingredients that can penetrate deeply, but this also depends on the type of vitamin C and its formulation.

About vitamin C

Once hidden in “brightening serums” and “day creams”. It has taken center stage in the skin care world, and for good reason. According to our clinical director and cosmetologist Dr. Shestakov Yu. I. Vitamin C is one of the three most important antioxidants. Others are vitamin A and vitamin B. Which have proven direct and indirect effects on improving skin color. The catch is that you only get the benefits of vitamin C when it is in a stable formulation and is properly absorbed by the skin.

Here's how vitamin C works, and how you can incorporate it into your skin care routine to get the most benefits.

Types of age spots

Experts in the field of dermatology divide age spots into the following types:

1. Freckles (ephelids)
   . They are small spots of all shades of brown. More often, freckles can be found in children or during puberty. Sometimes they occur against the background of hormonal changes. And in individuals belonging to a special phototype, they can persist throughout their lives.
2. Geriatric pigmentation (lentigo)
   . In people in their fifties, light or dark brown spots may appear on exposed areas of the skin.
3. Melasma (hormonal hyperpigmentation)
   . Similar spots on the skin appear during childbearing or breastfeeding, as well as in the presence of endocrine diseases. Quite large pigmented areas can be seen above the upper lip, on the face, cheeks or neck.
4. Nevi (moles)
   . Point accumulation of melanocytes with a high content of pigments. Nevi can occur at birth or over time. Such formations are dangerous because they can degenerate into melanoma.
5. Secondary increased pigmentation
   . Such a skin defect usually occurs after suffering various diseases (eczema, psoriasis, lichen) of a dermatological profile.

The appearance of age spots is more likely in people who have crossed the 35-year mark. However, some types are also found in younger people. In some cases, after some time they disappear on their own. But most often you have to make a lot of effort to lighten them.

Types of Vitamin C: Pure vs. Derivatives

In skin care products, you can find pure forms of vitamin C known as L-ascorbic acid, but most often you'll find derivatives. Which are converted into vitamin C as soon as they are absorbed into your skin. This is because although the purest form is effective. It is also the most unstable and most susceptible to oxidation.

Exposure to light and air can destroy vitamin C and cause it to oxidize. When oxidized, the molecular structure of the vitamin changes and it can cause oxidative stress on your skin. In other words, oxidation converts your vitamin C from a damage-fighting antioxidant. A free radical that causes damage. In the world of skin care, the most important antioxidant about vitamin C is being properly absorbed by the skin.

If your vitamin C serum becomes cloudy. If it turns dark yellow or has an unpleasant odor, it is probably oxidizing; stop using it right now.

Another problem with L-ascorbic acid is stabilization. To keep it stable, it must be prepared at a low pH. Which may cause skin irritation.

About vitamin C

Vitamin C derivatives tend to be more stable and less irritating. And they can be just as effective. Here's a breakdown of the different forms of vitamin C:

L-ascorbic acid

This pure vitamin C is similar to dietary vitamin C (the "L" simply denotes the shape of the molecule). As mentioned above, it needs to be combined with stabilizers. Even so, it is very prone to oxidation. It only absorbs into your skin at a pH level of 2.5-3. Your skin's natural pH is 5.5, so this difference creates a risk of irritation.

Ethyl ascorbic acid

This form of vitamin C has an ethyl bond in the molecule, which your skin removes upon absorption to produce pure vitamin C. It is one of the most stable and effective forms of vitamin C. Because it is soluble in water and oil. It can penetrate deeper into the skin than other forms. Also, if you have oily skin that is prone to irritation from other forms of vitamin C. This is a good option because its oil solubility makes it less likely to irritate. About vitamin C the most important antioxidants improve skin color.

Sodium ascorbyl phosphate

This vitamin C derivative is technically a form of salt. It is stable at pH 7. And turns into pure vitamin C when it is absorbed by the skin. Although it is less irritating, it is also known to be less effective than other forms.

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate

This is another non-irritating vitamin C derivative, stable at pH 7 and water soluble, but it is much more effective than sodium ascorbyl phosphate and has much more evidence as an antioxidant, collagen enhancer and pigment regulator.

Ascorbyl glucoside

This form of vitamin C combines with glucose (a type of sugar). Once absorbed into the skin, the glucose is separated and you get pure ascorbic acid. This is one of the most stable forms of vitamin C (across different pH levels), but with more stability you tend to lose potency.

Superox-C

Technically, it is an extract of the Kakadu plum, a native of Australia known as the richest source of vitamin C. It is stable at various pH levels and does not cause irritation. Human clinical trials showed up to a 50% increase in natural hyaluronic acid production and a noticeable reduction in wrinkles in subjects who regularly applied split face applications (one side Superox-C, the other side placebo).

Vitamin C Serum Vitamin Concentrate Super C combines Superox-C with ethyl ascorbic acid and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate for high potency but low irritability. About Vitamin C is properly absorbed by the skin.

“The different forms of vitamin C are mixed synergistically to ensure maximum penetration and absorption. And, therefore, the maximum effectiveness of vitamin C in epidermal cells"

The best vitamins for age spots from Russian manufacturers

Russian pharmaceutical companies produce various multivitamins and dietary supplements that have a complex effect on the skin and solve various cosmetic problems, including the presence of age spots.

Alphabet Cosmetics

Rating: 4.9

The Russian manufacturer Vneshtorg Pharma has developed the Cosmetic supplement from the Alphabet series. This product contains: 13 vitamins, 10 minerals, coenzyme Q10, PABA and bioflavonoids. This is a powerful antioxidant complex that slows down the aging process. It effectively lightens age spots, smoothes out shallow wrinkles, and evens out skin tone.

Alphabet Cosmetics is produced in the form of round tablets, convex on both sides. They are not very large and quite comfortable to swallow. In each blister, the tablets are presented in three colors (orange, yellow and green), which indicate the presence of different active ingredients. You should take 1 tablet of each color per day. Between each of them you should take a break of 4-6 hours. One package is enough for 20 days of use.

Many people speak well of the dietary supplement Alphabet Cosmetic. This complex contains vitamin K, which eliminates or reduces swelling and also fights pronounced age spots. This dietary supplement slows down aging and has a rejuvenating effect. After several courses of using this product, you can expect that your facial skin will become tightened and with an even tone.

Advantages

• balanced combination of nutrients;
• easy to swallow tablets;
• fights pigment spots;
• eliminates swelling;
• evens out facial tone.

Flaws

• The tablets should be taken 3 times a day.

Tips for choosing a drug for skin pigmentation

To choose the right cream against age spots, you need to follow the following rules:

• Before purchasing, you can determine how much oil is in the cream. To do this, you need to apply a little product on a sheet of paper. If there is a visible greasy stain, it means there is a lot of oil.
• Also, if a stain from this cream on paper has changed its original color, chemical dyes are present. They can cause side effects and allergic reactions.
• Before purchasing, you need to do a test for allergic reactions. To do this, simply apply the product to a small area of ​​skin and wait a day. If no allergens are identified, the cream is safe.
• You need to choose a product exclusively for your skin type.
• For oily skin, choose products with a mattifying effect and particles that normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands: salicylic and hyaluronic acids, talc, kaolin, glycerin, string extract, chamomile, aloe. Olive and castor oils, tea tree oil, ceramides, panthenol, citric acid, retinol and caffeine.
• Dry skin needs protection and hydration, so you should pay attention to products with a moisturizing effect. Ingredients: glycerin, purified thermal water, panthenol, animal fats, hyaluronic acid.

• For a normal type of epidermis, you need to choose creams with aloe extract, vegetable oils and antioxidants.
• For those with combination skin, it is better to choose creams with additional components: vitamins A, C, E, raspberry, chamomile, calendula, mint, and sage extracts. If the composition contains hyaluronic and salicylic acids, this is only better.
• Sensitive skin needs anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ingredients: panthenol, chamomile extract, aloe, calendula, thermal water, vitamin A.
• Buy only certified product.
• Do not take a product that contains hydrochion at a concentration of 4% (the use of 2% of the substance is allowed).
• You should not take the cream if it contains hydroichon and is stored for two years.