With thousands of anti-aging skin care products on the market, determining which one will work isn't easy. However, one product that seems to lend positive results is natural vitamin C serum. Inside the body, vitamin C works to ward off disease. Applied topically, natural vitamin C serum can improve the tone and texture of sun damage and premature aging. Its regenerative properties are useful for improving the complexion by fighting off free radicals.
Antioxidant Properties
Vitamin C is well known for its valuable antioxidant qualities. Natural vitamin C serum can be of great benefit to healing the skin. It boosts the immune function of skin cells and is useful for healing broken skin that often accompanies acne. Vitamin C serum increases the skin's natural collagen production, working to correct sun damage. The appearance of aging skin as well as damaged or scarred skin may be improved through regular use of vitamin C serum.
Research
A 2003 study by the University of Franche-Comte' in France and published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine was conducted in order to determine the effects of a topical vitamin C solution on photoaged sun-damaged skin. A 5 percent vitamin C solution was applied topically over six months, and the patients were reviewed periodically. Researchers noted a significant improvement in the skin's elasticity, as well as a lightening of furrowed areas.
Pros
According to the Acne Treatment website, one of the advantages of using vitamin C in a topical serum form is that the skin is able to hold onto the nutrients in the serum for up to 72 hours after an application. The texture and tone of the skin may show visible improvement after only a few days. As there are organic brands of vitamin C serum on the market, those who appreciate natural and organic skin care may enjoy the benefits without any unnecessary chemicals.
Cons
Cost varies with the brand used, with some in the hundreds of dollars. Vitamin C serum is highly unstable and can lose its efficacy when exposed to heat, light or air. Degraded product may start to turn a yellowish or brown color. Consider the reputation of the manufacturer and the packaging in which the serum is sold to be certain the serum is of the best quality.
Side Effects and Precautions
If you have sensitive skin, test a small area of skin with vitamin C serum before applying it liberally. The most common side effect is a slight stinging on the skin upon application. Vitamin C serum should not be combined with skin products containing copper peptides. When shopping for vitamin C serum, be aware that all products are not created equal. In order for the serum to be effective, several factors are involved. According to the Acne Treatment Lab website, the efficacy of the serum depends on the acidity of its formulation. It recommends that its pH be 3.5 or less. To be effective, the solution should contain at least a 10 percent vitamin C concentration, with a 20 percent concentration the ideal.
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