WHAT DOES VITAMIN C DO FOR YOUR SKIN?
We all know that Vitamin C is a vital nutrient to keep ourselves healthy. But Vitamin C also plays a vital role in skin health and is used in skin care products to keep skin healthy and glowing. Interest in Vitamin C in skin care products is greater than ever before.
6 VITAMIN C SKIN CARE BENEFITS:
1. Brightens skin and minimises dark marks
Vitamin C helps to stop the reactions that occur in the skin to produce dark marks, age spots and hyper-pigmentation, and over time brightens the skin. This is due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties. It also helps to inhibit the enzyme responsible for producing melanin which plays a key role in combating dark spots. It will lighten pigmentation in the skin but won’t lighten your normal skin tone.
2. Firms skin
Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production of the skin which is responsible for keeping skin firm and maintaining skin elasticity for a youthful complexion. Collagen production in the skin naturally reduces as we age which is why wrinkles and skin sagging occurs. Vitamin C is a necessary component of this collagen production so by increasing the amount of Vitamin C you have, the more collagen your skin will naturally produce.
3. Reduces skin redness
If your skin is often inflamed or red, try applying Vitamin C serums or creams – its anti-inflammatory properties means that skin redness is minimised and skin is soothed.
4. Hydrates skin
Vitamin C prevents water loss from the skin, allowing your skin to retain more moisture and stay hydrated for longer. This helps to soothe skin, as well as keep it looking and feeling healthy.
5. Helps to protect against skin damage from UV light
Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help to prevent damage from free radicals on the skin which can lead to sun damage.
6. Enhances skin’s natural defence mechanism
Our skin is exposed to environmental stressors such as pollution. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which inhibits the free radicals that cause skin damage.
HOW YOU CAN INCLUDE VITAMIN C IN YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE
Vitamin C is even more effective when combined with other antioxidant ingredients such as Vitamin E which work together to protect the skin from the external environment and keep skin healthy, and bright.
Buy a Vitamin C serum and mix this with a product you already have containing Vitamin E or look for a skin care product containing both.
FOR BODY
Add Vitamin C to your body care: NIVEA Q10 + Vitamin C Firming Body Lotion visibly firms and tightens skin in 2 weeks.
FOR FACE
Add Vitamin C to your face care: NIVEA Q10 Plus C Anti-Wrinkle + Energy Day Cream immediately invigorates the skin and moisturises intensely for greater freshness and visibly smoother skin.
WHO SHOULD AVOID VITAMIN C IN SKIN CARE?
Vitamin C is safe for all skin types, but dermatologists recommend starting on a product with a low concentration of Vitamin C, if you have sensitive skin. Skin may need time to adjust to the ingredient. After this you can work your way up to higher concentrations when you know that your skin is not irritated by it.
THE VITAMIN C DIET
Include Vitamin C in your diet as well. Much like it helps to protect your skin, it also helps to protect your body and keep you feeling healthy by maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels and bones, as well as having the power to help wounds heal. So here are some things you should try to include in your diet that contain Vitamin C.
FOODS HIGH IN VITAMIN C:
• Oranges
• Tomatoes
• Red & green peppers
• Strawberries
• Broccoli & brussels sprouts
• Potatoes
