It is no secret that vitamin C has numerous benefits and is a vital ingredient for skin health; however, with the constant stream of information we receive regarding skin care formulas, ingredients, and products, it’s time we revisit the virtues of this potent antioxidant and discuss its most effective forms. 

A VITAL VITAMIN 

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. In fact, vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in human skin.1 Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesize vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component. Vitamin C is required for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine, certain neurotransmitters, and is involved in protein metabolism. Vitamin C is also an important physiological antioxidant and has been shown to regenerate other antioxidants within the body, including alpha tocopherol (vitamin E).2 

Collagen is an essential component of connective tissue, which plays a vital role in wound healing. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C and its role in collagen synthesis make vitamin C a vital molecule for skin health. Normal skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C, which supports important and well-known functions, stimulating collagen synthesis and assisting in antioxidant protection against ultraviolet-induced photodamage.3  

THE SCIENCE OF C 

In a 2002, double-blind study comparing topical vitamin C and vehicle for rejuvenation of photodamage, ten patients applied a newly formulated vitamin C complex. The complex, having 10% ascorbic acid (water soluble) and 7% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (lipid soluble) in an anhydrous polysilicone gel base, was applied to half of the face and an inactive polysilicone gel base was applied to the opposite side. It was concluded that this formulation of vitamin C results in clinically visible and statistically significant improvement in wrinkling when used topically for 12 weeks. This clinical improvement correlates with biopsy evidence of new collagen formation.4 

Lila Castellanos has focused her energies into the beauty industry for the past 19 years, specializing in skin rejuvenation. As a licensed aesthetician, she has lent her expertise to working as a paramedical aesthetician in the medical spa field as well as in both day spa and mobile spa business models. It was through these varied experiences, along with the interactions with her loyal clientele, that she honed her passion for improving and maintaining the health and integrity of her clients’ skin. Castellanos thrives on being able to use her extensive knowledge to customize each treatment to help her clients achieve the results they are searching for, from antiaging facial and, treating acne to minimizing the appearance of scarring and addressing skin conditions that arise as a result of hormonal changes.