| How does your C serum measure up?
With all the advertising and promises made by skin
care companies it is often hard to trust and choose the product that
will deliver the desired results. When it comes to C serums it can
also be very costly, so listen up, as this can be of great value to
you and your pocket book.
Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen and is a key
player in the repair and renewal of skin and other bodily tissues. It
is also a valuable antioxidant in the everlasting battle against free
radicals; therefore it can reduce the risk of free radical induced
chronic diseases.
Topical forms of Vitamin C are very popular for good
reason. It is estimated that only 8% of orally ingested Vitamin C
makes it to your largest organ, the skin. With this in mind, it makes
sense to feed the skin it's very own dose, but which serum to choose
with so many options on the market?
Let's take a look at what research has revealed
in reference to topical C serums:
- L-ascorbic acid is the most stable form of
Vitamin C.
- Over a twelve week period, Vitamin C reduces
wrinkles and increases the moisture content of the skin.
- Topical Vitamin C may reverse photodamage.
- Topical L-ascorbic acid stimulates collagen
production and improves the firmness of skin of postmenopausal
women.
- The concentration of L-ascorbic acid needs to be
at least 10% or higher.
- It must be protected from direct light (look for
opaque packaging).
- It needs to have a low pH between 2.0 to 3.5.
- Topical Vitamin C reduces free radicals, the
leading cause of skin-cell damage, and skin cancer.
In order for anti aging benefits to be realized, it
is imperative that your Vitamin C serum contain at least 10%
L-ascorbic with a pH level of less than 3.5. At this low pH level
effective C serums may be somewhat irritating if you have
dry/sensitive skin. It is recommended that you use a good nourishing
cream and hydrating mist for a while to make your skin less dry and
sensitive before incorporating the use of such a serum, especially if
you are also using AHA's .
Few studies have been done on another form of
Vitamin C, ester C (ascorbyl palmitate), that has been used in C
serums recently. These studies are inconclusive as to the anti-aging
benefits. So far there is some evidence that ester C might offer
protection against sun-induced irritation and redness in human skin
tissues. Until more independent research is done, we cannot assume
that this form of topical vitamin C is effective in the anti-aging
battle.
So choose your Vitamin C serum wisely!
Make sure you are getting at least 10% L-ascorbic
acid, anything less will not be effective in activating fibroblast
cells in the dermis to once again produce more collagen and elastin.
Inquire about the pH level; a confident company will be happy to tell
you what the pH level of their product is.
Frequently asked questions:
Q. If my C serum does not contain 10% L-ascorbic
acid will it still work?
A. Not as a collagen and elastin producer, but it may offer some
antioxidant protection.
Q. The serum I am using at the moment does not
disclose the percentage of Vitamin C. How do I find out?
A. There should be toll free phone # on products you choose to
purchase. Give them a call and ask them.
Q. Are C serums for mature skin types only?
A. No, acne and hyper-pigmented skin can benefit greatly from a well
formulated C serum.
Q. How often does one use a C serum?
A. It depends on what you are trying to achieve. Most use a C serum
once a day in the pm.
Others with severely sun weathered, wrinkled skin or
inflamed acne may use it in the am and pm. Remember to always use sun
protection in the am.
The Perfect C Serum by MyChelle Dermaceuticals
delivers 17% L-ascorbic acid with CoQ10, lycopene, and wine
phytoalexins.
This lightweight serum is unsurpassed in reviving
dull, lifeless skin and promoting the skins production of collagen and
elastin. Your skin will drink it up.
For ultimate wrinkle reduction, add MyChelle's
Supreme Polypeptide Cream with 5% Matrixyl 3000TM to your skin care
regimen.
Congratulations! With this combo you are on your way
to youthful, supple-looking skin once again.
For more information about
MyChelle’s Natural Vitamin C serum
click here.
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