Vitamin C is better known as the skin vitamin for good reasons. A few drops of the vitamin can lead to flawless and bright skin. It is a wonder vitamin for defending skin against dark spots, aging signs, and sun damage. When applied topically, it can boost glow and even out skin tone.
What is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin present in both the dermis and epidermis of the skin. It works as an antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals in the skin. Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory and helps hydrates skin, too.
Here is The List of Vitamin C Benefits
Vitamin C has several benefits for the skin. You may use Vitamin C tablets for skin or as oral consumption in powder form, or use it topically. For instance, using Vitamin C serums can boost collagen and protect skin against skin-damaging factors.
1. Heals Burns and Wounds
Several studies suggest that Vitamin C can improve wound healing caused by burns or others. It contains antioxidants that can help in the treatment of burn lesions. Taking high doses of Vitamin C can lessen capillary leakage after a burn injury. Since it supports tissue growth, it works well in healing burns and wounds.
2. Treats Sunburn
Vitamin C has certain antioxidant properties that play an essential role in collagen production and for treating sunburn. Taking Vitamin C in oral form or applying it topically can help in treating the condition. In addition, Vitamin C can also be used along with sunscreen and not as a replacement.
Vitamin C is said to reduce the effects of UVB-induced erythema which is a condition that leads to skin reddening.
3. Treats Eczema
One of the effective methods to treat eczema is the combination of Vitamin C and zinc. A daily dose of 500-1000 mg of Vitamin C and zinc (15 mg) can act as a wonderful treatment for eczema.
4. Boost Collagen Production
Vitamin C is an essential requirement for the production of hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine. Both these components bind the molecules that lead to collagen production and further lead to skin firming. The collagen also reduces aging signs and rejuvenates the skin from within.
5. Vitamin C for Skin Lightening
The absence of Vitamin C can often to skin discoloration and also reduce the production of pyrimidine dimmers which are the primary causes of melanomas. Hence, use vitamin c for skin whitening and other skin related problems like freckles, age spots, and smoother skin.
6. Improves Skin Texture
Our skin needs enough nutrients to prevent the skin from becoming rough. You may use creams containing Vitamin C daily for improving the appearance and skin texture. This may also lead to elastin formation which thickens, protects, and heals skin cells.
7. Correct Sun Damage
The topical application of Vitamin C may protect against photodamage. Its vitamins work by deactivating the UV-induced free radicals.
8. Treats Pigmentation
Make use of vitamin c cream for the skin as it works wonderfully on pigmentation while releasing the tyrosinase activity and melanin production.
Here is the List of Vitamin C Natural Sources
There are several foods which are packed with Natural vitamin c. Including these food sources in your daily diet is enough to get your daily dose of Vitamin C.
1. Lemon
Lemon has a rich content of Vitamin C. In fact, the Vitamin C present in lemon juice acts as an antioxidant. A 100 g of lemon is said to contain 53 mg vitamin. Lemons are also said to have low-calorie content and zero cholesterol.
2. Camu Camu Berry
One interesting fact about camu camu berry is its content of Vitamin C. The camu camu berry is mostly used as a powder and added to drinks or added to foods like yogurt or oatmeal. The Vitamin C of camu-camu fruits is said to be 1,882-2,280 milligrams per 100 grams.
3. Guava
Guavas are a rich source of Vitamin C. A 100 g of the fruit contains 228.3 mg of Vitamin C while one guava contains about 126 mg of Vitamin C. Hence, consuming at least one guava per day will benefit the body a lot.
4. Vegetables
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin present in several foods, especially vegetables. It is a popular potent antioxidant that does a positive effect on skin health. There are several veggies that are high in Vitamin C content such as acerola cherries, chili peppers, guavas, sweet yellow peppers, kale, kiwis, sprouts, etc.
5. Kiwi Fruit
Kiwi is a tropical fruit rich in Vitamin C. A 100 g of kiwi contains 92.7 mg Vitamin C while one medium kiwi contains 70.5 mg Vitamin C. The fruit has also a sweet and sour taste and is also a rich source of Vitamin A, calcium, dietary fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
6. Oranges
Oranges are popular loaded with Vitamin C content. A 100 g orange contains 53.2 mg Vitamin C and one large orange contain about 97.9 mg.
7. Papaya
Papaya is a rich source of Vitamin C. A 100 g of papaya contains 61.8 mg of Vitamin and small papaya contains about 93.9 mg of Vitamin C. They are also a rich source of Vitamin A, calcium, Omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and dietary fiber. You may also consume raw papaya to get your daily dose of Vitamin C.
8. Strawberries
Strawberries are a rich source of Vitamin C, protein, and dietary fiber. 100 g of strawberries contain 58.8 mg of Vitamin C and one large strawberry contains about 10.6 mg of Vitamin C.
9. Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutritious veggie packed with Vitamin C. A 100 g of broccoli contains 89.2 mg of Vitamin C. You may consume broccoli both in raw and cooked forms.
10. Lychees
Lychees provides an abundant amount of Vitamin C popular for its role in collagen-boosting and for improving blood vessel health. One lychee provides about 7 mg of Vitamin C while the one-cup serving of lychees provides 151%. These fruits also contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which are beneficial for skin health.
11. Mustard Spinach
Mustard Spinach is high in Vitamin C as well as Vitamin A, calcium, folate, and fiber. One cup of chopped mustard spinach contains 195 mg of Vitamin C or 217% of DV.
12. Kale
This cruciferous veggie contains potent antioxidants to reduce chronic inflammatory diseases. One cup of chopped raw kale is said to provide 80 mg of Vitamin C. One cup of cooked kale provides 53 mg of Vitamin C.
DIY Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serum is the simplest method you can do for your skin. You may combine natural oils and essential oils in a dropper bottle. Here are few recipes on how to make vitamin c serum at home which is beneficial for all skin types.
Directions:
- Fill a dropper bottle with 3 ounces of carrier oil.
- Add 25 drops of essential oils depending on choice.
- Close the cap tightly and roll the bottle between your palms.
1. Face Serum for Normal Skin
- 2 oz liquid coconut oil
- 1 oz jojoba oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 7 drops frankincense oil
- 8 drops rose oil
2. Face Serum for Dry Skin
- 1 oz avocado oil
- 1 oz sunflower oil
- 1 oz olive oil
- 10 drops sandalwood oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops rose oil
- 5 drops cedarwood oil
3. Serum for Sensitive Skin
- 3 oz argan oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops roman chamomile oil
- 5 drops rose oil
4. Serum for Combination Skin
- 1.5 oz grapeseed oil
- 1.5 oz apricot kernel oil
- 5 drops geranium oil
- 5 drops lavender oil
- 5 drops tea tree oil
- 5 drops clary sage oil
- 5 drops frankincense oil
5. Serum for Oily Skin
- 2 oz grapeseed oil
- 1 oz rosehip oil
- 10 drops lemon oil
- 5 drops rosemary oil
- 5 drops tea tree oil
- 5 drops cypress oil
Vitamin C Serum Side Effects
Although Vitamin C serum is an essential element for treating skin problems unfortunately it has several side effects, too. Here are several Vitamin c serum side effects that you should be ready for once you begin using one.
1. Skin Irritation
One of the common side effects of Vitamin C serum is skin irritation which in turn leads to redness. It is a common occurrence for people with sensitive skin or those allergic to L-ascorbic acid which are the primary base of several Vitamin C serums.
2. Breakouts
Skin breakouts are a common effect of Vitamin C serum. Most people often face skin breakouts whilst using Vitamin C serum. The breakouts may occur due to the Vitamin C serum base and ingredients like ferulic acid. You should thoroughly read the ingredients listed before purchasing a Vitamin C serum.
3. Flaky Skin
Using an excessive amount of Vitamin C serum can lead to flaky skin. The serum exfoliates the skin leading to flaky skin during the initial few days of using it.
4. Sun Damage
Vitamin C serum can protect skin against harmful UV rays but also lead to sun damage. Hence, be sure to use an SPF 50 sunscreen along with Vitamin C serum to prevent your skin against sun damage.
5. Water Soluble
Vitamin C is water-soluble and when exposed to air, it often loses its effectiveness. Therefore, when purchasing a Vitamin C serum, look for products that come with additional antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin E, alpha-lipoic acid, and ferulic acid.
