All About Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant for achieving a brighter, younger complexion. From assisting in healing wounds to counteracting free radicals to bolstering our body’s immune system, Vitamin C plays a key role in our body’s day-to-day operations. Although it is vital to our health, Vitamin C is not synthesized in the human body, so regular dietary uptake is required. Various foods, drinks, and supplements are rich in this powerful antioxidant. But, many popular vitamin brands offer inferior or diluted forms of Vitamin C, and Vitamin C-rich foods lose much of their effects once processed through the digestive system. However, when Vitamin C is applied topically, the powerful antioxidant filters through the epidermis and dermis, rejuvenating the skin’s structures level by level. From revitalizing collagen production to preventing and treating photodamage, Vitamin C is a catalyst for all top-tier skincare regimens. 

Dr. Daniel Markmann prides himself on offering the best, most efficient skin care products to his clientele. If you are interested in seeing how Vitamin C can brighten your complexion, please schedule a personal consultation at our Elliott City office. To reach our front desk, please call us at (410) 465-3600.

The Powerful Antioxidant

What we know as Vitamin C was first isolated in 1928, but British sailors had been using Vitamin C-rich foods for the past 200 years to cure symptoms of scurvy.[1] Although it is rare in developed countries, scurvy develops when Vitamin C levels drop too low. While you are probably not likely to contract scurvy anytime soon, it is worth noting how important this vitamin is, and how extreme the symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency are. Subcutaneous bleeding, poor wound closure, hair and tooth loss, joint pain, fatigue, and bruising easily are all symptoms of this disease.[2] Many of these symptoms result from a decline in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a strong, flexible protein found mostly in our skin, bones, and connective tissue. Collagen’s rope-like fibers keep our skin wrinkle- and blemish-free while also maintaining proper bone density. However, with age, our collagen production declines, leaving our existing collagen fibers to become damaged and unsupported. By the time we’re 65, we have lost 40% of our collagen supply.[3] This results in loose, wrinkled skin. 

Photodamaged Skin

Our skin is a complex organ. It is, in fact, our only organ to undergo photodamage: the adverse effects of exposure to sunlight. This type of damage is caused by UVA and UVB light from the sun.
  • UVA is a longer wavelength that can reach further into the dermis to indirectly cause genetic mutation in DNA.[4]
  • UVB is a shorter wavelength and causes direct damage to DNA, sunburns, and inflammation.[4]

While both types of UV radiation permeate different levels of the skin, they both affect the appearance of our complexion. UVA reaches deep in our dermis to alter and damage collagen fibers.[5] On the other hand, UVB is the key player in sunburns and can cause severe thermal damage to the skin. Together, when our skin is overexposed to both types of UV rays, melanin is synthesized and distributed across the skin. This is thought to prevent further damage from radiation.[6] For some, this results in a tan that lasts for a couple of weeks. For others, this results in sunspots that permanently blemish the skin. Sunspots can mar your complexion, causing it to appear uneven and making you look older than your age. 

The Benefits of Vitamin C

On a day-to-day basis, our skin encounters many different attackers. From UV rays to pollution to dietary and lifestyle choices, our skin reveals where we’ve been. These harmful factors all lead to the creation of free radicals, which can cause further cellular damage. While our skin is well-equipped to ward off these agents when we’re younger, it gradually loses that ability with age. So, wrinkles deepen, and sunspots darken. Many topicals promote younger results, but they don’t come with the added benefits of Vitamin C products. With Vitamin C, your skin can defend itself against free radicals, UV rays, and build back its supportive collagen structures. 

Fights Free Radicals

Vitamin C is an antioxidant: it prevents the oxidation of other molecules. When molecules are oxidated, this results in oxidative stress. Researchers have found that oxidative stress is linked to the development of chronic and degenerative illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, physical aging, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Free radicals accumulate in the body to promote oxidative stress. To counteract these free radicals, Vitamin C is uniquely equipped to donate a hydrogen atom and form a relatively stable radical that neutralizes free radicals in the treated areas.[7] When used as a topical, Vitamin C offsets the free radicals in the dermis and epidermis. This process prevents further aging in the treated areas.

Evens Skin Tone

Topical Vitamin C works to promote an even skin tone by inhibiting the main enzymatic action responsible for melanin production.[8] Vitamin C has been shown to also prevent sunburns from UVB rays, which helps to prevent the future formation of brown spots. One clinical study reported a significant decrease in brown spots after only 16 weeks.[8]

Promotes Collagen Production

Vitamin C is vital for collagen biosynthesis because it promotes gene expression in dermal fibroblast cells and serves as a cofactor that stabilizes collagen fibers.[8][9] Fibroblast cells secrete collagen fibers that replenish or replace existing fibers. Aging causes these cells to wane in efficiency, which forces collagen fibers to lose their tensile strength. However, when topical Vitamin C is added to your skincare regimen, you can see tighter skin and gradually fading wrinkles. Also, Vitamin C assists in preventing collagen degradation. So, newly produced and existing collagen fibers are fortified for long-lasting results. 

Is Vitamin C Right For You?

Many of us are searching for the right skincare product that can multitask. From correcting existing blemishes to preventing future ones to using only natural, safe ingredients, finding the right skin care product can be difficult –– and costly. Instead of filling your medicine cabinet with various creams, serums, and lotions, consider Vitamin C products to accomplish all of your desired effects and more. Vitamin C products are perfect for those interested in looking younger and brighter today and tomorrow. To find the best Vitamin C product for you and your skin, please schedule a consultation at Metamorphosis.

Personal Consultation

Many patients come to us with more than one cosmetic concern. We often recommend Vitamin C products in addition to other services. During your consultation, we will go over your current skincare regimen and note your skin’s condition. We will look for wrinkles and sunspots and consider possible treatment modalities. After listening to your desired results, we will configure a personalized treatment plan. At the end of your consultation, we will explain our different Vitamin C skincare products and help you decide which one is right for you. 

Other Skin Care Services

In addition to Vitamin C skincare products, our patients also enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of chemical peels. Chemical peels come in an array of concentrations and targeted conditions. During your consultation, we will discuss which peel is best for your skin’s condition. This non-surgical procedure is perfect for those interested in improving fine lines, diminishing scars, evening skin tone, and reversing sun damage. If you are interested in the simplicity and strength of chemical peels, please schedule a consultation today!

How Much Are Vitamin C Skin Care Products in Ellicott City?

Vitamin C skincare products all come at different prices. During your consultation, we will determine the cost of your care based on your personalized treatment plan. Be sure to keep an eye out for our current specials as they often include an assortment of our finely curated skincare products. If you loved reading this blog, check out our others! Lastly, if you have any questions, please feel free to call our front offices at (410) 465-3600.

References

  1. Carpenter K. J. (2012). The discovery of vitamin C. Annals of nutrition & metabolism, 61(3), 259–264. https://doi.org/10.1159/000343121
  2. Vitamin C. “Vitamin C.” Linus Pauling Institute, 22 Apr. 2014, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C#deficiency.
  3. Reilly, D. M., & Lozano, J. (2021). Skin collagen through the life stages: importance for skin health and beauty. Plastic and Aesthetic Research, 2021. https://doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153 
  4. Amaro-Ortiz, A., Yan, B., & D’Orazio, J. A. (2014). Ultraviolet radiation, aging and the skin: prevention of damage by topical cAMP manipulation. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 19(5), 6202–6219. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules19056202
  5. Boisnic, S., Branchet-Gumila, M. C., Le Charpentier, Y., & Segard, C. (1999). Repair of UVA-induced elastic fiber and collagen damage by 0.05% retinaldehyde cream in an ex vivo human skin model. Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland), 199 Suppl 1, 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1159/000051378
  6. Maddodi, N., Jayanthy, A., & Setaluri, V. (2012). Shining light on skin pigmentation: the darker and the brighter side of effects of UV radiation. Photochemistry and photobiology, 88(5), 1075–1082. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2012.01138.x
  7. Pehlivan, Fadime Eryılmaz. “Vitamin C: An Antioxidant Agent.” Vitamin C, 2 Aug. 2017, www.intechopen.com/chapters/56013, 10.5772/intechopen.69660.
  8. Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, N. (2017). Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(7), 14–17.
  9. Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
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