Ageing is a beautiful yet inevitable process that everyone on this planet must experience. As medical science has evolved, so have the science and skincare innovations. New technology, cosmetic treatments and active skincare ingredients have paved the way for slowing down the visible effects of ageing.
One key player in the run is Vitamin C. Available in serums, creams, and oral supplements, Vitamin C has gained a positive reputation for brightening the skin, eliminating wrinkles, and shielding the skin against environmental damage.
But the question of the hour lingers: “Is Vitamin C anti-ageing?” Is it a skincare miracle or just another trend? We will delve deeper into the subject to reveal all about Vitamin C and its anti-ageing roles. For the best anti-aging treatment consult best dermatologist at AAYNA.
How Does Skin Lose Its Youthfulness?
Ageing is usually a broad umbrella term comprising two components – Intrinsic ageing (natural ageing) and Extrinsic ageing (environmental factors).
To better understand how skin loses its youthfulness, we need to understand these two components and the factors that influence them:
Intrinsic ageing or the Natural Ageing Process
This begins in the mid-20s and is usually triggered by the depleting amount of collagen and elastin in the skin, which are primarily responsible for the skin’s firmness. Furthermore, slower cell turnover also leads to dull and uneven skin tone. The loss of moisture and volume contributes to fine lines and wrinkles.
Extrinsic ageing or the Environmental and Lifestyle Factors-Led Ageing
This is the kind of ageing that’s augmented by extrinsic factors like sun exposure, pollution and toxins, smoking and alcohol, poor diet, and stress. When you hear younger people in their early 20s complaining about premature ageing signs, it is due to these external factors.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, great for supporting your immune system, neutralising the damage caused by these ageing factors, and gradually slowing down the process.
How Does Vitamin C Work for Anti-Aging?
People’s main curiosity regarding Vitamin C and anti-ageing is how it works. Found in citrus fruits, berries, and green vegetables, Vitamin C is water-soluble in nature and is an antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and free radical damage, which are usually the main factors contributing to the signs of ageing.
Here’s how Vitamin C works as a viable anti-ageing compound for your skin:
1. Speed Up Collagen Production
Loose skin, skin laxity, and fine lines and wrinkles are some of the telltale signs of ageing. Vitamin C is a major component in collagen synthesis. So, whether you apply it topically or consume it in the form of supplements or through dietary sources, Vitamin C speeds up collagen production, tightening the skin.
From strengthening the skin’s foundation to improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines, you get to experience it all with the power of Vitamin C.
2. Reverse Free Radical Damage
Visible signs of ageing, especially at an early age, are a sign of oxidative stress and free radical damage in the body, which is common in people with poor diets, exposure to pollution and toxins, stress, etc.
Vitamin C, being antioxidative in nature, neutralises these free radicals in the body, slowing the ageing process and contributing to a glowing and youthful appearance.
3. Eliminate Pigmentation Concerns
Be it sun spots, melasma or age spots on the skin, Vitamin C takes care of all the common and superficial pigmentation issues you are likely struggling with.
Studies indicate that Vitamin C inhibits tyrosinase activity, a major enzyme responsible for melanin production in the skin. Reducing melanin in the skin addresses the complaints of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone quite proactively.
4. Repair the Skin Barrier
Since Vitamin C plays a significant role in collagen synthesis, the replenished collagen availability in the skin contributes to a healthy skin barrier. This, in turn, prevents moisture loss and protects the skin against environmental damage.
So, if you are struggling with issues like hydration, skin texture, and resilience, all these are taken care of with Vitamin C supplementation.
5. Enhances Sun Protection & Repairs UV Damage
Before we proceed, please remember that applying Vitamin C to the skin is never a replacement for sunscreen. However, it surely does enhance SPF effectiveness when applied together with sunscreen.
From neutralising UV-induced free radicals to reducing sunburn and inflammation, Vitamin C is perfect for UV protection and keeping the risks of long-term sun damage, such as wrinkles and sun spots, in check.
Best Ways to Use Vitamin C for Anti-Ageing
Now that you understand how Vitamin C helps with anti-ageing, it is quintessential to understand the different ways to use and apply it.
There are two major categories to consider:
1. Topical Application
This is the most effective approach. You can apply Vitamin C serums (after conducting a patch test) to the skin to deliver a high concentration of Vitamin C. It is one of the best routes for fighting against wrinkles, dark spots, and sun damage.
How to Apply a Vitamin C Serum:
- Cleanse your face thoroughly.
- Apply a few drops of Vitamin C serum on dry skin.
- Follow with a moisturiser and sunscreen (during the day).
Additionally, you want to look for a stable form of Vitamin C, such as L-ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, for better absorption into the skin.
2. Oral Supplementation or Through Diet
If you aren’t fond of topical application of Vitamin C, oral supplementation is a great alternative. Some of the best dietary sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and spinach.
However, if you are considering supplementation, it is essential that you consult our dermatologist at AAYNA Clinic. A medical professional should determine the proper dosage of the Vitamin C supplement after analysing your physical well-being and nutritional balance.
When is the Right Time to Start Using Vitamin C for Anti-Ageing?
As we previously highlighted, anti-ageing usually starts in the late 20s when collagen and elastin production starts slowing down. So, starting your Vitamin C journey is best done here.
Besides that, if you have dull, pigmented, or uneven skin, Vitamin C is a great skincare ingredient to unveil a brighter complexion. Also, if you notice early signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles, it is better to start using Vitamin C to restore youthful skin.
Note: If you are allergic to Vitamin C or have extremely sensitive or broken skin, Vitamin C might not be a skincare ingredient you should reach for.
Get Expert Guidance for Your Skin at AAYNA Clinic
A dermatologist can best determine whether your skin would benefit from Vitamin C and whether you are starting to show signs of ageing. So, before you embark on your journey using Vitamin C for anti-ageing, the key is to first consult our dermatologist at AAYNA Clinic.
We provide a thorough skin assessment, identify your concerns, and then tailor a treatment plan and skincare routine that best suits your skin’s needs. Whether you need anti-ageing treatments or customised regimens, we ensure your skin gets the best care possible.
You can visit our website or contact our team to schedule your booking at one of our clinics.
