Here's why vitamin C is a powerful anti-aging ingredient

Vitamin C is a key ingredient in fighting the signs of aging on our skin. Let's look at why the skin's quality gradually deteriorates over the years, and what benefits vitamin C might offer.

How can vitamin C help with anti-aging?

Typically occurring on middle-aged and older skin, dark spots (LINK: How to get rid of dark spots) are the result of hyperpigmentation, where melanin-forming skin cells (melanocytes) accumulate in specific areas.
Also known as lentigines, they are generally benign(1).

Studies indicate that vitamin C is the most abundant of all the body's antioxidants, and has a significant effect on photoaged skin

Studies indicate that vitamin C is the most abundant of all the body's antioxidants, and has a significant effect on photoaged skin(2).
It not only protects against UV damage but also stimulates the production of fibroblasts, which are essential for the generation of collagen, keeping our skin firm and elastic – thereby preventing wrinkles and sagging.

Other benefits of active vitamin C are its anti-pigmentation and anti-inflammatory properties(3), which help to reduce discolored skin patches (such as age, liver and dark spots) as well as inflammation caused by UV exposure or other environmental irritants.
Vitamin C also has a regenerative effect on another powerful anti-aging ingredient, vitamin E. The two are often used together in anti-aging skincare.

What causes skin to age?

The main threat to the quality of our skin is an excess of free radicals, groups of atoms that damage our cells' DNA, resulting in oxidative stress. This stress is when our body's naturally-occurring antioxidants are not strong or numerous enough to counteract the negative effects of the free radicals(4). Oxidative stress occurs as a result of an imbalance between free radical production and antioxidant defenses. It is associated with damage to a wide range of important molecules, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids(5), all of which are essential for the functionality of skin.

Too many free radicals in the body can be caused by several factors. Anxiety(6), fatigue(7), nutrition(8), smoking(9), UV exposure(10) and other environmental aggressors such as pollution(11), have all been linked to oxidative stress. Because the skin shows a decrease in its protection and repair systems, the quality of our skin begins to deplete and show visible signs of aging(12).

The visible effects of oxidative stress

As our cells become weaker over time due to free radical damage, the wall of the skin begins to lose its tight, elastic structure. This explains why, when we are young, the skin bounces back into position after a facial movement (such as smiling or frowning), but increasingly less so as we age. Over time, lines begin to appear where the skin has lost its elasticity, and gradually develop to form wrinkles. The skin looks and feels less firm, and can have a tendency to sag around the eye and jaw areas(13).

Cells weakened to due free radical damage may also present as age spots- caused by skin  over-producing melanin and resulting in patches of discoloration (also known as hyperpigmentation). A reduction in optimal blood flow also leaves the skin looking dull and less plump(14).

How to introduce vitamin C into your skincare routine

A vitamin C serum or cream is the most effective way to top up your skin's defensive vitamin levels and prevent or diminish signs of aging. If you have naturally oily or combination skin, a light gel or liquid serum may be the most suitable, whereas dry skin types will enjoy the sensation of a nourishing vitamin-C-infused cream.

Or you could use both in your skincare routine, applying your serum first, waiting until it is absorbed, then applying cream over the top. Apply in the morning to protect skin from free radicals such as pollution and UV rays, and double-up on the effects by also using it in your nighttime skincare routine.

Editorial BoardTuesday 10 April