The Benefits of Vitamin C for your Skin

When you think of Vitamin C, you tend to think about immune defense and beating those pesky colds and flu. Yet, Vitamin C is an essential beauty nutrient too!

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows the rate of free-radical damage -- free radicals are unstable molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.  It also has a profound effect on Collagen.  Vitamin C is a required component for the production of hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, both of which are needed to bind the molecules that produce collagen. This, in turn, firms and tones the skin. Collagen deficiency makes the skin dull and lifeless. Collagen rejuvenates the skin from the roots and reduces wrinkles and symptoms of aging.  Collagen also provides the structure for the blood vessels. The tiny blood vessels under the skin carry oxygen and nutrients that keep the skin healthy. Without enough nutrients, the skin will become rough and dry. Creams containing Vitamin C improve the appearance and texture of the skin.  Vitamin C increases the formation of elastin which thickens, protects and heals the skin cells. The thickening effect helps retain moisture, increases the skin circulation and plumps up the skin surface.

Vitamin C not only helps to prevent UV damage, acting like a mild natural sunscreen, it also helps to fade sides of damage already done by the sun due to it’s powerful free radical fighting properties.  Protecting from UV damage should be done all year round, but, with our now sunny Spring days leading into summer, you can never protect yourself too much.

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, so your body does not store it and it needs to be replaced every day.  You can replace it with the foods you eat.  There are plenty of natural sources including Kiwi, Broccoli, Goji berries, Strawberries, Papaya, and of course, Oranges.  

There are also many skin care products that hone the healing and protective powers of vitamin C.  Ask about my LIFTING AND FIRMING TREATMENT WITH VITAMIN C!  This intensive Vitamin C treatment stimulates the skin’s vital functions and repairs cell damage. Excellent for sun damaged skin and skin showing loss of firmness.

Your skin has a lot of big jobs to do for you, do something nice for your skin.