Vitamin C is essential
for collagen synthesis. Collagen is a fiber (to be more specific a group of
proteins) that makes skin elastic. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our
body, making up to 35% of the whole body protein contents. The lack of collagen
leads to the formation of wrinkles. Additionally Vitamin C is a powerful
antioxidant that fights free radicals, which are one of the reasons for
premature aging of skin.
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Vitamin C can be
consumed in food, especially citrus fruits as well as applied topically to the
skin. Even though Vitamin C is very important for healthy
skin there are a few downsides of products containing this vitamin.
Vitamin C when exposed to light and air easily oxidizes. As a result of this
not only does it lose its effectiveness, but what is worse it actually
generates free radicals. To avoid this products containing Vitamin C should be
stored in dark containers and sealed tightly when not used. If the product
changes it's color to a yellowish-brown this means that the Vitamin C has been
oxidized and the product needs to be thrown away.
Another issue with
Vitamin C containing products is that in order for them to be effective they
need to be present in high concentrations. Many of the products available on
the market do not contain enough Vitamin C. Those that due sometimes can be
overwhelmingly expensive. And even when we do purchase a product with high
Vitamin C contents it might cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.
Therefore using Vitamin C topically in creams and serums can be sometimes a bit
problematic.
Non the less Vitamin C consumed in our food is also
effective for the production of collagen, therefore eat plenty of fruits and
veggies containing this vitamin to improve the health of your skin.
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