Tag Archive for: vitamin c

Get Set, Glow: The Secret of Vitamin C

Effective at diminishing the appearance of dark spots , stimulating collagen production, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and boosting overall radiance. Vitamin C is the single most powerful topical ingredient that exists and everyone should be using it within their regimen. Have you ever asked yourself, ‘how does she achieve that glow?’. Look no further because we are about to tell you the secret women have been using for years…. Vitamin C. Hailed as one of the best anti-agers on the market !

Photo via @edgarraw

What is Vitamin C:

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is abundant in vegetables and fruits, particularly in citrus fruits where the Vitamin C levels are the highest. A water-soluble vitamin and powerful anti-oxidant, it helps the body form and maintain connective tissue, which enhances collagen fibers in the skin (hello firmness), fights against free radical damage and contains skin-brightening properties.

How it works

Anti-oxidant

Vitamin C is the single most powerful and multi-functional ingredient in topical products. Loaded with antioxidants, brightening properties and collagen building enzymes, Vitamin C is a true powerhouse ingredient. Topical antioxidants produce much higher concentrations in the skin than nutritional supplements. In fact, applying vitamin C to the skin is 20 times more effective than oral ingestion. Simply applying vitamin C daily for three days can achieve optimal levels in the skin. It is also known that once a topical antioxidant is absorbed into the skin, it cannot be washed or rubbed off. So, even after stopping application, significant amounts of vitamin C will remain in the skin for up to three days.

Collagen Enhancing Properties

Vitamin C’s skin-health benefits are largely attributed to its benefits in supporting healthy collagen. Collagen works hand-in-hand with elastin to support the skin. Basically, it supplies the framework that provides form, firmness, and strength to the skin, while elastin is what gives skin its flexibility. A number of in vitro studies have confirmed that treating human skin cells with a topical vitamin C derivative can stimulate collagen synthesis. In addition to facilitating the hydroxylation reactions involved in collagen formation, vitamin C also stimulates collagen synthesis by enhancing collagen gene transcription. Topical vitamin C may also help preserve existing collagen by influencing the enzymes responsible for collagen degradation.

What to buy

Serums deliver the most bang for your buck as they typically are formulated with the highest concentrations of Vitamin C. A good place to start is with a formula with a minimum of 7% Vitamin C and as high as 15% as this is really the sweet spot in terms of providing proper treatment to the skin and make sure that the Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is listed high up on the ingredient deck – just another indication of the level of percentage within the formula.

One of the best anti-aging cocktails is  a mix of Vitamin C serum+ additional age-defying ingredients

Ferulic Acid: Protects your skin against sun damage and also stabilizes the Vitamin C, preventing it from oxidating (i.e. changing color) which eliminates the treatment.

Vitamin E / Tocopherol: Anti-inflammatory properties and overall skin nourishment

Vitamin B / Niacinamide: Provide brightening and anti-inflammatory properties.

*Try Brightening Elixir by Goldfaden MD

How to use it:

The ultimate youth-boosting skincare protocol involves the use of a regular exfoliator (or retinoid at night as it helps promote cell renewal and allows for the treatment serum to penetrate deep into the skin), followed by a daily Vitamin C serum, protective moisturizer and your preferred SPF of SPF 30 or higher.

Photo via @edgarraw

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Discover the powerhouse advantages of Vitamin C

Very little of the vitamin C you take in orally (either through vitamins or food) ever makes it to your skin cells. Essentially, the only effective method for replenishing the vitamin C in your skin is to go straight to the source and apply it topically. Vitamin C-based products are the goto products of choice when it comes to preserving youthful, even skin tone throughout the summer months as it has been known to increase collagen levels, reduce melanin production, brighten skin + repair the effects of UV exposure.

Dr. G’s Vitamin C tips:

  • Once Vitamin C is topically applied and absorbed into your skin, it can’t be washed or rubbed off. Significant amounts of it continue to remain active in your skin for up to three days.
  • Vitamin C and Retinol or Vitamin A can be combined as a powerhouse treatment that works to brighten overall skin tone, reduce the appearance of discoloration and increase radiance
  • Vitamin C + Ferulic Acid is wonderful for sensitive skin and supports firm and youthful skin by boosting collagen synthesis, decreasing photodamage, and exerting anti-inflammatory activity
  • Vitamin C comes in many percentages (Dr. G recommends 9% up)
  • Look for ingredient that contain high levels of Vitamin C (Baobab, Mongogo, Kalahari oils + cherry extract)

 

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Tropical/Humid Climates

We all know the common skin culprits when it comes to breakouts what the causes including,  bacteria and oil, hormones, and certain foods or medications. Have you ever thought about where we live to be some of the main contributing factors to some of our skin woe’s?

 

Tropical Climate – The Issues: While tropical humid climates keep the skin hydrated and glowing, high temperatures and intense sun can cause aging, sun damage and premature wrinkles. Humidity causes skin to sweat, purge and may increase redness, irritation and possible breakouts and clogged pores. Sun protection is imperative.

The Solutions:

In tropical or humid climates, look for lightweight, oil free serums and moisturizers that utilize skin hydrating hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, but not add any additional hydration to the skin so that it stays balanced and plump looking.

Incorporate exfoliation products that also deliver detox benefits and contain anti-aging ingredients that target sun damage and protect against free radicals. When choosing an exfoliation product or cleanser for warm, humid climates, realize the skin can tolerate a good scrub and detox cleanser. Heavy makeup, everyday sweat and some sunscreens can clog pores and cause breakouts. Our Doctor’s Scrub ruby crystal exfoliator will do the trick by ridding pores of bacteria, dirt, makeup and dead skin cells. Hydrating emollients, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil and apricot oil keep skin supple and dewy!

Reveal your glow and keep your skin looking bright, clear and radiant. Our NEW Detox Cleanser, which delivers a combination of Lactic, Glycolic, Alpha Hydroxy Acids to work to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells that build up inside pores. Dr. Goldfaden also developed a proprietary technologically advanced Detox ComplexTM, comprised of potent fruit extracts and active plant cells that provide anti-pollution and detoxification benefits. The skin will look and feel fresher, cleaner, smoother and rejuvenated!

One of the most effective ingredients to keep skin looking radiant, bright and free of dark spots is Vitamin C. Vitamin C can be effective whether it comes from a serum or moisturizer, the important thing is to wear it! If you tend to suffer from redness or irritation look for a serum that offers Vitamin C in conjunction with ferulic acid (for irritation + stability) and Vitamin E (for hydration). The newest serum to our collection, Brightening Elixir, delivers both and two forms of Vitamin B! If you’re not already using a lightweight moisturizer during the day, try swapping to an oil-free option, like our Vital Boost moisturizer.

Last but never least do not forget to wear an SPF! Bestseller Sun Visor is a 30 SPF lightweight, dry mist which is a must have for everyone! No more touching your face during sunscreen reapplications! Also works to set makeup!

In the event you do get too much sun and the skin is red, irritated, or inflamed, reach for our antioxidant serum, Radical Difference, which delivers organic red tea and cherry extract to repair, rejuvenate, and reduce redness.

“Ingredients such as organic red tea can be beneficial, as it targets inflammation and irritation.”

 Dr. Goldfaden

 

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