You’d be hard pressed to find someone who does not know that vitamin C is a basic nutrient everyone needs regardless of their level of health. Vitamin C has become such a staple in our diet that orange juice – packed full of vitamin C – is part of the standard American breakfast. However, not everyone knows that vitamin C is also an excellent addition to your selection of topical natural skin care products. In fact, it may be just the thing you’re looking for.
Why is vitamin C so good for you? It is pivotal in the production of antibodies and red blood cells, maintains white blood cell function, helps absorb other nutrients, monitors the function of the brain and central nervous system, and protects us from free radical damage. In all, vitamin C plays a role in about 300 bodily functions.
The factors that make vitamin C a must for skin care are its ability to fight free radicals and its role in the production of collagen – the protein found in ligaments, bones and other body tissues and which makes up 75 percent of our skin. In fact, both free radicals and high levels of healthy collagen are keys to the smooth, plump appearance of young, healthy skin. Older skin battling with free radicals and deteriorated collagen or lower collagen levels appears sunken, wrinkled and aged. Some experts say that vitamin C is the only antioxidant proven to be effective in collagen production.
However, not all skin care products containing vitamin C will create the desired effect: The products on the shelves are often produced months before you buy them and, unless they are in powder form, they may have undergone a certain amount of decay. Also, once you open them they undergo further decay when exposed to the air.
To get all the skin care benefits vitamin C has to offer, your best bet is to make your own preparations at home. Although there are several fruits and vegetables you can puree and use as a masque – oranges, peppers, grapefruit, kiwi, strawberries and broccoli are high on the list – dissolving a gram of L-ascorbic acid powder in a teaspoon of water and adding another teaspoon of emu oil or another good carrier oil also works great. Use sparingly at first, on a small part of the skin, to ensure it doesn’t cause irritation.
To help things along, it’s also a good idea to use a shielding lotion to protect the skin from environmental pollution – one of the major creators of free radicals. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that keeps chemicals out.
Vitamin C skin care products can reduce fine lines, wrinkles and sags, and even out blotchy skin. Try making your own vitamin C serum at home and you may see a big difference. But don’t forget the shielding lotion - skin care that can help prevent damage makes your job that much easier. |
