Ingredient Spotlight | Vitamin C in skincare

Did you know that our bodies can’t produce vitamin C?  Most animals, except the ape family and guinea pigs, produce vitamin C in the liver from glucose. We’ve broken down how you can access this essential vitamin through Vitamin C serums, supplements and diet.

How does vitamin C work?

Vitamin C donates a part of itself to reactions in your body, helping the body produce collagen and absorb iron. Without collagen, skin begins to sag and wrinkle. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, which fights the free radicals that attack the skin cells and cause premature signs of aging. Vitamin C sacrifices itself so free radicals don’t do as much damage as they could, creating a shield against the buildup of free radical damage.

Vitamin C serums in skincare

The most researched form of vitamin C in cosmetics is ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid has been proven to
  • boost the skin’s defence against UV exposure
  • boost healthy collagen production
  • reduce the appearance of scars, sun damage and brown spots
Ascorbic acid destabilises quickly in the presence of light and oxygen. (In fact, we see the destabilisation of ascorbic acid at work when we see fruits and vegetables turn brown.) Make sure that your chosen vitamin C serum is in opaque and air-restrictive packaging to keep the ingredients stable. Vitamin C serums are most effective when they contain at least 10% vitamin C. If you are new to vitamin C serums, start at a lower concentration (like our 15% Vitamin C serum) and work your way up to higher amounts over a few months. Use your vitamin C serum daily for maximum results.

Vitamin C in diet

The Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin C for adults is 40mg for men and 30mg for women. The best way to reach that dosage is through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Look for citrus fruits, berries, melons, capsicum, and leafy vegetables for significant amounts of vitamin C. If you’re on a restricted diet, a supplement or beauty drink can help you meet your targets. Our Nutra-Nourish range contains vitamin C as well as other specific vitamins to help nourish your body and boost your immunity. As always, consult a medical professional before beginning dietary supplements.