Vitamin C And Sun Protection

By neutralizing free radicals, the exceedingly reactive molecules created by the sunlight, cell membranes and other components of skin tissue's interaction.  Be it clear though, that it has no capacity to absorb light, so it is not a sunscreen and can never replace a sunscreen; it is, however, good to use alongside a sunscreen product.

Vitamin C and its role in collagen synthesis

The only antioxidant proven to increase collagen synthesis, it aids in the healing of minor cuts and wounds. 

As collagen decreases with age, photo-aging further speed up the decrease.  L-ascorbic acid acts as a signal, sending the message to the collagen genes to manufacture more collagen, and also is a cofactor for enzymes vital in collagen synthesis.

Vitamin C and its function as antioxidant and free radical inhibitor

The production of collagen is affected when the skin is exposed to reactive oxygen species, known as free radicals.  As a result, wrinkles and premature skin sagging transpire.

Too much UV radiation exposure will give rise to free radicals.  As UV radiation deeply penetrates the skin creating free radicals as well as other reactive agents that hit and damage the skin's lipids, vitamin C helps the body to neutralize these free radicals.

Vitamin C performs these functions:

1. Fights off foreign invaders in the body.

2. Increases collagen production in the skin.

3. Helps in the production of anti-bodies.

4. Is a natural antihistamine, can reduce allergic reactions.

5. Naturalizes pollutants.

6. Maintains healthy skin.

7. Increase the rate of healing.

Guidelines in evaluating vitamin C products:

1. Ask if the product contain L-ascorbic acid.  There are certain products containing L-ascorbic acid within a vitamin C complex.  Know what form of vitamin C is used.

2. L-ascorbic acid should be at a low pH level, to effectively penetrate the skin. 

3. Check if the preparation is stable.

4. The product to look for is that which contains stable L-ascorbic acid, low pH and high concentration.

5. Do remember that when a label says "vitamin C", it does not mean that it contains L-ascorbic acid.

Regardless of all the benefits vitamin C provides, one should note that it is important not to get stuck on just one antioxidant alone.  Skin aging is very complicated, and although vitamin C is evidently very effective, researchers suggest that it is best to combat factors in increasing skin aging using multiple antioxidants and not relying on a few that has greater publicity.  Likewise, it will be incorrect to say that there is one single "best" antioxidant.