What is Vitamin C, and why do we need it?
Vitamin C is a vital component for promoting healthy and glowing skin. It is an effective water-soluble antioxidant that regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. While outer layers of the skin—the epidermal and dermal layers—provide some reinforcement and protection against environmental aggressors, over time, the skin’s resilience and overall condition become compromised by the natural ageing process and unfiltered ultraviolet light from the sun. Vitamin C helps minimise the signs of ageing and sun damage. While most animals are able to synthesise vitamin C within their bodies, human beings must acquire vitamin C from external sources.
What are the types of vitamin C?
Vitamin C is available in many forms. Ascorbic acid (L-ascorbic acid) is one of the most commonly used types of vitamin C. Ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate have also been widely researched. Facetheory uses two kinds of vitamin C: sodium ascorbyl phosphate and ethyl ascorbic acid. (You can learn more about sodium ascorbyl phosphate here.)
What is sodium ascorbyl phosphate?
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate is a water-soluble form of Vitamin C. As it is one of the strongest and most stable formulations of vitamin C, it doesn’t oxidise like other forms, making it ideal for use in skincare products.
What are the benefits of vitamin C (sodium ascorbyl phosphate)?
1. Anti-ageing
Vitamin C has the proven ability to eradicate fine lines and wrinkles and to brighten skin. Studies show that vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which help to maintain smooth and supple skin.
2. Skin tone and lightening
Vitamin C contains properties to help balance irregularities in melanin production that may cause skin discolouration and hyperpigmentation. Research has shown that the regular topical application of vitamin C can significantly reduce the colour intensity of age spots and other blemishes.
3. Acne
Vitamin C helps to even out skin tone and minimise the appearance of acne inflammatory lesions. Vitamin C has been shown to significantly improve skin's condition and texture by reducing the redness and inflammation associated with acne. In a recent study, acne vulgaris patients saw a 77 percent improvement in skin condition after applying sodium ascorbyl phosphate (STAY-C® 50) twice daily for twelve weeks.
How often should I apply vitamin C?
Skincare products containing vitamin C can be used up to twice a day. We recommend applying them to clean skin in the morning and at night.
Can I combine vitamin C with other ingredients?
Vitamin C is highly compatible with other skin care ingredients. In fact, vitamin C is recommended for use with exfoliating acids, as well as alternative antioxidants such as retinol and niacinamide, as it has been shown to complement their activity.
