While
Ponce de Leon did not find the fountain of youth, experts are deeming
Vitamin C as our own version. Myriads of studies show that this magical
antioxidant is one of the best anti-aging products on the market. And
not only effective as an anti-ager, C is effective in minimizing dark
spots, stimulating collagen output, diminishing fine lines and giving
skin an overall radiance.
" Vitamin C is the single most powerful,
multi-functional topical ingredient you can use," says Benjamin Fuchs, a
pharmacist and cosmetic chemist. " It can actually penetrate, be
absorbed, and be utilized in fibroblasts of the skin." Want a bang for
your buck, try serums which are generally formulated with the highest
concentrates of ascorbic acid AKA: vitamin C. A good % to start with is
15: the gold standard. " That is the ideal level-not only do you get the
anti-aging benefit, but you also get a healthy glow," says cosmetic
chemist Ni'kita Wilson.
Even better is when a C serum is a
cocktail of vitamin C and age-defying ingredients. Example, Ferulic acid
is a protectant from the sun ( a major cause of premature aging ) and
Niacinamide and vitamin E , AKA tocopherol, are anti-inflammatory.
Another added ingredient is often copper peptides, which firms skin and
increases and improves density and elasticity.
What's the
best way to use vitamin C according to Miss Violet ? Use your C
followed by sunscreen in the morning ; C used before sunscreen actually
boosts sunscreen's efficacy. After cleansing apply a few drops of C to
the face and neck, then apply sunscreen. No need to wait between
applications, C is absorbed immediately. A tip : to increase C's
efficiency use Retin-A at night. The retinoids will help speed up
exfoliation and cell turnover, allowing vitamin C to work even better.
Cheers, Miss Violet.