Benefits of Topical Vitamin C

TOPICAL VITAMIN C, ascorbic acid, is best known for its role as a vitamin or nutrient in preventing scurvy. Topical Vitamin C has many physiologic similarities to the oral supplement.  Research supports that topical Vitamin C is also beneficial to the skin.  In a stabilized form, topical Vitamin C easily passes into the upper layers of the skin at concentrations higher than those ever achievable by oral ingestion.  The benefits of topical Vitamin C are as follows: protection from sun related aging, increased collagen synthesis, and faster wound healing. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory when applied before or after sun exposure. 

Topical Vitamin C is classified as an antioxidant. This means that it is able to neutralize oxygen free radicals.  One of the current theories behind sun damage is that UVA and UVB ultra-violet light interacts with the skin, producing high energy on a molecular level. An oxygen-based molecule is stimulated, producing a cascade reaction termed “free radical reaction.”  This energy-based reaction damages the skin cells, and over time, deteriorates the underlying structure of the skin.  We see this as changes in complexion, sun spots, and wrinkles.  Other causes of free radicals are cigarette smoke, pollution, pesticides, herbicides, and excessive heat and cold. 

Vitamin C’s use for anti-aging centers on its ability to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and neutralize free radical reactions.  Studies support that topical Vitamin C can increase collagen production.  Collagen is the major building block, or scaffolding, of the skin.  This stimulation helps reduce fine wrinkles and gives the skin a smoother, more even appearing complexion.   

After application, topical Vitamin C is readily absorbed and cannot be washed off by water or perspiration.  The protective benefits last several days. Vitamin C, combined with UVA/UVB sunscreen or sunblock, gives superior sun protection that is better than either preparation alone. Some of my favorite vitamin C products include:

Obagi C-Clarifying Serum with 4% hydroquinone….great for age/sun spots

Obagi C Day Lotion….I think for me (Lori D) this has to be my all time favorite, it goes on very smooth and makes your skin look dewy and fresh.  Also comes with or without SPF                                                

Skincare Through the Decades

Skincare through the Decades

 20’s- Time to start good habits and preventive care such as limited sun exposure, lots of water and no smoking! Use a gentle cleanser, and a good sunblock (should shield out UVA/UVB) with an SPF of 15-20. I would also recommend some type of retinoid or alpha hydroxy  acid to help prevent wrinkles from starting and if acne is an issue it should help with that as well. 

30’s-Starting to  see early signs of sun  damage and fine lines,  so I would recommend adding products that are antioxidant which decrease free radicals and increase sun protection  like topical vitamim C, coffee berry extract, vitamin E.  Also start with alpha hydroxy acids or retinoids to gently exfoliate the skin.  30’s is definitely a great time to start botox to slow the formation of wrinkles.

 40’s-Fine lines deepen and you may start to notice loss of collagen, and your skin is just not as firm as it was in your 30’s.  You may also notice more sun and age spots developing.  So my recommendations would be definitely to start on Retin A at night  3-4 times per week, antioxidants, SPF with moisturizer in the morning and glycolic peels every month or every other month, hydroquinone (prescription strength 4% for the sun and age spots) botox and dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse and procedures like Fraxel and Fractional CO2 when necessary.  

50’s- In your 50’s you start noticing changes in the deep facial structures, such as collagen loss which leads to a sagging jawline and loss of elasticity. So some recommendations would be prescription strength Retin-A, a day cream with Vitamin C or another form of antioxidant, moisturizer at night.  Some laser procedures that can help restore  your skin’s texture would be things Fraxel, Fractional CO2 and skin tightening treatments such as Thermage and Titan 

Peri-Menopause

The following is a link to some helpful information on Peri-menopause/menopause/Thyroid Risks & Symptoms.  It was just posted on Twitter by the author of "The Thyroid Diet" Mary Shomon.

http://www.menopausethyroid.com/menopause-thyroid-checklists.htm

Skin Rejuvenation Treatments!

Lots of great articles on skin rejuvenation treatments.....happy reading!

http://www.locateadoc.com/articles/best-skin-rejuvenation-treatments-for-sundamaged-skin-1930.html?source=twitter