Let’s face it; it’s all about your skin. Take care of your skin now and your future self will thank you.
The simplest skin products to start with are vitamins. These molecules work from the inside out. I know this is a very old adage but it’s true you are what you eat. So do you want smooth, glowing skin? Let’s start here.
First up, if you smoke stop now. I really should do a post on how smoking ages you. It’s amazing how two people can be the same age yet looks years apart. I meet women all the time at the gym who smoke to be thin. Gah! I’m thinking nooooo don’t do that!!! Do you know that smokers need 40% more vitamin C than a non-smoker? This is due to the increased oxidative stress their bodies have to endure.
Below are some of the amazing attributes of vitamin C. Which I affectionately call the “Beauty” vitamin. If you don’t know already why it is the beauty vitamin you’ll know by the end of this post.
Vitamin C’s major function is as an antioxidant. It has the ability to donate an electron to a molecule that is missing one (free radicals usually are generated by medications, toxins, and pollutants) This small act stops a chain reaction that causes inflammation in our bodies. In doing so vitamin C protects protein, carbs, fats, and our DNA from free radical damage.
Vitamin C helps us absorb iron from a non-heme source such as nuts, beans, vegetables and fortified foods.) Having adequate iron gives color to your skin and gives you the energy you need. Without iron, your body can’t deliver the energy producing oxygen your body craves.
To increase iron absorption you can pair oranges and spinach or cashews and strawberries for a tasty and simple snack that delivers that iron right where you want it. Did you know three ounces of dark chocolate, 45-69% cacao solids, has 7mg of iron?! Oh, life is good!
Vitamin C helps to make collagen. (Cue the trumpets and angelic choir on this one) Collagen is a protein found in the skin, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. It gives skin-cushioning, support, and plumps you up. It makes skin youthful. Over time, collagen production can slow down and skin begins to show signs of aging. So make sure you are eating your vitamin C. Add food like red and green bell peppers, kiwi, grapefruit, oranges, Brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower to your diet.
Now that we talked about the inside work what about topical vitamin C? You may consider a topical vitamin C serum, however, be aware that some serums do not penetrate the skin or are unable to change to a usable form in the skin. A topical serum can fight the effects of sun and aging. According to the dermatologist, Dr. Cynthia Bailey, you should look for a serum that is in the stable L-ascorbate from with a concentration over 10% and a pH of under 3.5% It’s interesting to note that research suggests that pairing vitamin C with vitamin E is more effective.
Lastly, vitamin C helps support your immunity not boosts it. We can all use a little support. So go eat an orange. Yum!
Do you use a vitamin C serum? If so, what brand do you swear by? Let me know in the comments below.
Hugs & Health,
Maryrose
Sources:
1.National institute of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C, Fact Sheet for Professional. Available at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
2. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. Vitamin C in Dermatology. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
Maryrose & Thyme 