How to Use Vitamin C As An Anti-Aging Facial Treatment

Vitamin C is the most widely used ingredient in skin care, and for good reason. The action of vitamin C as an anti-aging treatment is two fold. It acts as an antioxidant, and fights free radicals that damage skin and cause photo-aging. In addition, it also boosts collagen production at the epidermal level to keep skin supple and wrinkle free. Given the fragile nature of vitamin C, and the fact that it gets rapidly depleted in the body, a constant supply of the vitamin is necessary for optimal benefits. Find out more about how to use vitamin C as an anti-aging facial treatment here.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Vitamin C supplement
• L-ascorbic acid serum
• Vitamin C treatments

1. Eat foods rich in vitamin C. Buy vitamin C rich, organic fruits and vegetables such as oranges, kiwis, strawberries and green vegetables and consume them as quickly as possible. Vitamin C is a delicate nutrient that loses its potency when stored for a long time. Studies have found that organic produce has a higher vitamin C content than conventional produce.

2. Apply a vitamin C based serum. Choose a serum packaged in a dropper style dark bottle and store it in a cool, dark, and dry place, given the delicate nature of vitamin C. Look for a stable vitamin C serum that does not change color, has a strength of 10% to 20%, and a ph lower than 3.5. Brands like Skinceuticals, Vivier, SkinMedica get consistent good reviews.

3. Ask for samples, or buy samples before making a full size product purchase. A highly stable vitamin C serum, packaged the right way can cost a pretty penny! Trying before buying will also ensure that the product is right for your skin type, doesen't irritate skin, or cause it to break out.

4. Treat your skin to anti-aging vitamin C facials at a spa a few times a year to get an extra boost of the nutrient into your facial skin. If a spa treatment sounds too expensive, try an at home vitamin C infusion kit, or a facial mask for a quarter of the price before a special occasion to instantly brighten facial skin.

5. Take a vitamin C supplement. Given the fact that vitamin C is rapidly depleted in the body, and that the body cannot produce its own vitamin C, taking a supplement will act as an additional insurance.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply the vitamin C serum either in the morning, or as a night time treatment.
• A serum with l-ascorbic acid as its main ingredient is considered highly effective.
• Always use sunscreen after using a vitamin C serum in the morning.
• Don't take vitamin C supplements with pain killers as they can hinder absorption.

Resources

• Vitamin C for wrinkles and skin aging
• Vitamin C rich diet and beauty products may slow skin wrinkling
• Free photos and images for blogs and articles

[gisellebe]

on 6/22/2009 Well done, I really enjoy your beauty and skin care articles. I swear by using vitamin C serum and eating plenty of strawberries and kiwis. We will see in 10 years if all the vitamin C pays off for me!

[Ladybugblue]

on 6/17/2009 Vitamin C is great for the skin. I have a natural spray for the face. 5*

[cherold598]

on 6/15/2009 Excellent vitamin C recommendations for eliminating face wrinkles.

[sonni57]

on 6/15/2009 It's so important to take care of our face it's the only one we get and facials are a great way to do it.