Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and powerful antioxidant found primarily in fruits and vegetables. It is water-soluble and is easily absorbed by the body's tissues when ingested. However, since the body does not store it, any excess is excreted. It must therefore be taken every day, either through food or supplements.

What is the role of vitamin C in human health?

The body needs vitamin C to make blood vessels, cartilage, muscles and bone collagen.

Here are some of the vital roles it plays in the body:

  • It neutralizes free radicals before they can damage cells. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced naturally by the body or resulting from UV exposure and pollution, smoking and other factors. They can lead to oxidative stress, which in turn can cause cell damage, disease and premature aging.
  • It helps the body produce collagen, a protein needed for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth, bones, gums, cartilage, spinal discs, skin, and blood vessels. Collagen also gives skin strength and elasticity.
  • It improves the body's ability to absorb and store iron.
  • It strengthens the immune system.
  • It helps in wound healing and slows down the formation of scars.
  • It helps keep the skin healthy, allowing it to function as a barrier against toxins and external aggressors.

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to lowered immunity and increased susceptibility to infections. It can also lead to joint swelling, bleeding gums and loose teeth, anemia and fatigue.

How much vitamin C do I need and how do I get it?

acerola cherries

The daily dose of vitamin C recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) is 75 milligrams (mg) for women and 90 mg for men.

However, a recent study reviewed more than 100 studies over 10 years and recommended a much higher dosage for optimal health. Study researcher Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan, said, “The safe upper limit for vitamin C is 2,000 mg per day, and there is strong evidence that taking 500 mg per day is safe.”

Since the body excretes any excess vitamin C, overdosing is not a problem. However, it is not advisable to exceed the safe upper limit of 2,000 mg per day to avoid stomach upset or discomfort.

It is possible to get enough vitamin C through a balanced diet, with food sources always being best. Oranges (about 83 mg per fruit), grapefruit (92 mg per fruit), strawberries (58 mg per 100 g) and raw peppers (80 mg per 100 g) are good nutritional sources.

Orange juice is recognized as a valuable source of vitamin C, but most prepackaged orange juices are pasteurized to extend their shelf life. Pasteurization is a heat process that destroys the vitamin C in the juice. Many manufacturers compensate for this by adding synthetic vitamin C after pasteurization. Freshly squeezed orange juice, drunk immediately, is best, because vitamin C also degrades with exposure to air.

Vitamin C supplements are another way to increase your intake. A daily dose of Skin Diligent’s Acne & Stress supplement provides 57 mg of natural vitamin C, sourced from Acerola cherries. This cherry includes other phytonutrients that help the body absorb almost all of the vitamin C. In contrast, consuming vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid (a synthetic form) has an absorption rate of about 20%.

What are the benefits of vitamin C in skin care?

Vitamin C is a valuable active ingredient for all skin types. Its brightening properties combat uneven skin tone and dark spots. By promoting collagen production, it smooths skin texture and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some forms of vitamin C can provide protection against UV rays. As an antioxidant, vitamin C targets oxidative stress in the skin (it neutralizes free radicals that damage skin cells).

The most effective way to get vitamin C on your skin is through direct application. In fact, it is claimed that applying vitamin C to your skin is 20 times more effective than taking it orally.

Serum is the ideal carrier of vitamin C for skin care. Serums are concentrated forms of active ingredients, and target specific concerns.

The Challenge of Formulating Vitamin C Skincare Products

Ascorbic acid is only stable in formulas with a pH below 3.5. This is significantly more acidic than facial skin, which is between 4.7 and 5.75, which is why some vitamin C skin care products cause irritation.

Additionally, because it is water-soluble, ascorbic acid has a hard time penetrating the skin. To compensate for this, water-based serums contain high concentrations of vitamin C, knowing that much of it will be wasted and there will be a greater risk of irritation.

All skin care products have a list of the ingredients they contain. Here are the most common forms of vitamin C to look for in this list:

Water-soluble forms of vitamin C:

  • ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid
  • Magnesium ascorbic phosphate
  • Sodium ascorbic phosphate
  • Ascorbyl glucoside

Fat-soluble forms of vitamin C:

How is Skin Diligent Vitamin C Serum-in-Oil different?

Our Vitamin C Serum-in-Oil is expertly formulated to eliminate absorption and irritation issues.

It contains a rare oily form of vitamin C. Oils have no pH and are easily recognized by the skin. As a result, they are better absorbed and more effective, without the risk of irritation or photosensitivity.

While vitamin C is key in the formula, this Serum-in-Oil is packed with other active ingredients that nourish and protect the skin. The 99.7% natural formula contains pomegranate extract, rich in punicic acid, which can help improve elasticity and even skin tone, while promoting skin regeneration. It also contains hemp seed oil, rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and moringa oil, which helps rebalance sebum.

Results proven by clinical tests:

20 volunteers tested the Vitamin C Serum-in-oil for 28 days under dermatological control.

100% of people said their skin was softer
100% see an improvement in the appearance of their skin
100% have more hydrated skin
95% have a more even skin tone
90% noted prevention of blemishes and pimples
90% see a reduction in fine lines

Like all Skin Diligent products, Vitamin C Serum-in-Oil respects the skin’s microbiome and the integrity of the skin barrier. All of our products are non-irritating and hypoallergenic, and as part of our efforts to reduce toxins in our lives, our skin care products are certified to be FREE of estrogen-disrupting chemicals.

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