Here's Why An Expert Says It's So Important To Apply Vitamin C Topically To Your Skin
BuzzFeed
3 min read
Dr. Mamina Turegano, MD, FAAD is a triple board-certified dermatologist who has been practicing for eight years.
Mamina Turegano
And Dr. Mamina is continuously speaking about the benefits of applying vitamin C topically to your face.
I mean, I would take advice from anyone whose skin looks like this??...but thankfully Dr. Mamina is a credible expert!
OK, so in one of her popular TikToks, she says, "Let's talk about the benefits of using a good vitamin C serum. A powerful antioxidant like vitamin C is a very effective component in an anti-aging skin regimen."
"To demonstrate what it does, let's do a little experiment here where I cut an apple in half and apply one of my favorite vitamin C antioxidant serums to just one half of the apple and let it sit in the sun for about two hours."
"Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant. So, antioxidants protect your skin cells by neutralizing 'oxidative bombs' or stressors like UV rays and pollution."
"The result is a more even and bright skin tone by preventing hyperpigmentation and less wrinkles by stimulating collagen."
She concludes her TikTok by saying that vitamin C is a great addition to an anti-aging regimen, along with sunscreen and retinoids.
BuzzFeed spoke to Dr. Mamina, who said that vitamin C actually benefits the skin in several different ways.
Iryna Veklich / Getty Images
"It’s an antioxidant, which means it fends off free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are a result of a variety of offending agents, like UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, or stress. Free radicals can cause local damage in various tissues, like the skin. Antioxidants prevent collagen breakdown, and as a result, can also help with building more collagen. Antioxidants also work on the superficial layer of skin cells to improve skin function, and this can result in more bright and even skin tone. Vitamin C is a very potent antioxidant and a well-studied ingredient when it comes to skin health and anti-aging," she explained.
You can read more about the benefits of applying vitamin C topically here.
We asked Dr. Mamina if taking oral vitamin C supplements could have the same effect. She said that while it can be helpful for anti-aging purposes, you’re not going to see the same effects you would if you were applying it directly on the skin. "Vitamin C on the skin has a more potent effect locally," she added.
So what type of topical vitamin C is the best? Dr. Mamina said it ultimately comes down to personal preference. "The two forms of vitamin C that I think are very effective are L–ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (or THD)."
"For L-ascorbic acid, I recommend between 10%–20%. For THD, you can use closer to 20%–30% (this one is better for those with sensitive skin)," she said. You can buy it in a cream or serum, whichever works best for your skin. Always talk to your dermatologist before starting any new product, though!
So, there ya go – start incorporating vitamin C into your skincare regimen if you aren't already!
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